Ultrasonic flaw detection system and ultrasonic flaw detection method

Abstract

To make it possible to obtain both inspection results of ultrasonic flaw detection using a probe and inspection peripheral information including installation location information on the probe.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic flaw detection system includes: an ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 including a probe 21 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an inspection object 1 in a state of being installed in the inspection object, an A / D conversion unit 22 that discretizes an ultrasonic signal from the probe and converts it into digital ultrasonic data, a signal processing unit 23 that analysis-processes and image-processes the ultrasonic data from the A / D conversion unit, a user interface unit 24 that sets at least one condition of the A / D conversion unit and the signal processing unit, a display unit 25 that displays data including an ultrasonic waveform processed by the signal processing unit, and an imaging unit 26 that photographs the inspection object and the probe; and probe location measuring means 12 for measuring an installation location of the probe based on image data including an installation state of the probe photographed by the imaging unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultrasonic flaw detection system and an ultrasonic flaw detection method.

Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a technique that can non-destructively confirm the integrity of the surface and interior of structural materials and has become an essential inspection technique in various fields. To non-destructively evaluate the integrity of structural materials by this ultrasonic flaw detection, not only the inspection results but also inspection peripheral information such as the device used, the information of the inspector, the probe installation position, and the inspection position are required.

[0003] However, in conventional ultrasonic flaw detection devices, only the inspection results have been digitized, and inspection peripheral information necessary for non-destructive evaluation has not been acquired as data simultaneously. In particular, when digitizing the probe installation position, mechanical scanning by a scanner or a robotic arm was required. When mechanical scanning was inapplicable, it was necessary to measure the inspection position such as the probe installation position every time inspection result data was acquired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One method for measuring the probe placement position without using mechanical scanning is imaging using a camera or similar device. Numerous techniques combining imaging and ultrasonic testing have been proposed. However, in most of these, imaging is used to measure the external shape of the object being inspected for the purpose of defect detection. There are also techniques that utilize imaging to measure the inspection position of the ultrasonic probe. However, this technique requires attaching a sheet with a two-dimensional pattern indicating the position on the object to be inspected, and then performing the ultrasonic testing from above the sheet.

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aim to provide an ultrasonic flaw detection system and ultrasonic flaw detection method that can acquire both the inspection results of ultrasonic flaw detection using a probe and inspection surrounding information including the probe's installation position information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultrasonic flaw detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an object to be inspected while installed on the object to be inspected; an A / D conversion unit that discretizes the ultrasonic signal from the probe and converts it into digital ultrasonic data; a signal processing unit that performs analysis and image processing of the ultrasonic data from the A / D conversion unit; a user interface unit that sets at least one condition for the A / D conversion unit and the signal processing unit; a display unit that displays data including the ultrasonic waveform processed by the signal processing unit; and an imaging unit that photographs the object to be inspected and the probe; and a probe position measuring means that measures the installation position of the probe based on image data including the installation state of the probe captured by the imaging unit. An inspector position acquisition means that acquires the position information of an inspector performing ultrasonic testing using the aforementioned ultrasonic testing apparatus via the Global Positioning System, The signal processing unit is configured to acquire the inspection results of ultrasonic flaw detection obtained through analysis processing and imaging processing, in association with the installation position information of the probe and inspection surrounding information including the design drawings of the object to be inspected.

