Remote Video Inspection Assembly for Travel-Free Component Review
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for visual inspection of electronic components, particularly in the aerospace industry, require customers to travel to the manufacturer's location, resulting in high costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A remote video inspection system comprising a hardware assembly with a video camera, adjustable mount, and software system allowing for remote operation and multi-client viewing, enabling inspectors to control camera angles and positions from a distant location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If customers travel to the manufacturer's location for visual inspection, then inspection quality can be ensured, but travel costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the inspection environment by using a camera system to capture images and video of the component under inspection. This visual copy is then transmitted to remote inspectors, allowing them to perform inspections without physically traveling to the manufacturing location, thereby eliminating travel time and costs while maintaining inspection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera system and communication interface as intermediaries between the component under inspection and the remote inspector. The camera captures visual information and transmits it through a communication system to the inspector's device, enabling remote inspection without direct physical presence at the inspection site
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inspectors need to view the component simultaneously, then collaborative inspection is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal viewing platform that serves multiple inspectors simultaneously through a web-based interface. The system allows multiple clients to access and view the inspection feed concurrently via web browsers, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each inspector and reducing overall system complexity despite supporting multiple users
3Loss of time
If remote inspection is implemented, then travel costs are eliminated, but control and manipulation of inspection angles become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical camera manipulation with electronic control mechanisms. The camera can be remotely positioned and oriented using motorized mounts controlled through software, allowing inspectors to adjust viewing angles and positions electronically without physically handling the camera, thus maintaining ease of operation despite remote access
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the Remote Video Inspection System comprise a remote video inspection hardware assembly and a video inspection software system. The remote video inspection hardware assembly is comprised of a camera and a stage assembly. The stage assembly is comprised of a horizontal gimbal, an outer gimbal, and an inner gimbal, a base plate, and a component table. The video inspection software system is comprised of both a local and remote component. The local component is operated by a technician who oversees the remote inspection, and allows for setup, manual positioning, and manual camera adjustment. The remote component is operated by an inspector, and provides video feed to them, as well as a system to control the viewing angle and position of the component/camera.