Computer-implemented geometric shape monitoring method

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented geometry monitoring method (100). The method comprises:-providing (102) a plurality of measured values (50), each of the plurality of measured values (50) representing a measured position in a three-dimensional reference frame of a point located on the structure to be monitored; -determining (103) a cylindrical coordinate system (r, theta, z) having a vertical axis (19) parallel to the axis of the three-dimensional reference system; -calculating (105) a plurality of discrete points (250) from the measured values (50); -calculating (106) estimated positions (300) of the N vertical edges (13) of the structure to be monitored from the discrete points (250); -calculating (107) estimated positions (400) of N midlines from the estimated positions (300) of the N vertical edges (13), each midline being a midline of the vertical section of the structure to be monitored; and-comparing (108) the distance between the diametrically opposite centerlines with an acceptable range of diameter (D).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented geometry monitoring method for monitoring the geometry of a structural member, in particular a computer-implemented geometry monitoring method for monitoring the geometry of a supporting structural member of a liquefied gas storage device. The structural member to be monitored may more specifically include an integral vertical wall having an integral regular polygon. Background Art

[0002] From document US 8,550,276 B2 a liquefied gas storage device is known, which comprises a vertical wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a plurality of sectors, which are like sectors that are like each other by rotation, and the bottom wall has the shape of a regular polygon, each side of which corresponds to one of the sectors. The advantage of this structural part is that it enables the use of the same elements to produce each sector, thereby reducing the number of different elements to be used. In particular, a large part of the bottom wall is produced by means of rectangular elements with the same size.

[0003] Another type of liquefied gas storage device of this type is known from document WO 2011 / 048300A1. In this document, the device also includes a vertical wall and a bottom wall. The vertical wall includes a plurality of vertical plates. The bottom wall includes a plurality of rectangular parts, which are distributed in sectors, and these sectors are similar parts that are rotated to resemble each other, wherein the edges of the rectangular parts of one of the sectors are respectively parallel and perpendicular to one of the vertical plates in the vertical plates. However, unlike document US 8,550,276 B2, the number of the vertical plates is twice the number of the sectors. For example, the number of vertical plates is selected to be equal to 56. As described in document WO 2011 / 048300A1, for the same storage capacity, having a large number of vertical plates, in particular a large number of vertical plates twice the number of sectors, makes it possible to limit the amount of material required for the production of the supporting structure that must be accommodated by the vertical wall and the bottom wall.

[0004] In both of the above-mentioned documents, the supporting structure is made of concrete, for example. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some aspects of the present invention are based on the following observation: actual support structures have some dimensional differences compared to ideal regular polygons. Such dimensional differences may make the construction of the installation difficult. Therefore, the dimensional differences must not exceed pre-specified tolerances. However, if the support structure is large, manually verifying whether the support structure is within the specified tolerance range may take a considerable amount of time, during which time the construction of the installation cannot be continued because it is not known whether the support structure meets the requirements.

[0006] One concept of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for monitoring the geometry of a structure based on a plurality of measured values, wherein each measured value represents the position in three dimensions of a point on the structure to be monitored.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention proposes a computer-implemented geometric shape monitoring method, which includes:

[0008] - specifying a structural component design, the structural component design representing, for example, a support structure for a liquefied gas storage device, the structural component design having geometric shape attributes and dimensional attributes, the geometric shape attributes including the number of sides N of the polygon, N being an integer greater than or equal to 3, and the dimensional attributes including an acceptable range of diameters;

[0009] - obtaining a plurality of first measurement values, each of the plurality of first measurement values ​​representing a position of a point on the structure to be monitored in a three-dimensional reference system;

[0010] - determining a cylindrical coordinate system having a vertical axis parallel to the axes of said three-dimensional reference system, said vertical axis having a position that minimizes the dispersion of said first measurement values ​​with respect to the radial coordinates of said cylindrical coordinate system;

[0011] - specifying a spatially non-intersecting first sector in a cylindrical coordinate system, the first sector being defined by an azimuthal coordinate increment and an axial coordinate increment in the cylindrical coordinate system;

[0012] - calculating a plurality of first discrete points based on the first measurement value, each first discrete point representing an average position of the structure to be monitored in one of the first sector-shaped portions;

[0013] - calculating the estimated positions of N vertical edges of the structure to be monitored based on the first discrete points;

[0014] - calculating the estimated positions of N center lines based on the estimated positions of the N vertical edges, each center line being a center line of a vertical plate of the structure to be monitored; and

[0015] - Comparing the distance between diametrically opposed centerlines with an acceptable range for the diameter based on the estimated positions of the N centerlines.

[0016] With the geometry monitoring method defined above, the geometry of the support structure can be monitored in an automated manner based on the first measurement value, that is to say without user intervention other than specifying the design of the support structure. Thus, it is easy to monitor the geometry even if the support structure is large in size.

[0017] The number N represents the number of sides of the polygon to be used as the directrix of the vertical wall of the structure to be monitored. If it is met, the vertical wall will be close to the ideal shape, which is composed of N vertical plates separated by N vertical edges and forming a multi-faceted cylindrical surface with a regular polygon with N edges as the directrix. In other words, the acceptable range of diameters can represent the acceptable distance between the respective center lines of two diametrically opposite vertical plates, thereby ensuring sufficient similarity to the ideal shape.

[0018] Implementations of the geometry monitoring method may have one or more of the following features.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the axes of the three-dimensional reference system are parallel to the direction of the Earth's gravity field at the location of the structure to be monitored.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further comprises an acceptable range of radius, and the geometry monitoring method further comprises comparing the distance between the estimated positions of the N centerlines and the vertical axis with the acceptable range of radius.

[0021] In other words, the acceptable range of the radius may represent an acceptable distance between the centerline and the vertical axis to ensure sufficient similarity to the ideal shape.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further comprises an acceptable range of panel width, and the geometry monitoring method further comprises comparing a distance between the estimated positions of two adjacent vertical edges with the acceptable range of panel width.

[0023] In other words, the acceptable range of panel width may represent an acceptable distance between two adjacent vertical edges, thereby ensuring a sufficient resemblance to the ideal shape.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of edge non-verticality, and the geometry monitoring method further includes comparing the distance between the endpoints of each vertical edge perpendicular to the vertical axis of the cylindrical coordinate system with the acceptable range of edge non-verticality.

[0025] In other words, the acceptable range of edge non-verticality may represent an acceptable distance between two end points of a given vertical edge perpendicular to the vertical axis of the structure to be monitored, which ensures sufficient similarity to the ideal shape.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of ovality, and the geometry monitoring method further includes comparing the diameter difference between the inscribed large circle and the circumscribed small circle of the vertical wall of the structure to be monitored with the acceptable range of ovality.