[0008] An ultrasonic flaw detection method in an embodiment of the present invention is prepared, comprising: a probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an object to be inspected while installed on the object to be inspected; an A / D conversion unit that discretizes the ultrasonic signal from the probe and converts it into digital ultrasonic data; a signal processing unit that performs analysis and image processing of the ultrasonic data from the A / D conversion unit; a user interface unit that sets at least one condition for the A / D conversion unit and the signal processing unit; a display unit that displays data including the ultrasonic waveform processed by the signal processing unit; and an imaging unit that photographs the object to be inspected and the probe. The ultrasonic flaw detection device is configured to measure the installation position of the probe based on image data including the installation state of the probe captured by the imaging unit using probe position measuring means. The inspector position acquisition means acquires the position information of the inspector performing ultrasonic flaw detection using the ultrasonic flaw detection device via the Global Positioning System. The signal processing unit is characterized by associating the inspection results of ultrasonic flaw detection obtained through analysis processing and imaging processing with the installation position information of the probe and inspection surrounding information including the design drawings of the object to be inspected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain both the inspection results of ultrasonic flaw detection using a probe and the surrounding inspection information, including the probe's installation position information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic flaw detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a first specific example of the probe position measurement means in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing a second specific example of the probe position measurement means in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A configuration diagram showing a third specific example of the probe position measurement means in Figure 1. [Figure 5] A configuration diagram showing a fourth specific example of the probe position measurement means in Figure 1. [Figure 6] A configuration diagram showing a fifth specific example of the probe position measurement means in Figure 1. [Figure 7]A block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic flaw detection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic flaw detection system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the data communication situation in the ultrasonic flaw detection system. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the remote support situation in the ultrasonic flaw detection system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the drawings. [A] First Embodiment (Figures 1-6) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic flaw detection system according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic flaw detection system 10 shown in Figure 1 is a system capable of acquiring ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results and inspection-related information such as probe placement position information, and is composed of an ultrasonic flaw detection device 11, probe position measuring means 12, inspector position acquisition means 13, non-contact input means 14, AR (augmented reality) display unit 15, VR (virtual reality) display unit 16, and inspector information input means 17. The ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 is composed of a voltage application unit 20, probe 21, A / D conversion unit 22, signal processing unit 23, user interface unit 24, display unit 25, and imaging unit 26.

[0012] The voltage application unit 20 has the function of applying a voltage of an arbitrary waveform. The waveform of the applied voltage by this voltage application unit 20 can be a sine wave, sawtooth wave, square wave, spike pulse, etc., and may be a so-called bipolar waveform with values ​​at both positive and negative poles, or a unipolar waveform with only positive or negative amplitude. Furthermore, an offset may be added to either the positive or negative side of the applied voltage waveform. In addition, the applied voltage waveform can be varied by increasing or decreasing the application time, repetition rate, and center frequency, such as a single pulse, burst, or continuous wave. If the probe 21 is an array probe, the voltage application unit 20 may be equipped with a switching mechanism that switches the timing according to whether or not voltage is applied and the delay time for each channel.

[0013] When the probe 21 is installed on the inspection target 1, it has the function of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the inspection target 1 by the voltage applied from the voltage application unit 20. This probe 21 is made of ceramics, a composite material, or other materials, and has a piezoelectric element capable of generating ultrasonic waves by the piezoelectric effect, a piezoelectric element made of a polymer film, or other mechanisms capable of generating ultrasonic waves. Further, the probe 21 may be combined with a damping material (not shown) for damping ultrasonic waves and a front panel (not shown) attached to the oscillation surface of the ultrasonic waves as needed. This probe 21 is generally called an ultrasonic probe.

[0014] The probe 21 of this embodiment will be described by an ultrasonic flaw detection method in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received by one probe, but it is also possible to separately transmit and receive ultrasonic waves using two or more probes. Further, a probe called an ultrasonic array probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally may be used.

[0015] When installing the probe 21, in order to make ultrasonic waves with a highly directional angle incident on the inspection target 1, a wedge (not shown) may be used. The wedge is an isotropic material such as acrylic, polyimide, gel, or other polymers that can transmit ultrasonic waves and whose acoustic impedance is known. This wedge can also use a material with an acoustic impedance close to or the same as that of the front panel, or a material with an acoustic impedance close to or the same as that of the inspection target 1. Further, the wedge may be a composite material that changes the acoustic impedance stepwise or gradually. The wedge can of course be applied even if it is outside the above examples.

[0016] Also, the wedge may have a damping material arranged inside and outside the wedge, a mountain-shaped wave cancellation shape, or a multiple reflection reduction mechanism so that the multiple reflection waves inside the wedge do not affect the ultrasonic flaw detection result. In this embodiment, the description of the wedge may be omitted when making ultrasonic waves incident from the probe 21 to the inspection target 1.

