Patent ID: 8836937
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: G01N,G02B

Abstract:
1. A visual inspection device comprising: a tube having a lumen disposed therein; a visual inspection tool disposed at a distal end of the tube; a plurality of actuators arranged substantially continuously along an axial extent of an exterior of the tube; a locomotor disposed on an exterior of the tube; and at least one locator for tracking a location of the visual inspection tool; and a computing device in electrical signal communication with the at least one locator and the visual inspection tool, the computing device being configured to receive a signal from each of the locator and the visual inspection tool, wherein the computing device is further configured to perform; rendering a three-dimensional model of an environment into which the visual inspection device is inserted; calibrating a location of the visual inspection device relative to the model; and automatically determining and initiating a movement of the visual inspection device toward a pre-selected location, based on the location and the three-dimensional model, wherein the movement includes at least one of an actuation and a locomotion.