초록 ▼

An inspection system is provided that includes a camera and a laser distance measuring device. The camera has high magnification capabilities and can be panned and tilted as needed. The laser distance measuring device provides information regarding the distance from the camera to the object being im

An inspection system is provided that includes a camera and a laser distance measuring device. The camera has high magnification capabilities and can be panned and tilted as needed. The laser distance measuring device provides information regarding the distance from the camera to the object being imaged. The camera and laser distance measuring device are carried by a frame, which has an elongated member attached thereto for resting the frame on a surface. This configuration makes the inspection system well suited to inspect horizontal pipelines without feeding the camera along the length of the pipeline.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An inspection system, comprising: an imaging device configured to output a signal related to an object being imaged; a light source configured to direct light on the object to be imaged; a frame for carrying the imaging device and the light source; a first elongated member de

What is claimed is: 1. An inspection system, comprising: an imaging device configured to output a signal related to an object being imaged; a light source configured to direct light on the object to be imaged; a frame for carrying the imaging device and the light source; a first elongated member defining a first axis and having an end configured for insertion through an opening proximate an area to be inspected, the end being attached to the frame such that the frame is carried on the first elongated member and the frame is inserted through the opening when the end is inserted through the opening to position the frame proximate the area to be inspected, the first elongated member being generally rigid, thereby facilitating positioning of the imaging device carried by the frame; and a second elongated member defining a second axis and having a first portion attached to the frame such that the second elongated member is carried on the frame and the second elongated member is inserted through the opening when the frame is inserted through the opening to position the second elongated member proximate the area to be inspected, the second elongated member further having a second portion configured to rest on a surface accessible through the opening, thereby supporting the frame at some distance from the surface. 2. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the second elongated member includes a bearing for facilitating rotation of the frame about the second axis while the second end of the second elongated member remains stationary. 3. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the first axis is substantially coincident with the second axis. 4. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a first motor attached to the frame and configured to cooperate with a portion of the frame for rotating the frame about the first axis. 5. The inspection system of claim 4, further comprising at least one water resistant housing, the at least one water resistant housing being configured to house the imaging device and the light source. 6. The inspection system of claim 5, further comprising a second motor attached to the frame and configured to cooperate with the at least one housing for pivoting the at least one housing about an axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. 7. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising at least one controller configured to control operation of the imaging device and the light source, the at least one controller being further configured to receive signals output from the imaging device and the distance measuring device. 8. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a distance measuring device configured to determine a distance between the imaging device and the object to be imaged, and to output a signal related to the determined distance. 9. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a flange having an aperture for receiving the first elongated member therethrough, the flange being configured to cooperate with a manhole casting, thereby providing lateral support for the first elongated member when the imaging device is placed within a manhole. 10. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes an infrared light source, and the imaging device is configured to capture infrared images. 11. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the light source includes a collimating lens for focusing the light emitted from the light source. 12. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes zoom capabilities of at least 100:1. 13. An inspection system, comprising: an imaging device configured to output a signal related to an object being imaged; a distance measuring device configured to determine a distance between the imaging device and an object to be imaged, and to output a signal related to the determined distance; a light source configured to direct light on the object to be imaged; a frame having the imaging device, the distance measuring device, and the light source attached thereto, the frame including first and second side members, and first and second beams disposed between the first and second side members and substantially parallel to each other, the first beam including an attachment feature for facilitating attachment of the frame to a support structure; a first motor attached to the first beam, and configured to cooperate with the attachment feature for rotating the frame about a first axis; and a second motor disposed within the first beam and attached to the first side member, the second motor being operable to rotate the imaging device, the distance measuring device, and the light source about an axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. 14. The inspection system of claim 13, further comprising a first elongated member attached to the attachment feature and disposed along the first axis for positioning the imaging device. 15. The inspection system of claim 14, further comprising a second elongated member having a first end attached to the second beam, and a second end configured to rest on a surface, thereby supporting the frame at some distance from the surface. 16. The inspection system of claim 13, wherein the first side member includes at least one power transmission element disposed therein, the at least one power transmission element being configured to transfer rotational motion from the second motor to the imaging device, the distance measuring device, and the light source. 17. The inspection system of claim 13, further comprising at least one water resistant housing, the at least one water resistant housing being configured to house the imaging device, the distance measuring device, and the light source. 18. The inspection system of claim 13, further comprising at least one controller configured to control operation of the imaging device, the distance measuring device, and the light source, the at least one controller being further configured to receive signals output from the imaging device and the distance measuring device. 19. The inspection system of claim 13, wherein the distance measuring device includes a laser distance measuring device. 20. The inspection system of claim 13, further comprising a flange having an aperture for receiving the first elongated member therethrough, the flange being configured to cooperate with a manhole casting, thereby providing lateral support for the first elongated member when the imaging device is placed within a manhole. 21. The inspection system of claim 13, wherein the imaging device includes an infrared light source, and the imaging device is configured to capture infrared images. 22. The inspection system of claim 13, wherein the light source includes a collimating lens for focusing the light emitted from the light source. 23. The inspection system of claim 13, wherein the imaging device includes zoom capabilities of at least 100:1.