[0017] The ultrasonic testing method performed using probe 21 may be a method generally referred to as ultrasonic testing, such as a single probe, a probe with a wedge combined with a single probe to give a flaw detection refraction angle, a probe in which the transducer and wedge are integrated, or a two-probe method in which transmission and reception are performed using separate probes.

[0018] Furthermore, the ultrasonic flaw detection method using probe 21 is generally called phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), and may be based on ultrasonic imaging methods such as the linear scan method, which electronically scans an ultrasonic element that drives while forming an ultrasonic beam in a certain direction; the sector scan method, which changes the angle at which the ultrasonic beam is formed in a fan shape while fixing or electronically manipulating the ultrasonic element that drives the beam; or the Total Focusing Method (TFM), which focuses the beam by comprehensively setting a focus in an arbitrary coordinate region, or the so-called aperture synthesis method. In addition, the ultrasonic flaw detection method using probe 21 may also be TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction), or a method of measuring the thickness reduction of the inspection target 1 with a plate thickness gauge, etc.

[0019] The ultrasonic signal obtained by this probe 21 is output to the A / D conversion unit 22 via the receiving circuit unit 27. The ultrasonic signal may be converted by the signal processing unit 23, described later, into ultrasonic waveform data, voxel intensity data that forms PAUT or TFM images, or image data after imaging, and this may be used as inspection data.

[0020] In ultrasonic flaw detection using probe 21, an acoustic coupling medium is required between probe 21 and the object to be inspected 1 in order to inject ultrasonic waves into the interior of the object to be inspected 1. Here, the acoustic coupling medium is a medium that can propagate ultrasonic waves, such as water, glycerin, machine oil, castor oil, acrylic, polystyrene, gel, etc., and of course, other examples besides those mentioned above can also be used.

[0021] The A / D conversion unit 22 receives the analog ultrasonic signal from the probe 21 via the receiving circuit unit 27 and has the function of discretizing this ultrasonic signal and converting it into digital ultrasonic data. In other words, the A / D conversion unit 22 discretizes the time-continuous ultrasonic signal at sampling intervals and converts the magnitude of the ultrasonic signal into digital ultrasonic data for each sampling interval.

[0022] The signal processing unit 23 has the function of analyzing and imaging the ultrasonic data from the A / D conversion unit 22. For example, analysis processing may include frequency analysis processing such as Fourier transform and wavelet transform, correlation processing, averaging processing, or general filtering processing, while imaging processing may include voxel intensity data conversion to form PAUT or TFM images. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 23 associates the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results processed as described above with inspection-related information (for example, the installation position information of the probe 21 described later, the inspector's position information, and inspector information that can identify the inspector). This signal processing unit 23 may be composed of a collection of multiple devices such as a PC (personal computer) and a control panel.

[0023] The user interface unit 24 has the function of setting at least one condition of the voltage application unit 20, the A / D conversion unit 22, and the signal processing unit 23, such as the applied voltage value, the A / D conversion setting value, or the signal processing setting value. The user interface unit 24 can be anything that allows input, deletion, and modification of conditions, and examples include a PC keyboard, mouse, numeric keypad, input buttons, touch panel, etc.

[0024] The display unit 25 displays data including ultrasonic waveforms processed by the signal processing unit 23. Specifically, the display unit 25 displays the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results and related inspection-related information (for example, the installation location information of the probe 21 described later, the location information of the inspector, and inspector information that can identify the inspector).

[0025] The display unit 25 can be any device capable of displaying digital data, such as a PC monitor, television, projector, smartphone, tablet, head-mounted display, or 3D video display. This display unit 25 may be one that converts the signal to analog before displaying it, like a cathode ray tube, or it may be a combination of the display unit 25 with the screen of a measuring instrument such as an oscilloscope. Furthermore, the display unit 25 may generate alarms with sound or light according to set conditions, and may also display a user interface unit 24 for inputting operations as a touch panel to provide that functionality.

