VR Pipe Inspection Data Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe inspection methods using robots produce data that is difficult to interpret in 2D formats, making it challenging for users to understand the condition and context of pipe segments within extensive networks, particularly when physical inspection is not viable.
Innovation Solution
The method involves processing pipe inspection data from robots to format it for virtual panoramic displays in a virtual reality system, allowing users to visualize pipe segments in 360-degree views using head-mounted VR goggles, combining visual images, laser scan data, and other contextual information for enhanced understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipe inspection data is presented in 2D format, then the data can be displayed on conventional screens, but the data is difficult to interpret and users cannot understand the condition and context of pipe segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D pipe inspection data into a 3D virtual reality environment, allowing users to view pipe segments from multiple angles and perspectives. This dimensional transformation enables better spatial understanding of pipe conditions and their context within the network, directly resolving the interpretability issue while preserving all contextual information.
2Measurement precision
If physical inspection of pipe segments is performed, then detailed condition assessment is possible, but physical inspection is not viable for extensive pipe networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of pipe segments through 3D modeling and virtual reality reconstruction. These digital twins replicate the physical pipe conditions with high fidelity, enabling detailed condition assessment without requiring physical access. This copying approach maintains measurement precision while extending applicability to extensive pipe networks that would be impractical to inspect physically.
3Device complexity
If conventional 2D display formats are used, then the display system is simple and conventional, but users cannot gain clear understanding of pipe conditions and location within the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a 3D virtual reality display system that reconstructs pipe segments and their network context in immersive spatial environments. This allows users to visualize pipe conditions, locations, and relationships within the network in three dimensions, providing comprehensive spatial context that 2D displays cannot convey, while the system builds upon conventional VR hardware platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect provides a method of projecting pipe data into a virtual reality system, including: obtaining, using a pipe inspection robot, pipe data relating to one or more pipe segments in a pipe network; processing, using a processor, the pipe data to format the pipe data for virtual panoramic display; providing, using the processor, the formatted pipe data to a virtual reality system. Other aspects are described and claimed.