[0027] In other words, the acceptable range of edge non-verticality may represent an acceptable diameter difference between an inscribed large circle on the vertical wall and a circumscribed small circle on the vertical wall, thereby ensuring sufficient similarity to the ideal shape.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of local deformation of the vertical plate, and the geometry monitoring method further includes comparing the local deformation of the structure to be monitored with the acceptable range of local deformation of the vertical plate.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of non-verticality of the vertical plate, and the geometry monitoring method further includes:

[0030] - selecting a subset of first discrete points, in which the azimuth coordinates of the first discrete points are equal to each other;

[0031] - determining radial coordinate differences between said first discrete points in said subset; and

[0032] - comparing the radial coordinate difference with an acceptable range of non-verticality of the vertical plate.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the radial coordinate difference is the radial coordinate difference between a first discrete point of the subassembly having the smallest vertical coordinate and another first discrete point of the subassembly.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of unevenness of the vertical plate, and the geometric shape monitoring method further includes:

[0035] - selecting a first measurement value corresponding to a vertical plate of the structure to be monitored based on the estimated positions of the N vertical edges;

[0036] - Based on the selected first measurement value, a vertical panel unevenness parameter is calculated and the vertical panel unevenness parameter is compared with an acceptable range of vertical panel unevenness.

[0037] The vertical plate unevenness parameter may be calculated for only one or some of the vertical plates of the structure to be monitored, or preferably, for all of the vertical plates of the structure to be monitored.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the geometric shape attribute further includes a planar bottom wall, and the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of unevenness of the bottom wall, and the geometric shape monitoring method further includes:

[0039] - obtaining a plurality of second measurement values, each of the plurality of second measurement values ​​representing the position of a point located on the bottom wall of the structure to be monitored in the three-dimensional reference system;

[0040] - associating the second measurement with a Cartesian coordinate system having a first axis, a second axis and a third axis that are perpendicular to each other, the third axis coinciding with the vertical axis of the cylindrical coordinate system;

[0041] - specifying a spatially non-intersecting second sector in the Cartesian coordinate system, the second sector being defined by coordinate increments along the first axis and the second axis of the Cartesian coordinate system;

[0042] - calculating a plurality of second discrete points based on the second measurement value, each second discrete point representing an average position of the bottom wall of the structural component to be monitored in one of the second sector-shaped portions;

[0043] - calculating a parameter of the unevenness of the bottom wall based on the second discrete points, and comparing the parameter of the unevenness of the bottom wall with an acceptable range of the unevenness of the bottom wall.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of local deformation of the bottom wall, and the geometry monitoring method further includes comparing the local deformation of the bottom wall of the structure to be monitored with the acceptable range of local deformation of the bottom wall.

[0045] According to one embodiment, N is an even number, and more specifically, N is an even number between 8 and 56, even more specifically, N=8 or N=56.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the geometry monitoring method further comprises a generating step comprising generating a visual representation of the results of at least one or all or some of the comparisons.

[0047] For example, such a visual representation may be displayed to a user or stored for subsequent display to a user. This enables the user to access information that may be used to decide on corrective action to be taken with respect to the vertical wall and / or the bottom wall of the structure to be monitored.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the geometry monitoring method further comprises a display step, which comprises displaying the visual representation for a user on a display device.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the geometric shape monitoring method further comprises the following step: assigning a compliance judgment to the structure to be monitored, wherein the compliance judgment is selected between compliance and non-compliance.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the plurality of first measurement values ​​are derived from measurement values ​​acquired by a measuring instrument in the structure to be monitored.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the measuring instrument comprises a laser detection and distance measuring device arranged in the inner space of the structure to be monitored.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the present invention further provides a computer program, wherein the computer program comprises instructions, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the instructions enable the computer to execute any embodiment of the above-mentioned geometry monitoring method.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the present invention further provides a computer-readable data medium on which the computer program is stored.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a geometry monitoring device, which includes at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory contains a computer program. In the device, the at least one memory and the computer program are configured so that any embodiment of the above-mentioned geometry monitoring method is executed by the geometry monitoring device using the at least one processor.

[0055] The measured values ​​can be provided to the computer program and the geometry monitoring device in various ways. According to one embodiment, the geometry monitoring device comprises a measuring instrument as described above, which is configured to store a plurality of first measured values ​​and, where applicable, a plurality of second measured values ​​in a memory of the geometry monitoring device. According to another embodiment, the geometry monitoring device is configured to receive the plurality of first measured values ​​and, where applicable, a plurality of second measured values ​​on a data medium or via a network interface.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a compliance monitoring method for monitoring the geometric conformity of a structure to be monitored, the compliance monitoring method comprising:

[0057] - an acquisition step, the acquisition step comprising acquiring a plurality of measurement values, each of the plurality of measurement values ​​representing the position in three dimensions of a measured point located on the structure to be monitored; and

[0058] - Using any of the embodiments of the geometry monitoring method described above.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the acquisition step is performed in a plurality of sub-steps, and in each sub-step, the laser detection and distance measurement device is arranged at a different position in the inner space of the structure to be monitored.

[0060] According to one embodiment, during the acquisition step, the measured values ​​are correlated with measured values ​​of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field at the location of the structure to be monitored.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the structure to be monitored is a supporting structure for a liquefied gas storage device.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the structure to be monitored is made of concrete.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the liquefied gas storage device is intended to be installed on land. In this case, the structure to be monitored can be made of concrete.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the liquefied gas storage device is intended to be installed on a floating structure, such as a ship. In this case, the structure to be monitored may be part of a catamaran of the floating structure.

[0065] In one embodiment, the liquefied gas is LNG, i.e. a mixture of high methane content stored at a temperature of about -162°C at atmospheric pressure. Other liquefied gases, in particular ethane, propane, butane or ethylene, may also be envisioned. The liquefied gas may also be stored under pressure, for example at a relative pressure between 2 bar and 20 bar, in particular at a relative pressure close to 2 bar. Various techniques may be used to manufacture the tank, in particular in the form of an integrated membrane tank or a self-supporting tank. The vertical walls of the tank may be obtained in particular by juxtaposing vertical rows of planar insulating wall modules and vertical rows of corner insulating wall modules, as described, for example, in International Application No. PCT / EP2022 / 057845 (published as WO2022 / 200536A1), or in International Application No. PCT / EP2022 / 057848 (published as WO2022 / 200539A1). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the course of the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting illustrative example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 The shape of a polygonal support structure for a liquefied gas storage device is shown in cross section perpendicular to its vertical axis.

[0068] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 The principle of uneven vertical supporting plates of the supporting structure.

[0069] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation of Figure 1 A block diagram of the steps in a method of monitoring compliance of a support structure.

[0070] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the interior space of a support structure, which depicts the measurement acquisition steps performed in the support structure.

[0071] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram depicting, by way of explanation, a Cartesian reference frame in which the measurements obtained in the acquisition step are represented.

[0072] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a support structure depicting the various dimensional properties of the support structure.

[0073] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a support structure depicting the ovalization parameters of the support structure in an explanatory manner.

[0074] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram depicting the edge non-vertical parameters of the supporting structure in an explanatory manner.

[0075] [ Fig. 9A ] Fig. 9A It is a combination Fig. 9B Depicted in an explanatory manner for use in Fig.10 Schematic representation of the principle of the calculation step expressing the coordinates of the measurement values ​​obtained during the acquisition step in a cylindrical reference system.

[0076] [ Fig. 9B ] Fig. 9B It is a combination Fig. 9A Depicted in an explanatory manner for use in Fig.10 Schematic representation of the principle of the calculation step expressing the coordinates of the measurement values ​​obtained during the acquisition step in a cylindrical reference system.

[0077] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram depicting, by way of explanation, a cylindrical reference system for expressing the coordinates of the measurements obtained in the acquisition step.

