Pipe Inspection Video Processing for Exchangeable Camera Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection and maintenance systems face challenges in the flexible exchange of camera systems and efficient data transmission, as the processing device is often fixed within the camera, requiring matching with the control device and limiting camera replacement and system flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A pipe inspection system with a processing unit located in a feed device, such as a trolley or fiber glass rod, which is operatively connected to both the image recording device and the control device, allowing for detachable coupling and flexible data transmission via different communication links, enabling the use of various camera systems and reducing complexity and cost by eliminating processing units from the camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processing device is integrated into the camera, then the camera can independently process image data, but the camera system becomes complex and expensive, and camera exchange is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the image recording device (camera) and the processing device are separated. The camera only performs image capture, while the processing device handles data processing, compression, and transmission. This segmentation allows independent replacement of the camera without affecting the processing system, thereby improving camera exchange flexibility while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing device is extracted from the camera and placed in a separate location (control device or external processor). This extraction removes the complexity of integrating processing functions into the camera, allowing the camera to remain a simple, replaceable component while the processing capabilities are maintained externally.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution video data is transmitted without compression, then image quality is maintained, but data transmission requires complex and heavy cables
Solution Approach 1:
Image data compression is performed in advance (preliminarily) at the processing device before transmission through the cable. By compressing the video data beforehand, the data volume is reduced, which allows the use of lighter and simpler cables while still maintaining the necessary image quality for inspection purposes. The compression is done preliminarily so that no quality loss occurs during transmission.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the camera is fixedly mounted on the trolley, then the camera remains stable during inspection, but camera exchange is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed with detachable connections that allow the camera to be securely fixed during operation for stability, yet easily removed and replaced when needed. The segmentation of the mounting interface enables both stable operation and flexible exchange, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe inspection and/or maintenance system is provided, having a control device, an image recording device and a feed device. The image recording device can be mechanically coupled to the feed device, and the image recording device and the feed device are operatively connected to one another via a first communication link. The feed device and the control device are operatively connected to one another via a second communication connection. The feed device has a processing unit which is operatively connected to the first communication connection and to the second communication connection, and the processing unit is adapted to receive image data from the image recording device by way of the first communication link, to process the received image data, and to transmit the processed image data to the control device by way of the second communication link. A corresponding method is also provided.