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Pipeline Inspection - Data & Digital Video Collection

by Alan Grant

Overview

The collection of data and video is by far the single most important function of a video inspection unit today.

Video inspection equipment is a commodity today and many Vendors can provide the hardware to inspect sewer pipe, however, the collection of the data and video is a far more complex issue, which is often not addressed by Users in their specifications.

Cobra submits a detailed specification of its capabilities to ensure the User has available the best possible data and video collection hardware in the industry for review and consideration. The system submitted by Cobra often far exceeds specifications published by users and provides the Owner with a comprehensive data and digital video collection package.

Office Database for Data Storage

Cobra provides a true multi-user client server relational database (CIMS™) for office applications, which stores the data collected from the field units on any network. Unlike an MS Access data base, as provided by vendors such as Wincan, EasyCam or SubCam, which are designed for single user applications, CIMS™ provides easy and fast access to the inspection records to all PCs having access to the database on User's networks. This not only allows the user department to view the work uploaded to the database but also any engineers or managers requiring access to the data.

This powerful functionality allows any CIMS™ User to access inspection data across networks. Furthermore, the user can access video files, which are linked to the CIMS™ database if they are stored on the network. The network storage eliminates the need to store the video files on optical disks (CD/DVD) and the need to maintain a CD/DVD video library.

Video Storage

Storing of video files on CD/DVD is not very practical and very difficult to manage. It is no different than having a videotape library. Any CD/DVD must be copied before distribution to a User. In many cases the disks do not get returned to the central storage after distribution additionally, a master library requires overhead and management costs to maintain the video files. The storage of the video files on the CIMS™ network video storage array eliminates the need to maintain a CD/DVD video library.

Video Formats / MPEG Compression

Cobra provides video compression and storage in MPEG 1, 2 and 4 formats. The new MPEG 4 code has the quality of MPEG2 at 50% of the storage of MPEG 1. The net result is that a municipality will get MPEG 2 quality if MPEG 4 is used but can store twice the amount of video with MPEG 4 vs. MPEG 1 and four times the amount of video vs. MPEG 2. This is a significant reduction of video storage density for an improved quality of video over MPEG 1 format.

The storage of video files on a 1 Terabyte storage array is as follows:

Format File Size per second of video Ammount of video per Terabyte
MPEG 1 1.5Mb/s 1,000 hours
MPEG 2 4Mb/s 400 hours
MPEG 4 786Kb/s 2,000 hours

Hardware and Software Support

Cobra provides in-house support for all of its computer products. Cobra's software developers are located in the US. Other system developers such as Wincan, Easycam or flexidata are located in Europe and use a US Distributor. The US Distributor must have any development work sent to Europe for any changes to be made to the software program.

Data Export from CIMS™ Database

The output of the Cobra database will meet the User's specific requirements. Cobra will write the output files in any format required, therefore eliminating the requirement to provide a brand name database format. CIMS™ has numerous data transfer utilities:

Data Logger / Video Compressor Compatability

The Cobra data logger and the video compressor can be installed on any inspection unit that is in use today.

Data Collection in the Field

Cobra provides the data loggers in the field with an interactive touch screen rather than a keyboard and mouse. The data collection software runs on an XP Embedded OS operating on a 100% solid-state silicone drive eliminating the possibility of system failure in the field. The Embedded XP OS has been written specifically for use with the Cobra Data Logger. The data logger has no rotating media or moving parts and does not rely on the operator's ability to operate in a Windows environment in the video inspection van. The video compressor is integrated into the data logger and operates without any input from the operator.

A copy of the CIMS™ database is provided with each data logger if the user in the field wishes to transfer the data to the CIMS™ database.

Transfering Data / Video to the Office

Both data and video can be transferred to the office either by the use of removable USB 2 drive or by 802.11 G wireless transfer to the municipality's network.

MPEG Video Compression

Video Storage

Video files need to be stored in high-density hard drives. These can be USB 2 removable drives or fixed drives depending on how the data is to be transferred to the office for processing. Video files and data can be transferred to optical disks in the field if that is the selected method of storing the video files. CDRW or DVDR hardware is provided in the trucks if specified.

Cobra offers solid-state drives for the collection of video files to ensure absolute integrity of the data, however, the cost of such disks is significant and may not be practical. For additional, information, please contact Cobra Technologies™ for pricing.

Record /Pause Feature in Video Compressor

The Cobra Video Compressor has a certified Record/Pause feature not required by the many city specifications. This unique feature, not available in other video compressors, allows the Operator to pause the video compressor at any time during the inspection. The Operator can continue the inspection without having closed the MPEG file and can pause as many times and as long as necessary during the inspection.

Preview of Stored Video in Real Time in the Field

An additional feature that is not specified in the city's specification is an MPEG preview screen. This preview screen allows the Operator to view the stored video in real time as it is being captured. This feature ensures that the video being compressed is of optimum quality. The Operator is able to adjust the video characteristics during the inspection 'on the fly'.

Video Storage on Networks

Cobra further offers network storage for the video files on the Cobra Video Pipeline Storage Array. Specifications of the Raid 30 Storage Array are attached along with pricing. The storage array is scalable and additional Terabyte storage hardware can be added as required. 1TB of storage can handle 1000 hours of MPEG 1 video or 2000 hours of MPEG 4 video.Any User with rights to access the video server can play the video files on a standard Windows Media Player, available on every PC.

Support

Cobra provides in house support for both the data and the video storage customer's networks.

Conclusion

The comprehensive Cobra Data &Video Collection System far exceeds industry specifications and provides an inclusive data and video management system not considered by many users.

The expense of collecting data and video is significant and it is incumbent on the User to make the best possible use of available technology as offered by Cobra Technologies rather than opt for a less viable single user MS Access database which limits user access to the inspection's data and video files.

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For information on this technology, contact Claire Hanson in Atlanta GA Tel 800.443.3761 or make the request by E-mail to clairehanson@cobratec.com

For technical discussions on video compression or storage, contact Alan Grant at Cobra Technologies, in Atlanta GA Tel 800.443.3761 or E-mail to alangrant@cobratec.com.

Alan Grant

National Sales Manager

Cobra Technologies