EFFICIENT VIDEO INSPECTION PROBE WITH ENHANCED OPERATIONS (01-Oct-2009)
A technique to enhance the operation of a video inspection probe is disclosed. The technique provides solutions for detecting the orientation of the video inspection probe by means of a displaying unit. A probe tip and the handset of the video inspection probe consist of an orientation measuring device (accelerometer). The orientation measuring device (accelerometer) in the inspection tip detects the orientation and displays the information in the display unit. The accelerometer in the handset eliminates/enhances the button control. Both of the devices detect and log falls or drops, and thus enhance the efficacy of the inspection probe.
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EFFICIENT VIDEO INSPECTION PROBE WITH ENHANCED OPERATIONS
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to testing and inspection devices and, more specifically, to a video inspection probe having enhanced operation.
Video inspection probes are mainly used in the field of inspection and testing. The video probes play a major role in the inspection of complex and remote regions. The video inspection probes are used across multiple fields including the automotive industry, pipeline inspection, and many more. The main purpose of the video inspection probes is to clearly identify defective areas in the remote regions. The tip of the video inspection probe is equipped with a camera that captures the visual image/video of the defective/remote area. A display unit displays the visual image/video of the defective/remote area so that it is easy for a user to locate the defective region.
Video inspection probes have been used to inspect fiber end surfaces, pig tails, and backside connectors. Inspecting remote or intricate regions causes difficulties, as the probe movement is not usually visible to an operator/user of the probe. Hence several iterations may be required before the desired region is sufficiently inspected. This repetition results in the waste of time, money and effort.
There exist various conventional techniques to measure the orientation of the probe tip in a video inspection probe device. There are accelerometers that are specifically designed for tilting detection, while others measure the force of acceleration (of both gravity and mechanically-induced forces). However, such techniques are unable to measure a combination of orientation with respect to other essential parameters, such as gravity, tilt and force.
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Accordingly, another conventional technique uses a gyroscope to provide orientation information of the probe on a display screen. Although this technique follows a similar concept, usage of gyroscopes can be expensive and often require an Alternating-Current (AC) power source for operations.
Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a video inspection probe that is easy to handle, accurate and cost-effective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a video inspection probe hand set and a probe tip fitted with an accelerometer in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a video inspection probe handset and a probe tip fitted with an accelerometer in accordance with the present invention. The proposed technique efficiently measures the orientation of the video probe tip and displays the information on the display unit.
Probe tip application of the accelerometer chip greatly improves the operator's/user's understanding of the orientation of the p...
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