| abstract |
An autonomous inspector mobile platform robot (300) that is used to inspect a pipe (380) or network of pipes (380). The robot (300) includes a locomotion device that enables the device to autonomously progress through the pipe (380) and accurately track its pose and odometry during movement. At the same time, image data is autonomously captured to detail the interior portions of the pipe (380). Images are taken at periodic intervals using a wide angle lens, and additional video images may be captured at locations of interest. Either onboard or offboard the device, each captured image is unwarped (if necessary) and combined with images of adjacent pipe (380) sections to create a complete image of the interior features of the inspected pipe (380). Optional features include additional sensors and measurement devices, various communications systems to communicate with an end node or the surface, and/or image compression software. |