Oliver Crispin Robotics Limited

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to inspect aircraft engine. In some embodiments, a rigidizable insertion tool includes a plurality of links arranged in a sequence. The plurality of links includes at least one deformable link that is structurally deformable. The rigidizable insertion tool may include a tension assembly configured to apply a first tensioning force on the plurality of links to actuate the plurality of links from a relaxed state to a rigidized state having a first shape. The tension assembly may apply a second tensioning force greater than the first tensioning force on the plurality of links while in the rigidized state to cause structural deformation of the at least one deformable link and change a shape of the plurality of links from the first shape. The second tensioning force may change the shape from the first shape to a second shape.

An inspection system is provided. The inspection system includes a light source that illuminates a contoured surface and a surface profile compensator for the light source that causes light emitted from the light source to be distributed over an inspection area of the contoured surface according to a target light distribution.

An inspection system and related methods that employ directional light for enhanced imaging are provided. The inspection system includes an inspection camera and at least one directional light source positionable in an offset position from a field of view of the inspection camera. The at least one directional light source is configured to emit directional light from the offset position into the field of view of the inspection camera so as to produce shadows on a surface of interest. Further, the inspection system includes a display device coupled to the inspection camera and the inspection camera is configured to capture one or more images of the shadows produced on the surface of interest. The display device is configured to receive and display the one or more images.

A method for inspecting an object includes receiving or determining inspection image data, the inspection image data including an inspection image pixel array with at least one inspection image pixel in the inspection image pixel array having a pixel property associated therewith. The method includes receiving via a processor a user input associated with a continuous segment of inspection image pixels in the inspection image pixel array. The method includes determining a property of the object based on the pixel properties associated with the continuous segment of inspection image pixels in the inspection image pixel array.

An insertion tool is provided for an engine defining an access opening and including a component defining at least in part a cavity. The insertion tool includes: an insertion tool arm having a plurality of segments, the insertion tool arm configured for insertion through the access opening into the cavity and the plurality of segments configured to be in a fixed position relative to one another within the cavity; and a base coupled to the insertion tool arm and configured to be positioned outside the cavity and to move the insertion tool arm along at least two degrees of freedom.

An inspection system and related methods are provided. The inspection system includes an inspection camera, a plurality of light sources collocated with the inspection camera, and a post processing system. The plurality of light sources output directional light that have different respective ranges of light wavelengths. The inspection camera is configured to capture image data while a surface of interest is being illuminated with the directional light. Further, the post processing system is configured to receive the image data, process portions of the image data into a plurality of images that include distinct images corresponding to the different respective ranges of light wavelengths. The plurality of images can be reviewed to identify an abnormal region of the surface of interest.

A system may include an image sensor. A system may include an actuator configured to cause a controlled movement of the image sensor relative to a target element, the controlled movement being based on an operating velocity of the target element relative to an initial position of the image sensor. A system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the image sensor, the controller configured to: identify the operating velocity, determine an activation time to activate the image sensor for a designated exposure time based on the operating velocity and the controlled movement; and activate the image sensor at the activation time.

A method for inspecting an object includes determining a first inspection package that includes a first inspection image of the object and a first designation. The method includes determining data indicative of a second inspection package that includes a second inspection image of the object and a second designation. The method includes determining a first property of the object based on the first inspection image of the object, one or more properties maps of the object, and the first designation. The method includes determining a second property of the object based on the second inspection image of the object, the one or more properties maps of the object, and the second designation. The method includes displaying the first property and the second property or displaying data indicative of a comparison of the first property with the second property.

An insertion tool with an implement gripping mechanism is provided. The insertion tool includes an elongated section defining an implement path extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a handle coupled to the proximal end of the elongated section, a grip mechanism coupled to the handle and configured to selectively secure an implement inserted into the implement path through the handle, and a grip actuator operable to cause the grip mechanism to secure the implement to the handle.

A pulse illumination imaging system is provided. The system includes an image sensor, a light source, and a controller. The image sensor includes a plurality of light sensitive pixel elements that are activatable for a designated exposure time to capture one or more images. The controller is configured to determine an activation time to activate the image sensor; activate the image sensor at the activation time; and activate the light source during the exposure time of the image sensor to produce a pulse having a preconfigured time duration that is less than the exposure time of the image sensor.