[0078] [ Fig.11A] Fig.11A It is a combination Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C A schematic diagram of the discretization principle of the vertical supporting wall measurements is depicted in an explanatory manner.

[0079] [ Fig. 11B ] Fig. 11B It is a combination Fig.11A and Fig. 11C A schematic diagram of the discretization principle of the vertical supporting wall measurements is depicted in an explanatory manner.

[0080] [ Fig. 11C ] Fig. 11C It is a combination Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A schematic diagram of the discretization principle of the vertical supporting wall measurements is depicted in an explanatory manner.

[0081] [ Fig.12 ] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram depicting by way of explanation the calculation principle of the estimated positions of the vertical edges and the center line of the vertical panels of the vertical supporting wall.

[0082] [ Fig.13A ] Fig.13A is similar to Figure 1 and Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a vertical supporting wall, which depicts in an explanatory manner the principle of monitoring by calculating various parameters of the vertical supporting wall.

[0083] [ Fig. 13B ] Fig. 13B is a schematic diagram depicting in an explanatory manner the principle of monitoring by calculating the local deformation of a vertical supporting wall.

[0084] [ Fig. 13C ] Fig. 13C is a schematic diagram depicting, by way of explanation, the principle of monitoring by calculating the verticality of a vertical supporting wall.

[0085] [ Fig.14 ] Fig.14 It is described in an explanatory way. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the discretization principle of the measurements of the bottom supporting wall as seen in FIG.

[0086] [ Fig.15A ] Fig.15A is a diagram depicting the roughness parameters of the bottom support wall in an explanatory manner.

[0087] [ Fig. 15B ] Fig. 15B is a diagram depicting another roughness parameter of the bottom support wall by way of explanation.

[0088] [ Fig.16 ] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram depicting the principle of monitoring by calculating the local deformation of the bottom supporting wall in an explanatory manner.

[0089] [ Fig.17 ] Fig.17 It is used to realize Figure 3 Functional block diagram of a geometry monitoring device in a compliance monitoring method.

[0090] [ Fig.18 ] Fig.18 is a schematic diagram depicting in an explanatory manner the principle of monitoring by calculating the roughness parameters of a vertical supporting wall.

[0091] [ Fig.19 ] Fig.19 is a schematic diagram depicting, by way of explanation, marking lines that can be used to position an insulation wall module on a vertical support wall.

[0092] [ Fig. 20 ] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram depicting, by way of explanation, marking lines that may be used to position an insulating block on a bottom support wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] As mentioned above, the present invention relates to the production of a liquefied gas storage device, which is indicated by reference numeral 1 in the following description.

[0094] According to a variant, the device 1 is suitable for storing liquefied gases, in particular liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other liquefied gases at a temperature of about -162° C. and at atmospheric pressure.

[0095] First, the support structure 10 is described. The support structure 10 includes at least one support wall that defines a cavity intended to receive the sealed can 20. In one embodiment, the main support wall 12 has a nearly cylindrical geometry surrounding the cavity. Such a main support wall 12 can also be closed by another support wall at one end in at least the direction of the directrix. In one embodiment, such a main support wall 12 can extend between the bottom support wall and the cover support wall.

[0096] The device 1 can be designed to be located on land. The main support wall 12 is usually vertical, that is, it is located on a plane parallel to the direction of the acceleration caused by gravity within the dimensional tolerance. The support structure 10 is made of concrete, for example. In a manner not shown in the figure, the bottom support wall can be located at the ground level or may be located below the ground level. In a manner not shown in the figure, the support structure 10 includes a cover support wall at the edge of the main support wall 12 opposite to the bottom support wall, which closes the internal space 11 defined by the bottom support wall and the vertical support wall 12. The cover support wall can support various devices that can be used to transport liquid products from the internal space 11 or to transport liquid products to the internal space 11. The bottom support wall and / or the cover support wall can be, for example, planar. However, the bottom support wall and the cover support wall can also be other shapes, in particular, the bottom support wall and the cover support wall can be spherical dome shapes.

[0097] Alternatively, the device 1 may be designed to be mounted on a floating structure such as a ship. In this case, the support structure 10 is part of the double hull of the floating structure. The main support wall 12 may be non-vertical and even have a directrix in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the acceleration due to gravity when the floating structure is stationary.

[0098] In the following, we will more specifically consider the case where the device 1 is located on land, in which the main support wall 12 is vertical. Therefore, it will be referred to as a vertical support wall 12. However, it should be noted that the following description applies to any orientation of the main support wall 12 relative to the direction of the acceleration due to gravity.

[0099] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of the support structure 10 in a cross section perpendicular to the vertical axis 9 of the vertical support wall 12. Figure 1 The vertical support wall 12 is formed as a polygonal cylindrical surface and is usually constructed using civil engineering techniques. Therefore, the vertical support wall 12 has vertical plates 14 separated from each other by edges 13.

[0100] Sealed tank 20 (in Figure 1 The tank 20 is designed to be installed in the inner space 11 of the support structure 10. The tank 20 includes a vertical peripheral wall 22 that is designed to face the vertical support wall 12. In a manner not shown in the figure, the tank 20 also includes a bottom wall facing the bottom support wall and a cover wall facing the cover support wall.

[0101] The vertical peripheral wall 22 can be formed by a vertical row of planar insulating wall modules and a vertical row of corner insulating wall modules, such as described in International Application No. PCT / EP2022 / 057845 (published as WO2022 / 200536A1) or International Application No. PCT / EP2022 / 057848 (published as WO2022 / 200539A1). The bottom wall may include a plurality of angular sectors that are like parts that are rotated to resemble each other, such as described in WO2022 / 200536A1 or WO2022 / 200539A1.

[0102] The position and orientation of the vertical plate 14 may deviate from the expected regular polygon in size. Figure 2 As schematically shown in the figure, each vertical plate 14 may have dimensional deviations relative to the planar ideal shape 14P. These dimensional deviations may be caused, for example, by dimensional tolerances in the concrete structure. Such dimensional differences may make the construction of the device 1 difficult. Therefore, the dimensional differences must not exceed the pre-specified tolerances. However, if the dimensions of the support structure 10 are large, manually verifying whether the support structure 10 is within the specified tolerance range may take a considerable amount of time, during which time it is impossible to continue to build the device 1 because it is not known whether the support structure 10 meets the requirements.

[0103] See below Figures 3 to 16 A compliance monitoring method 1000 (hereinafter referred to as "method 1000" for convenience) for monitoring the geometric compliance of a support structure 1 relative to a given design is described.

[0104] In the first step 1001 of the method 1000 (see Figure 3 ), a support structure 1 has been constructed, and a plurality of measurements 50 are obtained (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). Each measurement value 50 represents the position of a point located on the vertical support wall 12 in three dimensions. In theory, each measurement value 50 can be obtained by any suitable detection and ranging technology. However, it is particularly advantageous to obtain the measurement value 50 by a laser detection and ranging (lidar) device 91 arranged in the interior space 11. The working principle of such a device 1 is known per se and is therefore not described in detail here.

[0105] In a very simple variant, in which the device 91 is arranged at a single point in the interior space 11 , the acquisition step 1001 is performed only once.

