Imaging device with focused illumination

#The present invention relates generally to a high-zoom imaging device for imaging objects at far range in limited light. More specifically, the invention relates to an imaging system in which the lighting and imaging devices are packaged to make their axes essentially coincident to facilitate high-zoom imaging in low-light conditions.

#It is often necessary to inspect and maintain areas under conditions that render them inaccessible or otherwise uninhabitable for humans for an extended period. These conditions include, for example, small confined spaces and harsh environments such as insufficient air/oxygen, presence of toxins, radioactivity, contamination, excessive dust, dirt and filth, and high noise levels. These conditions can be found, for example, in areas common to storm and sewer pipes, nuclear reactors and containment structures, fossil fuel plants and petrochemical refining facilities just to name a few. Although each area presents its own problems and complexities with respect to inspecting and maintaining, the inconvenient and time-consuming nature of performing an initial inspection is common to all.

#For illustrative purposes, the inspection of storm and sewer pipes is considered in detail, although the scope of the present invention is by no means limited to this application. Most municipalities contain a vast network of storm and sewer pipes, often representing the oldest infrastructure in the community. Periodically, these pipes must be inspected for problems such as cracks, blockage, build-up, and root infiltration. To this end, it is common for an invasive device such as a pipe crawler or push camera to be introduced into the pipe to perform the inspection. Although effective in obtaining detailed images, using a pipe crawler is inconvenient and requires a great deal of time to set up and operate even if no problem is discovered. Furthermore, the use of pipe crawlers is frequently limited by the size and configuration of pipes to be entered. In this regard, often the condition of the pipe (e.g., debris and fractures) prevents the use of invasive inspection devices like crawlers. Therefore, there is a need for a more convenient approach to inspect and maintain underground pipes without the time and complexity associated with invasive techniques such as the use of pipe crawlers or push cameras.

#FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the imaging head of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 shows a close up front view of the imaging head of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the imaging head of the present invention.

#Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an imaging system 100 of the present invention is depicted schematically. The imaging system 100 comprises: (a) a parabolic reflector 101 having a base 101a and defining a first axis 108; (b) a light source 102 disposed proximate the base 101a; (c) an imaging device 103 comprising a zooming lens 104 and having a second axis 109. The imaging device is disposed in front of the light source 102 such that the second axis 109 is essentially coincident with the first axis 108.

#Each of these elements is considered in greater detail below and with respect to examples of alternative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the classification of the system in these discrete elements is for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. For example, it is anticipated that two or more elements may correspond to a single component or the functionality of one element may correspond to two more components.

#Additionally, while the imaging system is considered in detail with respect to a pipe inspection system, the invention is not limited to such applications. For example, the imaging system embodiments of the present invention may be used in any application requiring both illumination and long-range, zoom imaging. Such applications include, for example, filming at long distances in relatively dark conditions (e.g., high-zoom cameras mounted to news and police helicopters for filming activity on the ground), a hand held camera, or a truck-mounted or hand-held camera system for bridge inspection. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to imaging systems embodiments, and may be used without an imaging device to provide a portable, high-intensity light source.