Multi-Sensor Pipe Inspection Data Synchronization for Defect Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Uncertainty about the location and condition of infrastructure assets leads to a reactive approach to maintenance, resulting in emergency situations and increased costs due to utility catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for collecting and processing disparate data within a pipe using a sensor arrangement deployed within the pipe, comprising multiple sensors, a synchronization module, a database, a processor, and a user interface to present synchronized data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed within the pipe to collect comprehensive data, then the completeness and accuracy of pipe condition assessment is improved, but the complexity of data synchronization and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization module acts as an intermediary component that receives data from multiple sensors, aligns their timestamps, and coordinates their operation. This mediator ensures that data from different sensors (video camera, sonar, LIDAR, etc.) are properly synchronized without requiring complex integration logic in each sensor device, thus improving measurement precision while managing synchronization complexity centrally.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor data is collected and processed, then the accuracy of defect identification and pipe geometry reconstruction is improved, but the time required for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing sensor data during the inspection phase, organizing and timestamping data from multiple sensors as it is collected. This preliminary organization reduces the computational burden during later analysis phases, allowing for accurate defect identification and pipe geometry reconstruction without excessive processing delays when results are needed.
3Reliability
If a comprehensive multi-sensor system is deployed, then the reliability of infrastructure condition monitoring is improved, but the cost and complexity of the inspection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement is designed with multi-functionality, where a single integrated platform can perform multiple inspection functions using different sensor types (video imaging, sonar for submerged sections, LIDAR for geometry). This universal platform reduces the need for multiple separate inspection systems, thereby improving monitoring reliability while managing overall system complexity and cost through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for collecting disparate data within a pipe involves a sensor arrangement configured to be deployed within the pipe. The sensor arrangement includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect disparate data related to the pipe. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is coupled to a respective collection computer on the sensor arrangement. A synchronization module is configured to synchronize the disparate data. A database is configured to store the synchronized data. A processor is configured to process the synchronized data. A user interface configured to present the synchronized data to a user.