| abstract |
A camera head is provided that is adapted to interface with an existing host camera supported on an existing inspection vehicle of an analog-based pipeline inspection system. The camera head allows for capture, processing and storage of digital image data in a memory at the camera head. The camera head includes a digital-to-analog signal converter, and a control module causing selected images to be converted from digital format to analog format, and to be transmitted for navigation purposes via a conventional analog control cable to conventional analog video monitoring equipment in a conventional operator station. Digital Image and other data may be retrieved directly from the digital data memory of the camera head. This approach provides numerous advantages with respect to capture and review of images in digital format, while also permitting control of the vehicle for navigation purposes using an operator's existing analog-based monitoring and control equipment. |