Abstract: Apparatus and method for optical inspection of a pipeline (2) for transporting fluid (3) by internal surveying. Light source means (4) are adapted to form one or more beams of light (5) illuminating a line (L) of a surface part (9) of said pipeline (2). Optical receiving means (6) are positioned outside a plane formed by said beams (5) and arranged to have in its field of view (7) the line (L) formed on the internal wall of the pipeline (2) by the beam (5). The receiving means (6) are adapted to form a two-dimensional indexed images (20k) each comprising intensity data for a predetermined number of pixels in each of a predetermined number of lines (M) of said image (20). A data processing unit (100) including an image analyzer module (110) is adapted for extracting a depth profile of said surface (9).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to eliminate hitherto restrictive conditions related to photography, like when attempting to register pictures with infinite depth of field, more or less, or attempt full detail-reproduction of light and shade. This is, according to the present invention, accomplished by making several recordings with differing states of focus or exposure, the images registered being similarly subdivided into smaller image-parts and a resultant image bing produced by selecting those image-parts from each set, being most suitable. Optimal image definition of an image-part can for instance be assessed by contrast-measurement techniques or separate range-finding with a laser. An analogous optimal representation of image detail can also be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optical inspection of a pipeline (2) for transporting fluid (3) by internal surveying. Light source means (4) are adapted to form one or more beams of light (5) illuminating a line (L) of a surface part (9) of said pipeline (2). Optical receiving means (6) are positioned outside a plane formed by said beams (5) and arranged to have in its field of view (7) the line (L) formed on the internal wall of the pipeline (2) by the beam (5). The receiving means (S) are adapted to form a two-dimensional indexed images (20k) each comprising intensity data for a predetermined number of pixels in each of a predetermined number of lines (M) of said image (20). A data processing unit (100) including an image analyzer module (110) is adapted for extracting a depth profile of said surface (9).