Enhancing Power Distribution Defect Identification with Video- Based Computer Vision: A Two-Step Defect Detection Method

To maintain a reliable power network, electric utilities regularly inspect transmission and distribution systems to identify defects. Distribution systems have a high density of electric poles that are close to customers’ communities. Traditionally, when performing distribution inspections, field engineers manually observe and record defects while driving through each area. This method is time-consuming, poses safety risks, and requires engineers to be trained to identify various defects. In addition, some small defects can be difficult to spot, leading to many defects remaining undetected. A promising alternative is to use cameras installed in inspection vehicles to record videos while driving. After videos are collected, human reviewers or computer vision techniques can be used to…