[0026] The imaging unit 26 is a so-called camera, and any device that can obtain image information, such as a regular video camera, infrared camera, fiberscope, portable terminal, camera built into an ultrasonic flaw detection device 11, or wearable camera, is acceptable. The imaging unit 26 may capture either still images or videos. In addition to mounting, the imaging unit 26 can be transported by a robot such as a drone, or by human power, and other common means may also be used.

[0027] The imaging unit 26 captures not only the external shape of the object to be examined 1, but also the probe 21. This is because the imaging unit 26 measures changes caused by the probe 21, such as the probe's installation position and angle.

[0028] Specifically, the imaging unit 26 is used to capture images of the probe 21's placement position at two or more points (at least the beginning and end of the examination). If the recording format is video, each frame of the video can be treated as a single image. The probe 21's placement position captured by the imaging unit 26 can be any position during the examination, but it is desirable that at least the initial and final positions of the examination are captured.

[0029] The probe position measuring means 12 measures the installation position of the probe 21 based on image data including the installation state of the probe 21 captured by the imaging unit 26. This measurement data is output to the signal processing unit 23 and display unit 25 of the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11. A first specific example of this probe position measuring means 12 is shown in Figure 2, in which the probe position measuring means 12 has a probe position determination unit 28 and attaches a marker 29 to the probe 21 or the inspector's finger. The probe position determination unit 28 recognizes the installation state of the probe 21 using the marker 29 as an indicator from the image data 30 from the imaging unit 26, and for example, it can calculate the distance from the origin obtained by an origin acquisition means (not shown) to the probe 21 based on the image data 30 to measure the installation position of the probe 21. At this time, not only the installation position but also the installation angle of the probe 21 may be determined.

[0030] A second specific example of the probe position measuring means 12 is shown in Figure 3, in which the probe 21 and the imaging unit 26 are fixed to a holder 31, and this holder 31 is moved under the control of the control unit 33 by a scanner 32 or a robot arm (not shown), etc. The probe position measuring means 12 confirms the installation status of the probe 21 based on the image data from the imaging unit 26, and measures the installation position of the probe 21 based on the holder position information (e.g., scanner position information) from the control unit 33 at that time.

[0031] A third specific example of the probe position measurement means 12 is shown in Figure 4, in which the probe position measurement means 12 has a machine learning unit 34 and a probe position detection unit 35, and the shape of the probe 21 is pre-trained in the machine learning unit 34. The machine learning unit 34 recognizes the installed state of the probe 21 from the image data 36 obtained by the imaging unit 26, and the probe position detection unit 35 calculates the distance from the origin obtained by, for example, an origin acquisition means (not shown) to the probe 21 based on the image data 36, ​​thereby measuring the installation position of the probe 21. At this time, not only the installation position but also the installation angle of the probe 21 may be determined.

[0032] A fourth specific example of the probe position measurement means 12 is shown in Figure 5, in which the probe position measurement means 12 includes a motion capture 37 and a probe position analysis unit 38. The motion capture 37 detects how the inspector's finger 2 grasps the probe 21 from image data 39 obtained by the imaging unit 26, and tracks the movement of the finger 2 to recognize the probe 21 that has been grasped by the finger 2 and placed on the inspection target 1. The probe position analysis unit 38 can, for example, analyze the distance from the origin obtained by the origin acquisition means to the probe 21 based on the image data 39 to measure the installation position of the probe 21. At this time, not only the installation position but also the installation angle of the probe 21 may be determined.

[0033] A fifth specific example of the probe position measurement means 12, as shown in Figure 6, includes a probe position detection unit 40, and an imaging unit 26 uses a laser or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to photograph and scan the probe 21, whether installed or not, together with the object to be inspected 1. The probe position detection unit 40 measures the distance from the imaging unit 26 to the installed probe 21 based on the image data 41 of the point cloud data obtained by the imaging unit 26, thereby determining the installation position of the probe 21.

