Smartphone-Connected Video Inspection Camera Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection and utility locating systems lack a versatile and efficient user interface, communication interface, and control system that can adapt to various applications, particularly with the advancements in miniaturized computing devices.
Innovation Solution
Adapting personal communication devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to serve as user interfaces, communication interfaces, and control systems for pipe inspection and utility locating systems through hardware and software connections via USB or wireless means, leveraging their enhanced display capabilities and computational power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dedicated user interfaces are used for pipe inspection systems, then the system has specialized functionality, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling personal communication devices to serve multiple functions: acting as user interfaces for pipe inspection systems, utility locating systems, and other industrial applications. The system allows a single device type (smartphone/tablet) to replace multiple specialized interfaces through software configuration and wireless connectivity, thereby improving adaptability while reducing the need for multiple dedicated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a wireless communication layer between the personal communication device and the inspection equipment. This intermediary communication interface (via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols) allows the versatile smartphone to interact with specialized equipment without requiring direct physical or proprietary connections, thus maintaining adaptability while managing complexity through standardized communication protocols
2Loss of time
If specialized display systems are designed for each application, then the display meets specific functional requirements, but the loss of time for developing and switching between systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single personal communication device to function as the user interface for multiple different applications (pipe inspection, utility locating, bore scope control) through software applications and wireless connectivity. This eliminates the need to develop, deploy, and switch between multiple specialized display systems, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining versatility across different industrial applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring personal communication devices with necessary software applications and communication protocols before deployment. The devices are prepared in advance to connect to various inspection systems, eliminating setup time during field operations and reducing the time required to switch between different inspection tasks
3Weight of moving object
If miniaturized computing devices are used, then the device size decreases, but the reliability of the system may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the personal communication device as an intermediary between the user and the inspection equipment. The smartphone acts as a remote control and display unit, while the actual inspection equipment (camera heads, sensors, locators) remain separate and specialized. This intermediary approach allows miniaturization of the user interface while maintaining reliability of the core inspection functions in dedicated equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Video inspection systems using personal communications devices for information display, control and storage are disclosed. In one embodiment a video inspection system includes a cable storage drum, a push-cable, a rotatable support for carrying the drum, a camera head coupled to the push-cable, and a personal communications device operatively connected to the camera head through a wired or wireless communications link.