Sewer Inspection Imaging for Fast 3D Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer inspection systems, particularly those using aerial drones, face inefficiencies due to complex designs and the need for numerous images to create a comprehensive image model, often relying on idealized pipe geometries and lacking precise 3D reconstruction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sewer inspection system with a flight-capable device equipped with two fisheye cameras capturing 180° views in opposing directions, controlled by a unit to generate 360° images, combined through image processing to create a 3D model without relying on idealized geometries, using relative camera positioning for scaling and image recognition methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a rotating camera arrangement is used to capture 360° images, then complete image coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 360° imaging task into multiple fixed cameras positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right) instead of using a single rotating camera. Each camera captures images in a specific direction, and together they provide complete 360° coverage without requiring mechanical rotation, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining complete image coverage.
2Loss of information
If multiple images are captured to create a comprehensive image model, then inspection completeness improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing all necessary images from multiple fixed cameras simultaneously during a single flight pass through the sewer structure. The synchronized multi-camera setup ensures that complete 360° images are obtained at each position without requiring multiple passes or sequential image capture, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining inspection completeness.
3Productivity
If idealized pipe geometries are used for 3D reconstruction, then processing speed improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical assumption of idealized pipe geometries with a data-driven approach using photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction algorithms. Instead of forcing images into a predetermined cylindrical model, the system processes actual images captured by multiple cameras to generate accurate 3D models that reflect the true geometry of the sewer structure, including deviations and irregularities, thus achieving both speed and precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast, comprehensive, and precise 3D reconstruction of sewer structures, allowing detailed examination from any perspective and eliminating the need for additional measuring systems by utilizing camera distance for scaling, thus enhancing inspection efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
two cameras (8, 10) arranged at a defined distance from one another and having opposite viewing directions... capturing 180° views in opposing directions
Implementation Method 2
The image processing unit is designed to combine the images captured in the at least two viewing directions into a 3D image model
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sewer inspection system with at least one airborne inspection device, which has at least one camera and a control unit, and with an image processing device, wherein the at least one camera and the control unit are designed to generate 360° images in such a way that the at least one camera captures images in a first viewing direction and images in at least a second viewing direction, and the image processing device is designed such that it combines the images captured in the two viewing directions into a 3D image model in a 3D reconstruction.