[0034] The inspector position acquisition means 13 acquires the position information of the inspector performing ultrasonic flaw detection using the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 via GPS (Global Positioning System). This acquired inspector position information is output to the signal processing unit 23 and display unit 25 of the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11. Here, GPS is a system for measuring the current position on Earth using artificial satellites. Note that any transmitter can be used for GPS, and such transmitters can be, for example, smart devices, transmitters built into the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 or imaging unit 26, or external small transmitters.

[0035] The non-contact input means 14 has the function of allowing input, deletion, and modification of conditions without touching the device, and is provided in the user interface unit 24 of the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11. This non-contact input means 14 can be anything as long as it does not directly touch the user interface unit 24, for example, an audio input device, a non-contact liquid crystal panel, an aerial display, a non-contact gesture input device, etc.

[0036] The AR display unit 15 displays inspection-related information shown on the display unit 25 together with image data from the imaging unit 26, which represents the real environment, using the Augmented Reality (AR) method. Here, AR is a general term for technologies that add, reduce, or change information given to the senses such as sight, hearing, and touch in the real environment through computer processing. The inspection-related information displayed using the AR display unit 15 includes at least one of the following: inspection location, inspection range, past inspection records, design drawings, ultrasonic waveform acquired from the A / D conversion unit 22, ultrasonic echo height, ultrasonic propagation time, ultrasonic propagation distance, and imaging processing results acquired from the signal processing unit 23.

[0037] The VR display unit 16 models the inspection target 1 and displays inspection-related information, including defect data, using VR (Virtual Reality) techniques. Here, VR is a technology that stimulates human sensory organs to artificially create an environment that is not real but feels substantially real. The inspection target 1 to be modeled can be anything as long as it includes the inspection location. For example, it could be a model of the inspection target 1 alone, a model of the surrounding area including the inspection target 1, or a virtual space model generated from imaging data by the imaging unit 26. The inspection-related information displayed using the VR display unit 16 includes at least one of the following: past inspection records, defect location, defect size, ultrasonic data acquired from the A / D conversion unit 22, ultrasonic echo height, ultrasonic propagation time, ultrasonic propagation distance, and the image processing result acquired from the signal processing unit 23.

[0038] The inspector information input means 17 is used to input inspector information that identifies the inspector performing ultrasonic flaw detection using the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11. This input inspector information is output to the signal processing unit 23 and display unit 25 of the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11. Here, inspector information only needs to include one or more pieces of information that can identify the inspector, such as the inspector's name, affiliation, qualifications, years of experience, age, gender, etc., and it is desirable that it includes information related to the inspector's skills. The inspector information input means 17 can be any method that allows writing or reading inspector information necessary for non-destructive evaluation as digital data. For example, one method is to store inspector information in advance and input the inspector information by associating it with personal information of the inspector, such as a QR code (registered trademark), voice, face, or fingerprints.

[0039] In the ultrasonic flaw detection system 10 configured as described above, the inspection results obtained by ultrasonic flaw detection using the probe 21 are associated with inspection-related information (for example, the surface condition of the object to be inspected 1 captured by the imaging unit 26, the installation position information of the probe 21 measured by the probe position measuring means 12, the inspector's position information acquired by the inspector position acquisition means 13, inspector information that allows for the identification of the inspector entered by the inspector information input means 17, and information related to the inspection displayed in the AR display unit 15 or VR display unit 16) and acquired by the signal processing unit 23.

[0040] As configured as described above, this first embodiment provides the following effects (1) to (6). (1) Based on the image data including the installation status of the probe 21 captured by the imaging unit 26, the probe position measuring means 12 measures the installation position of the probe 21. Therefore, the signal processing unit 23 of the ultrasonic flaw detection system 10 can acquire the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results using the probe 21 and the probe 21 installation position information in association. Accordingly, by further associating the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results, the probe installation position information, and other inspection-related information other than the probe 21 installation position information, the signal processing unit 23 can achieve highly efficient evaluation of the inspection target 1. For example, by associating the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results, the probe 21 installation position information, and the design drawings, the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results and the probe 21 installation position information can be displayed and reported based on the design drawings.

