Weapons Endoscopy methods – ‘perspective’
The idea behind IBoWV is to methodically automate and control the endoscopic inspection of a barrel. The process is based on three basic principles:
- Non-contact measurement process
- Precise position determination
- Non-destructive analysis
The method is based on the automatically controlled superimposition of rotation and feed of the optical sensor to generate an endoscopic video of the inside of the barrel (known as a barrel profile video). On this basis, the following metrological examinations are possible:
Linear Axial Barrel Profile Video (LA-L)
- Video in the direction of the barrel bore
- Rotation-free feed movement
With the linear axial barrel profile video, the viewing angle is directed towards the bore. This makes it possible to detect smaller objects, as well as contamination and corrosion.
The linear axial barrel profile video can be used for single and multi-barrelled bolt-action rifles. In the case of semi-automatic and muzzle-loading rifles, the amount of light available is usually insufficient for the required video quality.
The following video shows an excerpt from an axial barrel profile video. The time is measured from the muzzle and can be calculated back to the X-coordinate using the constant travel speed (not possible here due to the shortened video).
Weapon: DWM 1908, 7×57 Mauser, barrel length 29.3‘, twist length 8.66’
Linear Radial Barrel Profile Video (LR-L)
- Video at an angle of 90° to the barrel bore
- Rotation-free feed movement
- 4 viewing directions after each 90° rotation: 12 – 3 – 6 – 9 o’clock
A 90° mirror directs the view directly onto the inner surface of the barrel. This reveals surface changes caused by corrosion, erosion and discolouration due to deposits and thermal stress. With the LR-L, the inner wall of the barrel is filmed with the weapon in a fixed position.
The linear radial barrel profile video can be used for single-barrel bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles and muzzle-loaders. In the case of fluted or angular barrels, the possibility of automated video generation must be checked on a case-by-case basis.
The following video shows an excerpt from a linear radial barrel profile video. The time is measured from the muzzle and can be calculated back to the X-coordinate using the constant travel speed (not possible here due to the shortened video).
Weapon: DWM 1908, 7×57 Mauser, barrel length 29.3‘, twist length 8.66’
Rotating Radial Barrel Profile Video (RR-L)
- Video at an angle of 90° to the barrel bore
- Superimposition of rotation and feed movement according to twist
- 1 pass per stroke/field pair
A 90° mirror directs the view directly onto the inner surface of the barrel. This reveals surface changes caused by corrosion, erosion and discolouration due to deposits and thermal stress (similar to the linear radial barrel profile video). With the RR-L, the movement of the video head is superimposed with a rotation of the barrel. This creates the impression that the rifling/field pairs run straight. This makes it possible to view the condition of individual rifling/field pairs from the muzzle to the transition cone.
The rotating radial barrel profile video can be used for single-shot bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles and muzzle-loaders with cylindrical barrels. Automated video generation is not possible for fluted or angular barrels.
The following video shows an excerpt from a rotating radial barrel profile video. The time is measured from the muzzle and can be calculated back to the X-coordinate using the constant travel speed (not possible here due to the shortened video).
Weapon: DWM 1908, 7×57 Mauser, barrel length 29.3‘, twist length 8.66’
360° Radial Barrel Profile Video (360R-L)
- Video at 90° to the barrel bore
- Local 360° rotation around the barrel bore
- X-position in the barrel is defined by the customer
The 360° radial barrel profile video allows you to examine defined X positions in more detail in a 360° view. Typical positions include the muzzle, the transition cone, the separation point between the barrel and the system sleeve, the locking mechanism, or any other conspicuous point on the barrel.
The 360° radial barrel profile video can be used for single-shot bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles and muzzle-loaders with cylindrical barrels. Automated video generation is not possible for fluted or angular barrels.
The following barrel profile video shows excerpts from four 360° positions. The X-coordinate is measured from the muzzle.
Weapon: DWM 1908, 7×57 Mauser, barrel length 29.3‘, twist length 8.66’
In order to perform a measurement, the customer’s weapon must be integrated into the measuring stand. The technical design of the measuring stand sets geometrical restrictions within which the weapon must be positioned. Otherwise, integration is not possible or the service cannot be provided in full.
