Kenzi Chisato Karasaki

US Patent:

20040021858, Feb 5, 2004

Filed:

Oct 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/258974

Inventors:

Hiromasa Shima - Cupertino CA, US
Kenzi Karasaki - El Cerrito CA, US
David Iseley - Greer SC, US
Toru Goebuchi - Saitama, JP
Ko Sano - Segasaki, JP
Hiroyuki Iinuma - Kitaurawa, JP

International Classification:

G01N021/88

US Classification:

356/241100

Abstract:

An apparatus and method are disclosed for scanning and detecting defects in sewer and similar pipelines that eliminate the need to stop and pan-and-tilt areas of concern. In the method of the invention, a pipeline () inspection probe () of the apparatus of the invention comprising a CCD camera () with fish-eye lens () travels through the pipeline () on a self-propelled tractor automatically collecting data and transmitting it to a computer to provide a real-time display of the pipeline () interior with quasi three-dimensional information for effective and quick data analysis and management. The data includes digitized forward views and unfolded 360 degree laid-flat side-san () views of the pipeline () interior. Additionally, the digitized data may be stored for further analysis, tabulation, and for use with pipeline infrastructure maintenance software.