Remote Multi-Camera Inspection for Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for construction machines require on-site attachment of cameras and are inadequate for inspecting multiple parts remotely, especially in remotely controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
A remote inspection system utilizing a network of on-site and machine-mounted cameras, a server, and maneuvering devices to select and display images of multiple parts of the construction machine from a remote location, enabling inspection without physical camera attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is attached to the construction machine for inspection, then the inspection worker can visually recognize the captured image through a display at a remote place, but the operator needs to perform attachment work of the camera and it is difficult to inspect multiple portions
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into multiple independent camera units, each capable of capturing images of specific portions of the construction machine. This segmentation allows any camera to be selected for inspection without requiring physical attachment during the inspection process, as each camera unit is already positioned and configured independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cameras are pre-positioned and configured at various locations around the construction machine before inspection is needed. The camera selection unit is pre-programmed with information about which cameras can capture which portions, allowing the inspection worker to simply select a camera without performing any attachment work during the actual inspection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are attached to the construction machine to inspect multiple portions, then comprehensive inspection is enabled, but work for attaching and changing camera portions is required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera units are distributed throughout the construction machine environment, with each camera capable of serving multiple inspection purposes. The camera selection unit manages all cameras universally, allowing any camera to be selected for inspecting different portions without requiring physical reattachment or reconfiguration during the inspection process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a single camera that must be physically moved to different positions, multiple camera units capture images of different portions simultaneously or sequentially. The camera selection unit creates a virtual copy of the inspection process by selecting which camera's image to display, eliminating the need for physical camera movement and reattachment.
3Ease of operation
If cameras are installed at the construction machine location to capture images from outside, then remote inspection is enabled, but the inspection worker still needs to select and manage multiple cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The camera selection unit automatically manages the complexity of multiple cameras by pre-configuring which cameras can capture which portions. The inspection worker simply selects the desired camera without needing to manually manage or configure the camera system, as the unit self-manages the selection and display processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera selection unit acts as an intermediary between the inspection worker and the multiple cameras. It manages the complexity of camera selection and image display, translating the worker's simple selection input into the appropriate camera activation and image presentation, thereby enabling remote inspection without requiring the worker to directly manage multiple camera devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote control system 1 having a function as an inspection system includes a plurality of cameras 25, 60 which are located in a location environment of a construction machine 10, a captured image processing unit 50a configured to cause a display unit 45 to display captured images, and a camera selection unit 50b configured to select an inspection camera from the plurality of cameras 25, 60 at a time of inspection of the construction machine 10. The captured image processing unit 50a is configured to receive an image captured by the selected inspection camera to include an image of a portion to be inspected and cause the display unit 45 to display the captured image.