Remote visual inspection systems

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Contents

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Contents

Remote visual inspection (RVI) systems are comprised of software and hardware that permits any type of inspection to be conducted remotely. Traditionally, RVI has often been defined as involving specialized equipment such as borescopes. Today, it can sometimes be undertaken just by using video conferencing software. Different RVI solutions exist for specific use cases, but many use a remote video connection. The essential component is that the inspection is conducted remotely. So what exactly is a remote inspection? 

1. What is meant by remote inspection?

Remote inspections mean inspections conducted remotely, in contrast to a direct visual inspection conducted in person. Different reasons to perform a remote video inspection include health and safety concerns and reducing costs. Health, safety, and environment (HSE) regulations are usually specific to sites that are too difficult to access or too dangerous for human inspectors to inspect directly. In general, remote inspections reduce the need for personnel and decrease travel costs compared to conventional inspections. Remote inspections aim to preserve the quality of visual inspection while enjoying the benefits of remote connection.   

1.1. What is visual inspection system?

Visual inspection refers to a type of visual computing technology that allows technicians to remotely “see” what’s happening inside a machine, at a worksite, or on the production line. Some components that may be included in visual inspection systems are video cameras, a light source, picture taking capabilities, software, and data archiving.

1.2. Remote visual inspection systems

RVI systems are basically tools with some sort of lens, potentially a light source, and either a viewing eyepiece or video transmission software so the machine or site being examined can be viewed from a distance. These tools can have simple or rather complex designs, using technology like fiber optics or WebRTC visual communication.

2. What does a visual inspection consist of?

Remote visual inspection includes various types of equipment including borescopes – with or without video, visual support solutions, fibrescopes,  remotely operated pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, robotic cameras or tools, drones, and other data monitoring software, which allow technicians to analyze and visualize the status of machines.

 

A visual inspection consists of an analysis of a product, service, or inspection site. Basically, any item or place that needs to be inspected to ensure quality and safety. Certified inspectors are trained to follow a checklist to carry out a thorough inspection according to well-defined parameters. Remote visual inspection is essentially the same as a direct visual inspection but uses a video connection instead of an in-person visit. 

2.1. What is a remote video inspection?

A remote video inspection is an inspection of a building, machine, or worksite that uses real-time video communication technology that allows parties to collaborate remotely while the inspection is performed.

2.2. What is virtual inspection?

A virtual inspection is a real-time collaborative interaction between parties to inspect a space such as a home for sale, or a technically complex machine. While virtual inspection technology provides increased traceability, the inspection and is easily accessible by any party, it still needs to be conducted by a certified inspector.
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3. What is remote visual inspection equipment & supplies?

Remote visual inspection is often used when a direct visual inspection is not possible. When a human cannot access the inspection site in person, specialized remotely operated equipment is sometimes required, such as boreoscopes, specialized cameras, or robotic equipment.

3.1. What is RVI equipment?

Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) is a safe testing and data collection method from the 70s that uses tools like video borescopes, remotely controlled cameras, robotic crawlers, and other complex tools to remotely inspect machines for faults or damage.

3.2. What RVI equipment is used today?

Borescopes use a long cable to reach confined spaces or go underground where humans are unable to access. Several different types of borescopes exist, such as rigid, flexible, and video boreoscopes. These different types are adapted to specific use cases and can vary in image quality. Video borescopes attach a camera with an LED light to the front of the cable.

 

Fiberscopes are similar but use a fiber optic cable instead of a video camera. Fiber optics are more fragile than video cameras and are expensive to repair.  Other specialized cameras like push cameras & robotic crawlers exist for video pipe inspection (VPI) and other use cases involving difficult-to-access terrain.

 

Push cameras are connected to long cable reels that are lowered down drains and pipelines. These are good for especially small spaces.

Robotic crawlers are similar to push cameras but are led by a robotic vehicle that can maneuver around obstacles. They can map out storm drain or sewer systems in 3D and help detect blockages. They are best used for larger pipes or because the crawler needs enough space to navigate.  

Remote visual inspection systems
Technician monitoring a machine with remote visual inspection systems

Pan tilt zoom (PTZ) cameras are most known for video surveillance of businesses. Still, they can also be used for remote visual inspections when attached to crawler vehicles. PTZ cameras help inspect hazardous use cases such as inside nuclear power plants or inaccessible terrain such as underwater. They give the person operating the camera the capability to tilt and zoom as they can move their neck around in person. PTZ cameras can also be used as accessories for the Boston Dynamics Spot agile robot

The equipment used in remote visual inspection can vary wildly depending on the use case. In all of these, the inspector needs to view the inspection site remotely through some type of camera. ViiBE is a solution invented to facilitate remote visual inspection in almost any use case via a live video feed. As use cases for RVI have rapidly increased, ViiBE has provided companies with an easily adaptable solution. 

4. How ViiBE is expanding RVI

ViiBE’s web app is platform agnostic and download-free, so it will work on any smartphone as well as specialized augmented reality hardware like RealWear. With ViiBE, the inspector can ask to access the back camera and can superimpose a laser pointer directly on the video feed in real-time. ViiBE is secure and stable thanks to WebRTC technology. ViiBE now allows inspectors to share documents to review before the inspection date. They can also capture photos and send documents during the call.

ViiBE is a powerful tool that can work alongside specialist equipment or as an alternative in cases where a human can directly access the inspection site. When hardware and most software becomes obsolete over time, they can be expensive to replace. ViiBE automatically updates in the cloud, and since it is installation-free, you always have the latest version. ViiBE V.4 also allows for call scheduling.  

The pandemic has expanded the definition of remote visual inspection from specialized use cases to more general inspections such as home inspections and factory inspections. ViiBE easily adapts to these different use cases by allowing inspectors to connect to the inspection site via video easily. Expertise call routing puts the most knowledgeable expert on the line without the need to navigate corporate directories. ViiBE’s knowledge management solution helps organize your inspection by storing the inspection videos for future quality control, allowing for full traceability. This data management enables the inspector to focus on their job and rest assured that everything they need is readily accessible. 

5. Conclusion

Remote visual inspection includes a wide range of applications, including flood drain networks, nuclear power plants, and underwater on oil rigs. Remotely operated equipment designed for specific needs is central to realizing high-quality inspections. Technology like ViiBE has expanded the scope of RVI by bringing a cost-effective and flexible solution to new use cases. ViiBE takes the guesswork out of remote visual inspections. It is flexible, adapting to your company’s size, use case, and existing equipment. Thanks to ViiBE, customers worldwide can continue to inspect safety, quality, and other crucial aspects of their products and services despite temporary restrictions on in-person inspections. 

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