Systems and methods for creating a digital twin of an infrastructure component. The digital twin is a computerized, three-dimensional model of the component, typically a pipe, created after manufacture but before installation. The digital twin can be saved on a computer-readable storage medium for later retrieval, and can be loaded into three-dimensional modeling software for manipulation and viewing from various angles and perspectives. The twin is created from a plurality of imaging systems capturing different surfaces or different aspects, whose measurements are mapped to a uniform coordinate system to generate a three-dimensional model. Other data may also be added to or stored with the digital twin, such as manufacturing specifications, photographic data, and current or historical inspection data. The digital twin may be viewed on a mobile device programmed to receive, display, and allow the user to view and manipulate the digital twin.

In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object comprises a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object may be placed upon a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed upon the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted for circumferential rotation relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes a corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.

In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object comprises a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object may be placed upon a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed upon the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted for circumferential rotation relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes a corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.

An apparatus includes a pipe crawler (100). The pipe crawler (100) includes one or more drive wheels (308) capable of moving along and around a pipe, and one or more instruments coupled to the one or more drive wheels (308). An instrument includes one or more of a sensor instrument and a maintenance instrument. The pipe crawler (100) includes a retention mechanism (4) that retains the one or more drive wheels (308) against an outer surface of the pipe. The retention mechanism (104) provides adjustable positions for the one or more drive wheels (308) for disposing the one or more drive wheels (308) against the outer surface of the pipe. The apparatus includes a controller (302) that communicates with the one or more drive wheels (308) to move the one or more drive wheels (308) on the outer surface of the pipe, and that operates the one or more instruments.

An apparatus includes a pipe crawler (100). The pipe crawler (100) includes one or more drive wheels (308) capable of moving along and around a pipe, and one or more instruments coupled to the one or more drive wheels (308). An instrument includes one or more of a sensor instrument and a maintenance instrument. The pipe crawler (100) includes a retention mechanism (4) that retains the one or more drive wheels (308) against an outer surface of the pipe. The retention mechanism (104) provides adjustable positions for the one or more drive wheels (308) for disposing the one or more drive wheels (308) against the outer surface of the pipe. The apparatus includes a controller (302) that communicates with the one or more drive wheels (308) to move the one or more drive wheels (308) on the outer surface of the pipe, and that operates the one or more instruments.

Described embodiments include a system for inspecting a tubular device that includes an outer surface and a spatially-periodic supporting structure beneath the outer surface. The system includes an imaging device, configured to acquire an image of a reflection of light from the outer surface, and a processor, configured to ascertain a spatial frequency of the supporting structure by processing the image. Other embodiments are also described.

A capturing device for optically capturing an object to be checked includes a radiation source having a wall which encompasses a recording chamber. The radiation source is configured to emit at least infrared radiation when in a heated state. The wall has at least one insertion opening for inserting the object to be checked into the recording chamber and at least one image-recording opening for recording images of the object to be checked. The capturing device also includes an image-capturing apparatus configured to record images of the object to be checked through the at least one image-recording opening.

A capturing device for optically capturing an object to be checked includes a radiation source having a wall which encompasses a recording chamber. The radiation source is configured to emit at least infrared radiation when in a heated state. The wall has at least one insertion opening for inserting the object to be checked into the recording chamber and at least one image-recording opening for recording images of the object to be checked. The capturing device also includes an image-capturing apparatus configured to record images of the object to be checked through the at least one image-recording opening.

An imaging system includes a mirror and an imaging device. The mirror includes a body and a conical hole formed in the body. An inner wall surface of the conical hole is a conical mirror. The imaging device faces a first opening of the conical hole and captures an image of a product in the conical hole. A light from a side surface of the product is reflected by the conical mirror to the imaging device and the imaging device captures a side surface image of the product.

An imaging system includes a mirror and an imaging device. The mirror includes a body and a conical hole formed in the body. An inner wall surface of the conical hole is a conical mirror. The imaging device faces a first opening of the conical hole and captures an image of a product in the conical hole. A light from a side surface of the product is reflected by the conical mirror to the imaging device and the imaging device captures a side surface image of the product.