[0106] However, it is preferred that the acquisition step 1001 is performed in a plurality of sub-steps, in each of which the device 91 is arranged at a different position in the interior space 11. This allows acquisition with a satisfactory resolution for all vertical support walls 12. Of course, in this case, the measurements 50 obtained in each sub-step are post-processed so that they are all represented in the same spatial reference system.

[0107] In any case, after the acquisition step 1001, a large number of measurement values ​​50 can be obtained, and these measurement values ​​50 are expressed in the same spatial reference system. Figure 5 The measured values ​​50 are schematically represented in the same orthogonal Cartesian reference system (x 1 ,y 1 , z 1 ) indicates that its origin A 1 is arbitrarily fixed. The third coordinate z 1 Preferably, the direction G is in accordance with the local earth gravity field (i.e. the direction G of the earth gravity field at the location of the support structure 10) (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) corresponds exactly to the axis. The direction G of the local Earth gravity field can be acquired during step 1001 by a suitable sensor 92 (for example a sensor integrated into the device 91) (see Figure 4 ).although Figure 4 and Figure 5 Only a few measurements 50 are shown by way of explanation, but the result of the acquisition step 1001 may include a very large number of measurements 50, for example, the inner dimensions 10 of the support structure 10 1 In the case of meters, it can contain 10 7 to 10 9 The number of measured values ​​50 is of the order of magnitude. As is known, the number of measured values ​​50 depends on the scanning parameters of the device 91 and the number of sub-steps of the acquisition step 1001 .

[0108] After the acquisition step 1001, there is a geometry monitoring method 100 (hereinafter referred to as "method 100"), the steps of which are as follows. According to one embodiment, the geometry monitoring method 100 is implemented by a computer executing an appropriate computer program. However, the method 100 can be implemented by any suitable combination of hardware and software, including in a distributed information processing environment.

[0109] The method 100 comprises a first step 101 which consists in specifying a design to be compared with the support structure 10 .

[0110] The number of sides N of the polygon used as the directrix of the vertical support wall 12 is specified in the design. N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. For example, N is an even number. More specifically, N is an even number, for example, between 8 and 56. In one specific embodiment depicted in the figure, N is equal to 8. In another specific embodiment, N is equal to 56.

[0111] Hereinafter, radius Q, diameter D, plate width W, ovality OV and edge non-verticality NV are physical quantities of the support structure 10. The design has dimensional properties, in particular a range of acceptable values ​​for each of these quantities. Figures 6 to 8 These quantities are depicted in the support structure 10 .

[0112] Figure 6 The radius Q and diameter D are depicted in an explanatory manner. Figure 1 Same, Figure 6 is a view of the support structure 10 in a section perpendicular to the vertical axis of the vertical support wall 12. Figure 6 Each vertical plate 14 can be connected with a vertical plate 14 located at Figure 6 The radius Q is the distance between the midpoint 14A in this cross-sectional plane and the vertical axis 9. The diameter D is the distance between the midpoints 14A of two diametrically opposed vertical plates 14.

[0113] Figure 6 The panel width W is also depicted by way of explanation. Considering the vertical panel 14, the panel width W associated with this vertical panel is Figure 6 The distance between two vertical edges 13 defining a plate 14 in the cross-sectional plane.

[0114] Figure 7 The ellipticity OV is depicted in an explanatory manner. Figure 1 and Figure 6 Same, Figure 7 is a view of the support structure 10 in a section perpendicular to the vertical axis 9. Given Figure 7 The actual profile 12R of the vertical support wall 12 in the cross-sectional plane can define an inscribed large circle IC and an circumscribed small circle CC in the actual profile 12R. The inscribed large circle IC has a diameter D_inner, and the circumscribed small circle CC has a diameter D_outer. The ovality OV is the difference between these two diameters, that is, OV = D_outer - D_inner.

[0115] Figure 8 The edge non-verticality NV is depicted in an explanatory manner. Figure 8 The two vertical plates 14 ( Figure 8Schematic front view of edge 13 separated by 13-2 (not shown). Given two end points 13-1 and 13-2 of edge 13, edge non-verticality NV is the absolute value of the distance between end points 13-1 and 13-2 perpendicular to vertical axis 9. End points 13-1 and 13-2 of vertical support wall 12 may be points on edge 13 in two spaced reference planes parallel to vertical axis 9.

[0116] The acceptable range for each of the quantities mentioned above can be specified in the form of a numerical range. Alternatively, the acceptable range can be specified in the form of a reference value V and a tolerance T relative to this reference value V; the acceptable range is then the interval between VT and V+T, which is open, closed or semi-closed, depending on the requirements of the implementation. When the reference value V is a non-zero value, the tolerance T can in particular be specified in the form of a percentage of V. For the diameter D, the radius Q and the plate width W, the reference value is a non-zero value pre-specified given the required proportions and dimensions of the support structure 10, and the tolerance is a non-zero value pre-specified given the acceptable tolerances of these required proportions and dimensions of the support structure 10. For the ovality OV and the edge non-verticality NV, the reference value is zero and the tolerance is a pre-specified non-zero value.

[0117] The geometrical and / or dimensional properties of the design may be specified by the user, for example, the geometrical and / or dimensional properties of the design may be specified by the user through a computer-implemented user interface. Alternatively, the design may also be specified in advance in the form of a parameter file, which the user may edit. The acceptable range is advantageously editable by the user. In particular, when the tolerance is specified in the form of a percentage as mentioned above, the percentage is advantageously editable by the user. This enables the user to perform a stricter or looser monitoring of the conformity of the support structure 10 to be modified by modifying the percentage. A looser monitoring will use a lower percentage, for example advantageously 10%, 5% or 3%, which is equivalent to accepting a difference of 10% or less, 5% or less, or 3% or less relative to the reference value. A stricter monitoring will use a higher percentage, for example advantageously 15%, 20% or 25%, which is equivalent to accepting a difference of 15% or less, 20% or less, or 25% or less relative to the reference value. Regardless, for each of the above mentioned quantities, the acceptable range specifies the acceptable difference between the design and the support structure 10 to be monitored.

[0118] The method 100 further comprises a step 102, in which the measurement values ​​50 of the support structure 10 to be monitored are provided. Specifically, the measurement values ​​50 are provided in the form of a computer file on a data medium or via a network interface. For example, the computer file is provided in a .pts file format well known in the field of laser detection and ranging equipment.

[0119] The method 100 further comprises a step 103 in which a cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z) is determined based on the measured values ​​50 .

[0120] As is known to all, defining a cylindrical coordinate system requires defining a vertical axis and polar coordinates r, θ perpendicular to the vertical axis, along which coordinate z is measured. Therefore, when implementing step 103, the vertical axis along which coordinate z is measured first needs to be defined.

[0121] For this purpose, the Cartesian orthogonal reference system (x 1 ,y 1 , z 1 ) is defined as its vertical axis Z 1 Parallel to the direction G of the local earth gravity field. The vertical axis 19 of the cylindrical coordinate system is chosen to be parallel to the vertical axis Z 1 Obviously, the vertical axis 19 is therefore parallel or almost parallel to the vertical axis 9 of the support structure 10 to be monitored.