[0041] (2) The inspector position acquisition means 13 uses GPS to acquire the inspector's position during inspection within a wide inspection area, such as a solar power plant or a bridge. This inspector position information acquired from GPS can be associated with ultrasonic testing results and other surrounding inspection information. For example, by associating the inspector position information from GPS with ultrasonic testing results and design drawings, it becomes possible to monitor the inspection results at the current location and update the design drawings.

[0042] (3) The object to be inspected 1 or the probe 21 is coated with an acoustic coupling agent, and this agent may adhere to the inspector's fingertips, etc. As a result, when the inspector touches the user interface unit 24 for setting conditions, etc., it was necessary to wipe off the acoustic coupling agent that had adhered to their fingertips, etc. In the ultrasonic flaw detection system 10, by applying the non-contact input means 14 to the user interface unit 24, the work of wiping off the acoustic coupling agent can be reduced, thereby achieving high work efficiency.

[0043] (4) By displaying some of the data that would normally be displayed on the display unit 25 on the AR display unit 15, it becomes possible to support inspectors. For example, by displaying the inspection location and inspection range indicated on the design drawing on the AR display unit 15, the inspection location can be highlighted when inspecting on-site. Also, for example, by displaying past inspection records or design drawings on the AR display unit 15, it becomes possible to perform inspections by referring to past inspection methods and inspection conditions. In particular, it becomes possible to provide visually easy-to-understand support to inexperienced inspectors, and the burden of support from experienced inspectors can be reduced.

[0044] (5) The VR display unit 16 displays the ultrasonic testing results on the object of inspection 1, allowing the results to be clearly displayed in three dimensions, thus facilitating the sharing of ultrasonic testing results. In particular, it improves the explainability of the test results to those with limited knowledge of ultrasonic testing, such as the person requesting the test, and reduces the burden of explanation required for reporting.

[0045] (6) Inspector information is one of the peripheral inspection information necessary for ultrasonic testing, which is a non-destructive evaluation method. By using the inspector information input means 17 to associate the ultrasonic testing results with the inspector information and convert them into data, the ultrasonic testing results, the inspector information, and other related information necessary for ultrasonic testing can be linked and stored. Furthermore, by accumulating ultrasonic testing results associated with inspector information, it becomes possible to classify the ultrasonic testing results based on the inspector information, and it becomes possible to judge the tendency of judgment according to the inspector and to assess the inspector's skill level.

[0046] [B] Second embodiment (Figure 7) Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic flaw detection system according to the second embodiment. In this second embodiment, parts that are the same as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their explanation is simplified or omitted.

[0047] The difference between the ultrasonic flaw detection system 45 of this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that at least one of the A / D conversion unit 22, signal processing unit 23, user interface unit 24, display unit 25, imaging unit 26, and probe position measurement means 12, for example, the signal processing unit 23, user interface unit 24, and display unit 25, is replaced by a smart device 46. The example configuration shown in Figure 7 is an example in which the signal processing unit 23, user interface unit 24, and display unit 25 are replaced by a smart device 46.

[0048] Here, there is no clear definition of a smart device 46; it generally refers to a general term for portable, multi-functional terminals that can connect to a network and use various application software. Specifically, smartphones, tablet devices, smartwatches, stick PCs, smart glasses, smart rings, smart speakers, etc., are examples of smart devices 46. The configuration example shown in Figure 7 is an example where a smartphone is used as the smart device 46.

[0049] The ultrasonic flaw detection system 45 described above also provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment (1) to (6), as well as the following effects (7) and (8).

[0050] (7) By using the smart device 46, functions already present in the smart device 46, such as device storage, memory, display, GPS, network connectivity, camera, and application software, can be incorporated into the ultrasonic flaw detection system 45 with fewer components. This enables miniaturization and wearability of the ultrasonic flaw detection system 45. Wearability of the ultrasonic flaw detection system 45 is particularly advantageous when inspectors travel to the site to directly inspect inspection targets 1 that have a wide inspection area, such as bridges, tunnels, and solar power plants.

[0051] (8) When the non-contact input means 14 is applied to the smart device 46 that replaces the user interface unit 24, the adhesion of the acoustic coupling medium to the smart device 46 can be avoided, thereby preventing malfunction of the smart device 46.

