Sewer Camera Positioning via Iterative Image Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sewer pipe inspection devices face difficulties in accurately positioning a camera to view specific areas, especially when in motion, due to lens distortion and misalignment of the pivot point with the projection center, making it hard to keep a desired image object in the center of the image.
Innovation Solution
A method that iteratively adjusts the camera's viewing direction and movement path to move a selected image object into a target area within the image, using a combination of camera pivoting and feed device movements, with the aid of image recognition and processing systems to ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera viewing direction is changed to move an image object to the center of the image, then the image object can be viewed better, but lens distortion and misalignment of the pivot point with the projection center cause positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the position of the image object in the captured image and uses this feedback to iteratively adjust the camera viewing direction. The control device calculates the distance between the image object and target area, determines appropriate movement paths, and repeats the process until the image object is successfully positioned in the desired area, thereby compensating for lens distortion and pivot misalignment effects
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system employs dynamic adjustment capabilities with multiple pivot axes that can be controlled independently. The viewing direction can be changed in real-time through coordinated movements of the camera and feed device, allowing the system to adapt to various positioning requirements and compensate for optical distortions through flexible directional changes
2Productivity
If the inspection device is moved through the sewer pipe, then inspection coverage is improved, but it becomes difficult to position the camera correctly to view specific places
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously receives image data during movement and automatically calculates the position of the image object relative to the target area. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the camera viewing direction and feed device position to maintain the image object in the desired area, enabling accurate positioning even while the inspection device is in motion
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual camera positioning with an automated control system that uses image recognition and computational algorithms to determine viewing direction adjustments. The control device automatically processes image data, calculates required movements, and controls the camera and feed device, substituting complex manual mechanical positioning with an intelligent automated system
3Measurement precision
If iterative adjustments are made to move the image object to the target area, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the control process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically performs the entire iterative positioning process without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors the image object position, self-calculates the required viewing direction adjustments, and self-executes the movements through the camera and feed device controls, making the complex iterative process transparent to the operator while achieving high positioning accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a sewer pipe inspection device with a camera (8) comprising the following steps: a) selecting an image object (A) in an image (30) captured by the camera (8) inside a sewer pipe (4) in a first viewing direction (B1), b) determining the distance (m) of the image object (A) in the image (30) from a desired target image area (Z), c) determining at least one motion path (32) by which the viewing direction (B) of the camera (8) must change from the first viewing direction (Bi), and/or at least one motion path by which the image object (A) must be moved to move the image object (A) into the target image area (Z), d) changing the viewing direction (B) to a second viewing direction (B2), whereby the viewing direction (B) is changed from the first viewing direction (Bi) by the determined motion path (32), and/or moving the image object (A) by the specific movement pathe) Relocating the image object (A) in a newly acquired image (30), f) Repeating steps b) to e) until the distance (m) by which the image object (A) is from the target image area (Z) falls below a predetermined limit. A sewer pipe inspection device configured to perform the procedure.