[0122] Furthermore, the position of the vertical axis 19 minimizes the dispersion of the radial coordinate r of the measured values ​​50. Obviously, the vertical axis 19 is therefore very close to the vertical axis 9 of the support structure 10 to be monitored. Furthermore, as described in detail below, the edge 13 is therefore exactly where the maximum of the radial coordinate r is located.

[0123] Various mathematical methods are suitable for finding the position of the vertical axis 19 so as to minimize the dispersion of the radial coordinates r of the measured values ​​50. Fig. 9A In a simple implementation schematically shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality (here four) of subsets T of the measured values ​​50 are selected. 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T 4 , subset T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T 4 From the vertical coordinate z 1 The increment Δz 1 Define, and for every subset T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T 4 , perpendicular to the vertical axis Z 1 The relevant interpolation circle C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C 4 Calculate (see Fig. 9B ), then circle C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , C4 The vertical axis 19 is defined as passing through the center of gravity C and parallel to the vertical axis Z. 1 parallel.

[0124] Then, using known mathematical relationships, the Cartesian coordinates (x 1 ,y 1 , z 1 )(See Figure 5 ) into cylindrical coordinates (r, θ, z) (see Fig.10 ). The direction of θ=0° can be chosen arbitrarily or can also be chosen based on a marking on one of the plates 14 or the position of a preselected structural element on one of the plates 14. Preferably, the positive direction of the vertical axis 19 is chosen to be opposite to the direction of the acceleration due to the earth's gravity.

[0125] The method 100 further comprises a step 104 in which a spatially non-intersecting sector 200 is specified in a cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z) (see Fig. 11C Specifically, these sectors 200 are divided by increments δθ of the coordinate θ (see Fig.11A and Fig. 11C ) and the increment of coordinate z δz (see Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C )limited.

[0126] As with the numerical values ​​of the design described above with reference to step 101, the increments δθ and δz may be specified by the user, for example, the increments δθ and δz may be specified by the user via a user interface implemented by a computer. Alternatively, the design may be specified in advance in the form of a parameter file, which the user may edit. The increments δθ and δz may be determined by knowing the reference value Q of the radius Q described above. 0 For example, the increments δθ and δz may be specified so that the surface area of ​​the vertical support wall 12 contained in a given sector 200 is between 1 cm 2 and 10cm 2 between.

[0127] The method 100 further comprises a step 105 in which the discrete points 250 are calculated based on the measured values ​​50. Fig. 11C In the diagram, one of the points is represented. More specifically, for each sector 200, a discrete point 250 is calculated. Each sector 200 is associated with a series of cylindrical coordinates {θ±δθ / 2, Z±δz / 2}. The discrete point 250 is the center of the sector 200. Its cylindrical coordinates are {R, θ, Z}, where R is the average value of the coordinates r of all the measurements 50 located in the sector 200.

[0128] The method 100 further comprises a step 106 in which estimated positions 300 of the N vertical edges 13 are calculated based on the discrete points 250 calculated in step 105 .

[0129] This calculation can be carried out in various ways. The calculation advantageously comprises finding a set of N vertical straight line segments 13, thanks to the known reference value W of the plate width W as described above. 0 , these straight line segments are spaced approximately W apart 0 , and their positions correspond to the N local maxima of r.

[0130] Reference Fig.12 , the principle of this calculation can be better understood. In this figure, several discrete points 250 calculated in step 105 and the estimated positions 300 of N vertical edges 13 are represented very schematically in a cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z). The calculation consists in finding the positions of a set of N vertical straight line segments 300, which are subject to the following two constraints:

[0131] - (i) each of the N straight line segments 300 is close enough to r as a local maximum of the function of θ;

[0132] - (ii) each straight line segment 300 is spaced apart from the adjacent straight line segment 300 by a distance perpendicular to the vertical axis 19 of the cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z) contained in the range [W 0 -W 2 ; W 0 +W 2 ], where W 2 Is a non-zero value.

[0133] It should be noted that W 2 Not necessarily equal to W 0 ; on the contrary, for example, W 2 It may be chosen to be equal to 2.5 or 3.0 times the tolerance. Criterion (ii) can then prevent a local pressure drop on one of the vertical plates 14 from being mistakenly regarded as a vertical edge 13. It should also be noted that the straight line segment 300 does not necessarily pass through the discrete point 250, and may not even pass through any discrete point 250.

[0134] In any case, after step 106, the estimated position 300 of the vertical edge 13 can be obtained. The method 100 further comprises step 107, in which the estimated positions of the N center lines 500 of the vertical plate 14 of the support structure 10 to be monitored are calculated based on the estimated position 300 of the vertical edge 13. In one embodiment, still referring to Fig.12, this step 107 comprises calculating the position of a point 400 which is perpendicularly equidistant from the vertical axis 19 of the straight line segment 300. In order to simplify the calculation, the position of the point 400 is preferably calculated at the same coordinate z as the discrete point 250. If it turns out that the coordinate z of the point 400 is not consistent with the discrete point 250, the coordinate r of the point 400 is calculated by interpolation based on the coordinates of the adjacent discrete points 250 (for example, by linear interpolation). The position of the center line 500 is then calculated by interpolation based on the position of the point 400.

[0135] The method 100 further comprises step 108, in which the distance between the diametrically opposed center lines is compared with an acceptable range of diameter D based on the estimated position of the center line calculated in step 107. Fig.13A , the calculation may include calculating the distance D between two diametrically opposed points 400 located in the same vertical plane (in other words, located at the same coordinate z). c Calculate and calculate the distance D c The diameter D is monitored within the acceptable range.

[0136] Some or all of the comparisons listed below may be implemented in step 108 with equal ease.

[0137] It is worth noting that referring to Fig.13A , based on the estimated position of the center line 500 calculated in step 107, more specifically the position of the point 400, the distance Q between the vertical axis 19 and each of the N points 400 is calculated as c Compare with the acceptable range of radius Q.

[0138] In addition, still refer to Fig.13A The distances between the estimated positions 300 of the vertical edges 13 calculated in step 106 are calculated and these distances are compared with the acceptable range of the panel width W.

[0139] In addition, back to Figure 7 , calculate the position and diameter D_inner, D_outer of the inscribed large circle IC and the circumscribed small circle CC, calculate the ellipticity value OV=D_outer-D_inner, and compare the calculated value with the acceptable range of the ellipticity OV.

[0140] In addition, based on the straight line 300 calculated in step 106, the positions of the two endpoints located on the straight line segment 300 are calculated, the absolute value of the NV between the two endpoints perpendicular to the vertical axis 19 is calculated, and the NV is compared with the acceptable range of edge non-verticality.

[0141] Furthermore, the local deformation of the vertical support plate 14 is compared with the acceptable range of local deformation of the vertical support plate 14 pre-specified in step 101. Fig. 13B This comparison is described in more detail. Based on all the measurements 50 contained in the sector 200, a local interpolation plane 600 for a given sector 200 is calculated. This plane 600 is then associated with an orthogonal local Cartesian reference system (a, b, c), which is defined as follows: axis (c) is perpendicular to the plane 600, axis (b) is parallel to the vertical axis 19 of the cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z), and axis (a) is orthogonal to axis (b) and axis (c). The coordinates of the measurements 50 are then represented in this local Cartesian reference system (a, b, c) using known mathematical relationships.