[0052] [C] Third embodiment (Figures 8-10) Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic flaw detection system according to the third embodiment. In this third embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments, thereby simplifying or omitting their description.

[0053] The difference between the ultrasonic flaw detection system 50 of this third embodiment and the first and second embodiments is that it has an ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 and a probe position measuring means 12, and the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 is configured to be connected to an external server 51 and a communication device 52 that can communicate with the outside world via a network. This external server 51 is, for example, at least one of a cloud storage 53, an analysis PC 54 as an analysis device, and a display PC 55 as a display device. The ultrasonic flaw detection system 50 may also have an inspector position acquisition means 13, a non-contact input means 14, an AR display unit 15, a VR display unit 16, and an inspector information input means 17, similar to the first embodiment.

[0054] The form of the communication device 52 can be any device that can connect to a network, such as a communication device built into the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11, the smart device 46, or the imaging unit 26, or a wireless or wired connection to an external access point.

[0055] Since the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 is connected to an external server 51 via a communication device 52, enabling external communication, the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 has the function of transmitting and receiving data with the external server 51 using the communication device 52, and the function of being remotely supported by the external server 51.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the data transmission and reception functions. The data communication destinations are the cloud storage 53 as an external server 51, the analysis PC 54, the display PC 55, etc., but anything that can communicate via connection is acceptable. By connecting the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 to the cloud storage 53 in a way that allows transmission and reception, it becomes possible to acquire inspection data such as inspection information and design information from the cloud storage 53, and to save ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results and other data to the cloud storage 53.

[0057] Furthermore, the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 transmits the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results and imaging data to the analysis PC 54, enabling the analysis PC 54 to perform analysis processing of the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results. In addition, the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 can receive the analysis processing results from the analysis PC 54 and display them on the display unit 25. Moreover, the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 transmits the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection results to the display PC 55, enabling the inspection results to be displayed in real time on, for example, the display PC 55 of the inspection requester, thus facilitating the sharing of inspection results with the inspection requester.

[0058] Next, Figure 10 shows the remote support function. Here, remote support refers to a second inspector, located away from the inspection target 1, using the analysis PC 54 to give instructions, perform analysis, or both to the first inspector and the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11. The instructions can be anything that instructs the first inspector, who is actually performing the inspection, such as the next inspection position, condition setting values, or how to hold the probe 21. The format of the instructions can be anything that can be displayed on the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11, such as text messages, audio data, image data, or data using AR or VR.

[0059] On the other hand, the data to be analyzed can be any data obtainable by the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11, such as ultrasonic waveform data, voxel intensity data that forms PAUT or TFM images, image data after imaging processing, imaging data, position information of the probe 21 measured based on imaging, condition setting values, inspector position information obtained by GPS, or inspector information.

[0060] As configured as described above, this third embodiment provides the same effects as the first and second embodiments (1) to (8), as well as the following effects (9) and (10).

[0061] (9) By connecting the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 to the cloud storage 53 in a communicative manner, the storage capacity of the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 can be reduced. Furthermore, by connecting the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 to the analysis PC 54 in a communicative manner, especially in ultrasonic flaw detection methods with complex analysis processing such as TFM, the memory required for analysis processing can be installed in the analysis PC 54, thereby enabling miniaturization of the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11. In addition, by connecting the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 to the display PC 55 in a communicative manner, the results of the ultrasonic flaw detection can be immediately shared with the inspection requester who has the display PC 55.

[0062] (10) The ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 is remotely supported by the analysis PC 54 on the external server 51, so that the data necessary for the second inspector to give instructions using the analysis PC 54 can be immediately shared with the first inspector on the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11 side. In addition, the second inspector can aggregate the data acquired by the first inspector without going to the site, so that he can give instructions to the first inspector using the analysis PC 54 and concentrate on the ultrasonic flaw detection analysis work by the ultrasonic flaw detection device 11.

