Wireless Cable Storage Drum for Remote Inspection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable storage drums with inspection cameras are bulky, expensive, and limit collaborative control and remote user participation due to the need for specialized equipment and complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A cable storage drum equipped with a network transceiver for wireless or wired communication, allowing connection to mobile devices for data viewing and control, and featuring embedded recording technology for video and data storage, enabling collaborative inspection and remote access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera control unit is used to control inspection cameras and store video data, then the inspection functionality is achieved, but the equipment becomes bulky, expensive, and complex to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control unit from the cable storage drum, separating the functions of cable management and camera control. The drum only handles cable storage and retrieval, while camera control is performed through wireless communication with external devices, eliminating the need for an integrated bulky control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cable storage drum compatible with multiple types of inspection cameras and allows various users to control the system through different devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops). The wireless communication interface enables the drum to work with different camera models and user devices, providing universal functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a specialized camera control unit is used, then inspection control is achieved, but collaborative control and remote user participation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the cable storage drum and user devices. This intermediary enables multiple users to connect to the drum simultaneously through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing collaborative control and remote participation without requiring physical proximity to the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of wireless communication to the traditional cable storage system. By incorporating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the system transitions from local-only control to multi-dimensional access, enabling users to connect from different locations and devices simultaneously.
3Quantity of substance
If video data is stored and transmitted using traditional equipment, then data storage is achieved, but data accessibility and editing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical data transfer methods (physical connection to view or edit data) with wireless electronic transmission. Video data captured by the inspection camera is transmitted wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, or laptops, enabling instant access and editing without mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of video data that can be transmitted and viewed on multiple devices simultaneously. The wireless communication system allows the same video footage to be accessed on different user devices, enabling collaborative review and editing without duplicating physical storage media.
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, techniques, systems, methods and computer readable storage medium with executable instructions relating to the viewing of data from and the controlling of the operation of an inspection camera at a remote computing device that is connected to the inspection camera via a network are described. Various features may be realized by using an installable software application or a web browser at the remote computing device. Features of the invention also pertain to a smart cable storage drum comprising a push cable, an inspection camera, and a network transceiver configured to communicate with a remote computer.