[0142] Then, after the value σa is specified, the sector 200 is searched for the measurement value 50 whose coordinate (a) is included in the interval of the width σa (see Fig. 13B ); among these measurements 50, find the two measurements 50 that are the farthest from the plane 600 perpendicular to the axis (c), one in the positive direction of the axis (c) and the other in the negative direction of the axis (c); calculate the difference σc between the coordinates of these two measurements 50 along the axis (c); compare this difference σc with the acceptable range of local deformation. This process is repeated until the sectors 200 are exhausted, with the intervals of width σa being offset each time by a fixed increment; in other words, the intervals of width σa are used as sliding windows, which can be of any width along the axis (b) of the local Cartesian reference (a, b, c). The above operation is repeated for each sector 200.

[0143] In addition, the radial coordinate difference between all discrete points 250 having the same azimuth coordinate θ and the lowest azimuth coordinate θ therein is calculated, and the difference is compared with the acceptable range of non-verticality of the vertical support plate 14 previously specified in step 101. Fig. 13C This comparison is described in more detail. Among all discrete points 250 having a given coordinate Θ, the radial coordinate Rb of the discrete point 250b having the minimum coordinate Zb along the vertical axis 19 is obtained. Thereafter, the radial coordinate difference ΔR=R-Rb of each discrete point 250 having the same coordinate Θ is calculated, and ΔR is compared with the acceptable range of non-verticality of the vertical support plate 14. The above operation is repeated for each coordinate Θ between 0° and 360°.

[0144] Alternatively, the difference ΔR may be calculated for some discrete points 250 having given coordinates θ. Alternatively, the difference ΔR may be calculated only for some discrete points 250 having coordinates Z included in one or more given ranges. This may enable the non-verticality of the vertical support plate 14 to be assessed over a specific region thereof and / or prevent the assessment of the non-verticality of the vertical support plate 14 from being distorted by the connection between the bottom support wall 15 and the vertical support plate 14, especially when the connection is in the form of a chamfer. Alternatively, the radial coordinate difference ΔR may be calculated using the radial coordinates of the discrete points 250 other than the discrete point 250b.

[0145] The method 100 may optionally include a step 109 of generating at least one visual representation of the conformity of the support structure member based on the results of the monitoring performed in step 108. For example, the visual representation may include or consist of a graphic indicating by color the areas of the vertical support wall 12 where the various parameters calculated in step 108 do not fall within the acceptable range specified in step 101. To this end, more specifically, for each sector 200 of the vertical support wall 12 and each parameter calculated in step 108, a Boolean variable is calculated, taking the value NO (indicating non-conformity) if the parameter does not fall within the relevant acceptable range specified in step 101, and YES (indicating conformity) otherwise. Additionally or alternatively, the visual representation may include or consist of a graphic indicating by color the various parameters calculated in step 108 by the graphical representation of the vertical support wall 12.

[0146] In step 1010 of the method 1000, one or more visual representations generated in step 109 may be displayed to the user, which provides the user with information that can be used to decide on corrective measures to be taken for the vertical support wall 12. The method may also generate a compliance determination, such as a Boolean variable, selected from compliance and non-compliance. In one example, if the percentage of non-compliant sectors 200 of the vertical support wall 12 is less than a predetermined percentage, the Boolean variable may take the value YES (indicating compliance), otherwise it takes the value NO (indicating non-compliance).

[0147] So far, only the monitoring of the geometry of the vertical support wall 12 has been described. However, as mentioned above, the support structure 10 may also include a bottom support wall. A variation of the method 100 is described below, which is applicable to the bottom support wall 15 (see Figure 4 ) is the case of a plane.

[0148] In this variant, in the acquisition step 1001, the device 91 also acquires a plurality of measured values ​​51 (see Figure 4), wherein each measurement value 51 represents the position in three dimensions of a point measured on the bottom support wall 15 of the support structure 10 to be monitored. In step 102, these measurement values ​​51 are provided simultaneously with the measurement values ​​50.

[0149] Same as the measured value 50, in the orthogonal Cartesian reference system (x 1 ,y 1 , z 1 ) indicates the measured value 51.

[0150] In step 103, the measured value 51 is converted to the Cartesian reference system (x 1 ,y 1 , z 1 )(See Figure 5 ) is converted into Cartesian coordinates in a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z), the vertical axis z of which coincides with the vertical axis 19 of the cylindrical coordinate system of the measurement value 50.

[0151] In step 104, spatially non-intersecting sectors 201 are further specified in the Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z). Specifically, these sectors 201 are defined by increments δx of the coordinate x and δy of the coordinate y (see Fig.14 ). As with the numerical values ​​of the design described above with reference to step 101, the increments δx and δy may be specified by the user, for example, the increments δx and δy may be specified by the user via a user interface implemented by a computer. Alternatively, the design may be specified in advance in the form of a parameter file, which the user may edit. Since the reference value Q of the radius Q described above is known 0 , so the increments δx and δy can be pre-specified. For example, the increments δx and δy can be specified so that the surface area of ​​the bottom support wall 15 contained in a given sector 201 is between 5 cm 2 and 50cm 2 In step 105, still refer to Fig.14 , a discrete point 251 is calculated for each sector 201. Each sector 201 is associated with a series of Cartesian coordinates {X±δx / 2, Y±δx / 2}. The discrete point 251 is the center of the sector 201. Its Cartesian coordinates are {X, Y, Z}, where Z is the average of the coordinates z of all measurements 51 located in the sector 201.

[0152] In step 108, the dispersion Δz of the measured values ​​51 along the vertical axis z is calculated; in other words, the difference between the highest coordinate z and the lowest coordinate z of the measured values ​​51 is calculated. Fig.15A , Fig.15A1 is a graph showing the statistical distribution of the coordinate z of the measurement value 51 in one example. It is obvious that the higher Δz is, the higher the highest roughness of the bottom support wall 15 is. Therefore, Δz is a parameter that quantifies the unevenness of the bottom support wall 15. Still in step 108, Δz is compared with the acceptable range of the unevenness of the bottom support wall 15 pre-specified in step 101.

[0153] In step 108, a global interpolation plane 601 (see Fig. 15B ) is calculated. Then two measurement values ​​51 parallel to the vertical axis z and farthest from the plane 601 are found, one in the positive direction of the vertical axis z and the other in the negative direction of the axis z, and the difference Δd between the coordinates z of these two measurement values ​​51 is calculated. Fig. 15B , Fig. 15B is a graph showing the statistical distribution of the coordinate z of the measurement value 51 in another example, and it is clear that in this case, Δd quantifies the unevenness of the bottom support wall 15 in a different way than Δz. Still in step 108, Δd is compared with an acceptable range of unevenness of the bottom support wall 15, which range may be the same as or different from the range for which Δz is compared.

[0154] Alternatively, only one of the dispersions Δz or Δd may be calculated.

[0155] Advantageously, the dispersion Δz can be calculated based only on the measurements 51 that are sufficiently far from the vertical support plate 14. More specifically, since the reference value Q of the radius Q is known in advance 0 , so we can exclude from the calculation of the discreteness Δz the cylindrical coordinates r satisfying r>R 0 -R 2 The measured value is 51, where R 2 is a predetermined threshold value. The same advantageously also applies to the dispersion Δd. This prevents the evaluation of the unevenness of the bottom support wall 15 taking into account the connection between the bottom support wall 15 and the vertical support plate 14, in particular when the connection is in the form of a chamfer.

