公开(公告)号：US20060290779A1

公开(公告)日：2006-12-28

申请号：US11335176

申请日：2006-01-18

Applicant: Carlos Reverte ,  Scott Thayer ,  William Whittaker ,  Eric Close ,  Adam Slifko ,  Edison Hudson ,  Subramanian Vallapuzha

Inventor： Carlos Reverte ,  Scott Thayer ,  William Whittaker ,  Eric Close ,  Adam Slifko ,  Edison Hudson ,  Subramanian Vallapuzha

IPC: H04N7/18

CPC classification number: H04N7/185 ,  E03F7/10 ,  F16L55/32

Abstract: An autonomous inspector mobile platform robot that is used to inspect a pipe or network of pipes. The robot includes a locomotion device that enables the device to autonomously progress through the pipe 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. 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 sections to create a complete image of the interior features of the inspected pipe. 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.

Abstract translation: 用于检查管道或管道网络的自主检查员移动平台机器人。 机器人包括一个运动装置，使装置自动进入管道，并在运动过程中精确跟踪其姿态和距离。 同时，自动捕获图像数据以细节管道的内部部分。 使用广角镜头以周期性间隔拍摄图像，并且可以在感兴趣的位置捕获附加的视频图像。 无论是在设备上还是外部，每个捕获的图像都是不必要的（如果需要的话），并且与相邻管道部分的图像相结合，以创建被检查管道的内部特征的完整图像。 可选功能包括附加的传感器和测量设备，与终端节点或表面通信的各种通信系统和/或图像压缩软件。

公开(公告)号：US20090232506A1

公开(公告)日：2009-09-17

申请号：US12463416

申请日：2009-05-10

Applicant: Edison Hudson ,  Robert Todd Pack

Inventor： Edison Hudson ,  Robert Todd Pack

IPC: H04B10/00

CPC classification number: G08C23/00 ,  A63H30/04 ,  G05D1/0033 ,  G05D2201/0209 ,  H04Q9/00 ,  H04Q2209/40 ,  H04Q2209/75

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a remote vehicle comprises a hand-held controller including a laser generator for generating a laser beam. The hand-held controller is manipulable to aim and actuate the laser beam to designate a destination for the remote vehicle. The remote vehicle senses a reflection of the laser beam and moves toward the designated destination. The hand-held controller allows single-handed control of the remote vehicle and one or more of its payloads. A method for controlling a remote vehicle via a laser beam comprises encoding control signals for a remote vehicle into a laser beam that is aimed and sent to a designated destination for the remote vehicle, and sensing a reflection of the laser beam, decoding the control signals for the remote vehicle, and moving toward the designated destination.

Abstract translation: 用于控制远程车辆的系统和方法包括：手持式控制器，包括用于产生激光束的激光发生器。 手持式控制器可操作以瞄准和致动激光束以指定远程车辆的目的地。 远程车辆感测激光束的反射并朝向指定的目的地移动。 手持控制器允许单手控制远程车辆及其有效载荷中的一个或多个。 一种用于经由激光束控制远程车辆的方法包括将远程车辆的控制信号编码成瞄准并发送到远程车辆的指定目的地的激光束，并感测激光束的反射，解码控制信号 用于远程车辆，并朝向指定的目的地移动。

公开(公告)号：US20060074525A1

公开(公告)日：2006-04-06

申请号：US10956679

申请日：2004-10-01

Applicant: Eric Close ,  Adam Slifko ,  Edison Hudson ,  Ronald Genise

Inventor： Eric Close ,  Adam Slifko ,  Edison Hudson ,  Ronald Genise

IPC: G06F19/00

CPC classification number: B25J9/1617 ,  G05B2219/33189 ,  G05B2219/33192 ,  G05B2219/40099 ,  G05B2219/45233

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices. Systems according to the preferred embodiments find particular application in the pipeline arts. For example, interchangeable tool heads may be designed to facilitate inspection, debris clearing, cleaning, relining, lateral cutting after relining, mapping, and various other common pipeline-related tasks.

Abstract translation: 用于遥控机器人的系统，方法和设备，其包括可互换的工具头。 尽管适用于许多不同的行业，系统的核心结构包括具有工具头接口的机器人，用于机械地，电动地和可操作地互连多个可互换的工具头以执行各种工作功能。 取决于应用，机器人和工具头可以包括数个级别的数字反馈（局部，远程和广泛的区域）。 这些系统包括单个脐带，用于在机器人和远程计算机之间发送电力，空气和通信信号。 另外，所有通信（包括视频）优选地以数字格式发送。 最后，在远程计算机上运行的GUI自动查询并识别网络上的所有各种设备，并自动配置其用户选项以并行安装的设备。 根据优选实施例的系统在流水线技术中找到特定应用。 例如，可互换的工具头可以设计成便于检查，碎片清除，清洁，重新排列，重新排列后的横向切割，映射以及各种其他常见的管道相关任务。