Visual Inspection Device Tip-Tracking Using Spatially Sensitive Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual inspection methods of complex physical assets face challenges in accurately identifying the location and orientation of visual inspection devices within these assets, leading to inconsistent diagnoses and increased downtime due to the subjective nature of human analysis.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that uses spatially sensitive fibers and an engineering model to determine the real-time location of visual inspection devices, enabling precise navigation and reducing the need for human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual inspection devices are used to inspect physical assets, then inspection speed and reduced downtime are improved, but accurate identification of device location and orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system consisting of fiducial markers and imaging devices that mediate between the visual inspection device and the analysis system. These markers are placed on or near the inspection device, and separate imaging devices capture their positions to calculate the inspection device's location and orientation, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast inspection and precise tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or representation of the physical inspection device's position and orientation through fiducial markers and coordinate mapping. The markers serve as proxies that capture and transmit location information without requiring direct sensing on the inspection device itself, enabling accurate tracking while maintaining inspection productivity.
2Reliability
If human technicians analyze visual inspection data, then diagnostic expertise is utilized, but consistency and objectivity of diagnoses deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where the location and orientation data from fiducial markers are continuously fed into the analysis system. This enables automatic correlation of visual data with precise spatial information, reducing reliance on subjective human interpretation and improving diagnostic consistency while preserving the ability to use expert analysis when needed.
3Area of stationary object
If visual inspection devices move significant distances and rotate within physical assets, then inspection coverage is improved, but tracking accuracy and navigation control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking function from the inspection function by using separate fiducial markers on the inspection device and separate imaging devices to track them. This segmentation allows the inspection device to move freely for comprehensive coverage while the tracking system independently maintains precise location and orientation measurements through marker detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system for enhanced tip-tracking and navigation of visual inspection devices includes a visual inspection device. The system further includes a plurality of spatially sensitive fibers. The system includes a computing device. The computing device includes a memory device and a processor. The system includes a storage device. The storage device includes an engineering model representing the physical asset. The computing device is configured receive an insertion location from the visual inspection device. The computing device is configured to receive fiber information associated with the visual inspection device. The computing device is configured to determine the real-time location of the visual inspection device using the fiber information. The computing device is configured to identify the real-time location of the visual inspection device with respect to the engineering model. The computing device is configured to navigate the visual inspection device from a first location to a second location.