[0156] In step 108, a similar comparison with the acceptable range of unevenness of the vertical support plate 14 can also be performed. All the measured values ​​50 corresponding to a given vertical support plate 14 are selected from the estimated positions 300 of the vertical edges 13 calculated in step 106, and a global interpolation plane 701 is calculated based on the selected measured values ​​50 (see Fig.18 ). Please note that the global interpolation plane 701 is not necessarily parallel to Fig. 13BThe local interpolation plane 600 shown in . Then, the global interpolation plane 701 is associated with an orthogonal Cartesian label (i, j, k), which is defined in the following way: axis (k) is orthogonal to plane 701, and axes (i) and (j) are contained in plane 701. Still referring to Fig.18 , among the measurements 50 used for calculating the plane 701, two measurements 50 are found that are parallel to the axis (k) and farthest from the plane 701, one in the positive direction of the axis (k) and the other in the negative direction of the axis (k), and the difference Δk between the coordinates k of these two measurements 50 is calculated. Still in step 108, Δk is compared with the acceptable range of unevenness of the vertical support plate 14 pre-specified in step 101. Obviously, in a similar way to Δd, Δk quantifies the unevenness of the vertical support plate 14. In addition, it is obvious that Δk can be calculated for one, some or all of the vertical support plates 14 and compared with the acceptable range of unevenness of the vertical support plate 14.

[0157] The global interpolation plane 601 can be used to monitor the local deformation of the bottom support wall 15, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 For a given sector 201, a value σx is assigned, and a measurement 51 is sought whose coordinate x is contained in an interval of width σx (see Fig.16 ); among these measurements 51 in the sector 201, two measurements 51 are found that are parallel to the vertical axis z and are farthest from the plane 601, one in the positive direction of the vertical axis z and the other in the negative direction of the axis z, the difference σz between the coordinates of these two measurements 51 along the vertical axis z is calculated, and this difference σz is compared with the acceptable range of local deformation of the bottom wall pre-specified in step 101. This process is repeated until the sectors 201 are exhausted, each time moving the interval of width σx by a fixed increment; in other words, the interval of width σx is used as a sliding window, whose width can be any width along the y axis of the Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z). The above operation is repeated for each sector 201. Alternatively, the two measurements 51 used to calculate σz can be the two measurements farthest from the local interpolation plane calculated based on all the measurements 51 contained in the sector 201. Please note that this local interpolation plane is not necessarily parallel to the global interpolation plane 601.

[0158] The principles described above for the planar bottom support wall 15 are also applicable to the planar cover wall of the support structure 10 .

[0159] The geometry monitoring method described above can be applied to any civil engineering structure or any welded structure that must be built to a specified design.

[0160] As mentioned above, the vertical peripheral wall 22 can be formed by a vertical row of planar insulation wall modules and a vertical row of corner insulation wall modules, as described in WO2022 / 200536A1 or WO2022 / 200539A1. As described in these documents, knowing the position of the N vertical edges 13 in three dimensions enables a vertical marking line to be drawn on the vertical support plate 14, which can be used to locate the vertical row of planar insulation wall modules and the vertical row of corner insulation wall modules on the vertical support plate 14. Fig.19 In FIG. 1 , such vertical marking lines 800 and orthogonal marking lines 825 of the vertical support plate 14 are schematically shown by way of explanation. Fig.19 The vertical marking line 800 and the orthogonal marking line 825 together define non-intersecting sectors 830 , each sector 830 corresponding to an expected position of a planar insulation wall module or a corner insulation wall module on the vertical support plate 14 .

[0161] According to a variation of method 100:

[0162] - calculating the position of the vertical marking line 800 based on the estimated positions 300 of the N vertical edges 13 calculated in step 106 and the measured values ​​50, as described in WO 2022 / 200536 A1 or WO 2022 / 200539 A1;

[0163] - the position of the orthogonal marking line 825 is also calculated based on the calculated position of the vertical marking line 800 and the expected size of the insulation module; and

[0164] In step 108 , the local deformation of the vertical support plate 14 is compared with the acceptable range of local deformation of the vertical support plate 14 as described above, except that instead of the sectors 200 , sectors 830 or sectors with a predetermined radius around the geometric center of each sector 830 are used.

[0165] In this way, the comparison between the local deformation of the vertical support panel 14 and the acceptable range of the local deformation of the vertical support panel 14 can better illustrate the corrective measures to be taken on the vertical support wall 12 so that the planar insulation wall modules and the corner insulation wall modules can be positioned on the vertical support panel 14 as needed.

[0166] As described in WO2022 / 200536A1 or WO2022 / 200539A1, the known positions of the N vertical edges 13 in three-dimensional space also enable horizontal marking lines to be drawn on the plane bottom support wall 15, which can be used to locate the angular sectors and the insulating blocks forming these angular sectors, which are like sectors that are like each other by rotation. Fig. 20In FIG. 1 , such horizontal marking lines 900 and orthogonal marking lines 925 have been schematically shown by way of explanation. Fig. 20 , the horizontal marking line and the orthogonal marking line 925 together define non-intersecting sectors 930, each sector 930 corresponding to the expected position of the insulating block on the bottom support wall 15. Note that the sectors 930 can be of various shapes, in particular rectangular, trapezoidal, etc. Therefore, Fig. 20 The invention is by no means limited in this respect.

[0167] According to a variation of method 100:

[0168] - Calculating the position of the horizontal marking line 900 based on the calculated position of the vertical marking 800, as described in WO 2022 / 200536 A1 or WO 2022 / 200539 A1;

[0169] - the position of the orthogonal marking line 925 is also calculated based on the calculated position of the horizontal marking line 900 and the expected size of the isolation block; and

[0170] In step 108 , the local deformation of the planar bottom support wall 15 is compared with the acceptable range of local deformation of the bottom support wall as described above, except that instead of sectors 201 , sectors 930 or sectors with a predetermined radius around the geometric center of each sector 930 are used.

[0171] Thus, a comparison of the local deformation of the planar bottom support wall 15 with the acceptable range of local deformation of the bottom support wall can better illustrate the corrective measures to be taken on the vertical support wall 12 so that the insulating blocks can be positioned on the bottom support wall 15 as desired.

[0172] Since the sectors 830, 930 correspond to the expected positions of the insulation wall modules or insulation blocks, the measurements 50, 51 contained in the sectors 830, 930 can also be used to calculate the size of the spacer elements. For example, the spacer elements include spacers and / or cement beads. The spacer elements are intended to correct flatness defects of the vertical support plates 14 and the bottom support wall 15. For this purpose, the spacer elements are located between the insulation wall modules and the vertical support plates 14, or between the insulation blocks and the bottom support wall 15. The size of the spacer elements can be calculated in the manner described in, for example, WO2023 / 073201A1.

[0173] The geometric shape monitoring method can be performed by a geometric shape monitoring device 3000 (see Fig.17). The geometry monitoring device 3000 includes at least one processor 3001 and at least one memory 3002, wherein the at least one memory 3002 contains a computer program; the at least one memory 3002 and the computer program together with the at least one processor 3001 are configured to implement the geometry monitoring method 100 described above. The geometry monitoring device 3000 can take various unitary or distributed forms using hardware and / or software components. Available hardware components include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and microprocessors. Software components can be written in various programming languages, such as C, C++, Java (registered trademark), or VHDL. This list is not exhaustive.

