TECHNOZONE April 2005 "Supporting industry and lifelines through the user-focused development of industrial endoscope technology"

OLYMPUS TECHNOZONE Vol.64 2005-04

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Supporting industry and lifelines through the user-focused development of industrial endoscope technology

The IPLEX industrial videoscope is an all-in-one solution based on advanced opto-digital technology. By providing ways to see into inaccessible places, Olympus technology plays a vital role in the maintenance of items ranging from aircraft engines and industrial plants to social lifelines.

The IPLEX Series are deceptively powerful systems with a wide range of capabilities.



	From left: Atsushi Miyazaki , Yutaka Konomura , Mitsuo Obata

People may encounter medical endoscopes, such as when they undergo medical examinations. However, most people rarely see industrial endoscopes.

"The biggest market is for inspection systems for use in aircraft gas turbine engines and industrial plants," says Mitsuo Obata. "Endoscopes are also used in elevator maintenance in buildings. They also play a vital role in the maintenance and management of lifeline systems, such as roads, power supply systems and water and gas pipelines, as well as at accident and disaster scenes. Another unique use for these endoscopes is in interior surveys of archeological sites."

Olympus is an official Formula One sponsor. At OTF85, a Ferrari Formula One engine was used to demonstrate the use of industrial endoscopes. There, the entertaining display also gave visitors the opportunity to control an endoscope inside an aquarium and see what kind of images would be produced.

Olympus's range of industrial endoscopes includes the IPLEX Series of videoscopes. Images of inspection points captured by an ultra-compact CCD camera in the distal end of the scope are shown on a monitor as clear color pictures. As with medical endoscopes, the distal end of the scope can be turned in any direction to allow detailed inspections. Inspection images can also be stored on a memory card and filed on a computer. One of the features most sought by users was the ability to take measurements. Olympus has responded to this need by introducing a stereo measurement adapter designed to support a variety of measurement tasks. For example, it provides a highly effective way to carry out quantitative inspections of damaged areas.

The revolutionary compact design of the IPLEX MX industrial videoscope system has dramatically expanded its range of uses.



	Olympus is developing new markets for the IPLEX MX, which represents a new step forward in the evolution of industrial endoscopes. Industrial endoscopes are essential inspection tools for the maintenance and management of lifelines, including roads, power supply networks, and gas and water pipelines, for the maintenance of aircraft, automobiles, railroads and ships, and of course for the inspection of Formula One engines.

First unveiled in April 2004, the IPLEX MX is a compact, lightweight system weighing just 5.4 kilograms, including the battery contained in the base unit. Small enough to be carried on the operator's shoulder, it can be taken into locations where it was previously impossible to use a videoscope. In addition, the new "Power Assist" feature provides an intuitive way to manipulate the bending section at the distal end of the scope.

The IPLEX MX has dramatically increased the range of situations for videoscope use. For example, it is ideal for use on top of pylons or in confined locations. The reduction of the size of the system imposed some limitations on functionality. However, there are major benefits in terms of overall inspection efficiency, since the situation at the site can quickly be ascertained. In the 2004 Good Design Awards, the IPLEX MX received one of the Gold Prizes awarded to especially outstanding products.

Because this is an industrial product, the first step was to decide which functions would be included. It was therefore difficult to create a finished product with an attractive design. Olympus could probably have made the system even smaller, but it was also necessary to provide reinforcement to ensure durability. Another imperative was to ensure that the system could be operated safely.

Because of the compact design, the IPLEX system can be carried closer to the location that needs to be inspected. Another challenge will be to create a longer tube to carry the tip of the scope to the inspection location. The length of the tube is limited, since CCD image signals are attenuated with distance. In some cases, it also becomes impossible to insert the scope further into rubble or complex structures. The developers will need to devise methods to overcome these problems and bring the scope smoothly and easily to the target location.

Network capabilities will allow observation and advice from remote locations.

Having enhanced the functionality of the product and reduced its size, the next focus will be the development of network support. With existing models, the operator must either make decisions at the site based on inspection results, or take recorded images back to base for further study. With wireless networking, it would be possible to transmit site information from the IPLEX to a remote location. In situations where decisions could not be taken at the site, images could be viewed in real time via the network, allowing people in remote locations to provide advice. There would also be time savings, since it would not be necessary to wait for the operator to bring the data back to base. At the next OTF, it may be possible to use IPLEX systems to show images from locations outside of the venue.

>> Click here for the further informarion of IPLEX

The IPLEX MX features the newly developed power assisted articulation technology. This combines the convenience of electrical articulation with the practicality of mechanical articulation. The provision of motor support reduces the force that needs to be exerted with the fingers, allowing the scope to be manipulated by light touches on the joystick.

Measuring just 6.0 mm in diameter, the thin scope features an articulation system that allows it to be turned up to 120 degrees in four directions. In addition to the superb image quality and brightness for which these videoscopes are renowned, the IPLEX MX also features many other useful functions, including an electronic zoom and digital still image recording system.

From "OTF85/Industrial Systems Zone"

The Industrial Systems Zone consisted of areas devoted to equipment for the inspection and measurement of digital home electronics, and equipment for the maintenance and inspection of lifelines. One area presented technology used to make the invisible visible, while in the other visitors were shown technology that allowed people to see into places that were normally inaccessible. Examples of advanced Olympus technology included microscopes and endoscopes developed for industrial use, as well as a high-speed printer based on line inkjet technology.

The area devoted to inspection and measurement systems for digital home electronics featured optical technologies that play a vital role in the manufacture of HDD/DVD recorders. Olympus provides a wide array of solutions based on its accumulated knowledge of opto-digital technology.

The line inkjet printer was promoted for industrial use as a high-speed full-color printer with low running costs.

Visitors were surprised to see a water tank in the exhibition. It was used to demonstrate the capabilities of the IPLEX MX, the latest model in Olympus' range of industrial endoscopes. The IPLEX MX provided clear images even when submerged in water.

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