[0063] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such substitutions and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1...Inspection target, 10...Ultrasonic flaw detection system, 11...Ultrasonic flaw detection device, 12...Probe position measurement means, 13...Inspector position acquisition means, 14...Non-contact input means, 15...AR display unit, 16...VR display unit, 17...Inspector information input means, 21...Probe, 22...A / D conversion unit, 23...Signal processing unit, 24...User interface unit, 25...Display unit, 26...Imaging unit, 45...Ultrasonic flaw detection system, 46...Smart device, 50...Ultrasonic flaw detection system, 51...External server, 52...Communication equipment

Claims

1. A probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from the object being inspected while it is installed on the object being inspected, An A / D conversion unit discretizes the ultrasonic signal from the probe and converts it into digital ultrasonic data, A signal processing unit that performs analysis and imaging processing of the ultrasonic data from the A / D conversion unit, A user interface unit for setting at least one condition of the A / D conversion unit and the signal processing unit, A display unit that displays data including the ultrasonic waveform processed by the signal processing unit, An ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus comprising: an imaging unit for photographing the object to be inspected and the probe; A probe position measuring means for measuring the installation position of the probe based on image data including the installation state of the probe captured by the imaging unit, The system includes an inspector position acquisition means that acquires the position information of an inspector performing ultrasonic testing using the aforementioned ultrasonic testing apparatus via the Global Positioning System, The ultrasonic flaw detection system is characterized in that the signal processing unit is configured to acquire the inspection results of ultrasonic flaw detection obtained by analysis processing and imaging processing, in association with the installation position information of the probe and inspection surrounding information including the design drawings of the object to be inspected.

2. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the A / D conversion unit, the signal processing unit, the user interface unit, the display unit, the imaging unit, and the probe position measurement means is configured to be a smart device that can connect to a network and use application software.

3. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the user interface unit is configured to have non-contact input means that allows for the input, deletion, and modification of conditions without physical contact.

4. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an augmented reality display unit that displays, using augmented reality techniques, at least one of the following: inspection position, inspection range, past inspection records, design drawings, ultrasonic data acquired from an A / D conversion unit, ultrasonic echo height, ultrasonic propagation time, ultrasonic propagation distance, and imaging processing results acquired from a signal processing unit, as displayed on the display unit.

5. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a virtual reality display unit that models the object to be inspected and displays at least one of the following using a virtual reality method: past inspection records, defect location, defect size, ultrasonic data acquired from an A / D conversion unit, ultrasonic echo height, ultrasonic propagation time, ultrasonic propagation distance, and imaging processing results acquired from a signal processing unit.

6. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an inspector information input means for inputting inspector information that can identify an inspector performing ultrasonic flaw detection using the ultrasonic flaw detection device.

7. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ultrasonic flaw detection device is connected to a communication device that can communicate via a network with an external server including an analysis device for analyzing the results of ultrasonic flaw detection.

8. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that the ultrasonic flaw detection device is configured to transmit and receive data with an external server using communication equipment.

9. The ultrasonic flaw detection system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the ultrasonic flaw detection device is configured to be remotely supported by an external server using communication equipment.

10. A probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from the object being inspected while it is installed on the object being inspected, An A / D conversion unit discretizes the ultrasonic signal from the probe and converts it into digital ultrasonic data, A signal processing unit that performs analysis and imaging processing of the ultrasonic data from the A / D conversion unit, A user interface unit for setting at least one condition of the A / D conversion unit and the signal processing unit, A display unit that displays data including the ultrasonic waveform processed by the signal processing unit, An ultrasonic flaw detection device is prepared, comprising an imaging unit for photographing the object to be inspected and the probe. The probe position measuring means measures the installation position of the probe based on image data including the installation state of the probe captured by the imaging unit. The inspector position acquisition means acquires the position information of the inspector performing ultrasonic flaw detection using the ultrasonic flaw detection device via the Global Positioning System. An ultrasonic flaw detection method characterized in that the signal processing unit acquires the inspection results of ultrasonic flaw detection obtained by analysis processing and imaging processing, and the inspection surrounding information including the installation position information of the probe and the design drawings of the object to be inspected, in association with each other.

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