[0174] Although the invention has been described with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it is obvious that the invention is by no means limited to these specific embodiments and that the invention covers all technical equivalents of the means and combinations thereof falling within the scope of the invention.

[0175] Use of the verb "comprise" or "include" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.

[0176] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented geometric shape monitoring method (100), the geometric shape monitoring method (100) comprising: - specifying (101) a structural component design (10), the structural component design (10) having geometric shape attributes and dimensional attributes, the geometric shape attributes including the number of sides N of the polygon, N being an integer greater than or equal to 3, and the dimensional attributes including an acceptable range of diameter (D); - obtaining (102) a plurality of first measurement values ​​(50), each of the plurality of first measurement values ​​(50) representing the position of a point on the structure to be monitored in a three-dimensional reference system (x1, y1, z1); - determining (103) a cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z) having a vertical axis (19) parallel to the axes of the three-dimensional reference system, the vertical axis (19) having a position that minimizes the dispersion of the first measurement value (50) with respect to the radial coordinate (r) of the cylindrical coordinate system; - specifying (104) a spatially non-intersecting first sector (200) in the cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z), the first sector (200) being defined by an azimuthal coordinate increment (δθ) and an axial coordinate increment (δz) in the cylindrical coordinate system (r, θ, z); - calculating (105) a plurality of first discrete points (250) based on the first measurement value (50), each first discrete point (250) representing an average position of the structure to be monitored in one of the first sector-shaped portions (200); - calculating (106) estimated positions (300) of N vertical edges (13) of the structure to be monitored based on the first discrete points (250); - calculating (107) estimated positions (400) of N center lines based on the estimated positions (300) of the N vertical edges (13), each center line being a center line of a vertical plate (14) of the structure to be monitored; as well as - Comparing (108) the distance between diametrically opposed centerlines with an acceptable range of diameter (D) based on the estimated positions of the N centerlines.

2. The method (100) for monitoring geometric shape according to claim 1, wherein: The dimensional attributes also include an acceptable range of radius (Q), and wherein the geometry monitoring method (100) further includes comparing (108) the distance between the estimated positions (400) of the N centerlines and the vertical axis (19) with the acceptable range of radius.

3. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The dimensional attributes also include an acceptable range of panel width (W), and wherein the geometry monitoring method (100) further includes comparing (108) the distance between the estimated positions (300) of two adjacent vertical edges (13) with the acceptable range of panel width.

4. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The dimensional attributes also include an acceptable range of edge non-verticality (NV), and wherein the geometry monitoring method (100) further includes comparing (108) the distance between the endpoints of each vertical edge (13) perpendicular to the vertical axis (19) of the cylindrical coordinate system with the acceptable range of edge non-verticality (NV).

5. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The dimensional attributes also include an acceptable range of ovality (OV), and wherein the geometric shape monitoring method (100) further includes comparing (108) a diameter difference between an inscribed large circle (CI) of the vertical wall (12) and a circumscribed small circle (CC) of the vertical wall (12) of the structural component to be monitored with the acceptable range of ovality.

6. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The dimensional attribute also includes an acceptable range of local deformation of the vertical plate (14), and wherein the geometric shape monitoring method (100) further includes comparing the local deformation of the structural member to be monitored with the acceptable range of local deformation of the vertical plate (14).

7. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The dimensional attributes also include an acceptable range of non-verticality of the vertical plate (14), and wherein the geometry monitoring method (100) further includes: - selecting a subset of the first discrete points (250), in which the azimuthal coordinates (θ) of the first discrete points (250) are equal to each other; - determining the differences (ΔR) in radial coordinates (R) between said first discrete points (250) in said subset; and - comparing the difference (ΔR) of the radial coordinate (R) with the acceptable range of non-verticality of the vertical plate (14).

8. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The dimensional attributes also include an acceptable range of unevenness of the vertical plate (14), and the geometry monitoring method (100) further includes: - based on the estimated positions (300) of the N vertical edges (13), selecting a first measurement value (50) corresponding to a vertical plate (14) of the structure to be monitored; - Based on the selected first measurement value (50), a vertical plate unevenness parameter (Δk) is calculated and the vertical plate unevenness parameter (Δk) is compared with an acceptable range of unevenness of the vertical plate (14).

9. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The geometric shape attribute further includes a planar bottom wall, and the dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of unevenness of the bottom wall, and the geometric shape monitoring method (100) further includes: - obtaining (102) a plurality of second measurement values ​​(51), each of the plurality of second measurement values ​​(51) representing the position of a point on the bottom wall (15) of the structure to be monitored in the three-dimensional reference system (x1, y1, z1); - associating (103) the second measured value (51) with a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) having a first axis, a second axis and a third axis perpendicular to each other, the third axis coinciding with the vertical axis (19) of the cylindrical coordinate system; - specifying (104) a spatially non-intersecting second sector (201) in the Cartesian coordinate system, the second sector (201) being defined by coordinate increments (δx, δy) along the first axis and the second axis of the Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z); - calculating (105) a plurality of second discrete points (251) based on the second measured value (51), each second discrete point (251) representing an average position of the bottom wall (15) of the structural component to be monitored in one of the second sector-shaped portions (201); - calculating (108) a parameter of the unevenness of the bottom wall (Δz; Δd) based on the second discrete points (251) and comparing (108) the parameter of the unevenness of the bottom wall (Δz; Δd) with an acceptable range of the unevenness of the bottom wall.

10. The method (100) for monitoring geometric shape according to claim 9, wherein: The dimensional attribute further includes an acceptable range of local deformation of the bottom wall, and wherein the geometry monitoring method (100) further includes comparing the local deformation of the bottom wall of the structure to be monitored with the acceptable range of local deformation of the bottom wall.

11. The method (100) for monitoring a geometric shape according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: N is an even number, and more specifically, N is an even number between 8 and 56, even more specifically, N=8 or N=56.

12. The geometry monitoring method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a generating step, the generating step comprising generating (109) a visual representation of the result of at least one of the comparisons (108).

13. The geometry monitoring method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising the step of assigning a compliance judgment to the structural component to be monitored, the compliance judgment being selected between compliance and non-compliance.

14. The method (100) for monitoring geometry according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The plurality of first measurement values ​​(50) are derived from measurement values ​​(1001) acquired in the structure to be monitored by a measuring instrument, wherein the measuring instrument comprises a laser detection and distance measuring device (91) arranged in an inner space (11) of the structure to be monitored.

15. The method (100) for monitoring geometry according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The structural component to be monitored is a supporting structural component for a liquefied gas storage device (1).

16. The method (100) for monitoring geometry according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The structure to be monitored is made of concrete.

17. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the geometry monitoring method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A geometry monitoring device (3000), the geometry monitoring device (3000) comprising at least one processor (3001) and at least one memory (3002), the at least one memory (3002) containing a computer program, wherein: The at least one memory (3002) and the computer program are configured to enable the geometry monitoring method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 to be executed by the geometry monitoring device (3000) using the at least one processor (3001).

Images