Augmented Reality Overlay for Composite Repair Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating and repairing composite structures rely on two-dimensional documentation, making it difficult to identify and perform repairs on integrated, multi-layer composite structures where underlying layers are not visible, leading to challenges in maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for augmenting reality by recording images of composite components, capturing physical data using portable devices, and generating a multi-dimensional representation that overlays digital data onto the physical structure, allowing users to visualize and interact with hidden layers and repair histories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional two-dimensional documentation methods are used for composite structure repair, then the documentation system remains simple and easy to manage, but the ability to identify and perform repairs on integrated multi-layer composite structures deteriorates because underlying layers are not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional documentation to three-dimensional visualization by capturing images of the composite structure at multiple angles and depths, then reconstructing them into a 3D model that reveals underlying layers. This dimensional transformation allows inspectors to see through opaque surfaces and examine internal structures without physical disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or virtual replica of the physical composite structure by capturing images and generating a 3D digital model. This digital twin contains all the information about the structure's layers, repairs, and history, allowing inspection and analysis without directly manipulating the physical object.
2Measurement precision
If physical inspection of composite structures is performed without digital augmentation, then the inspection process remains simple, but the accuracy and completeness of repair identification deteriorates due to inability to see hidden layers and history
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the composite structure at multiple angles and depths before the actual inspection and repair processes. These pre-captured images are processed into a 3D digital model that preserves all structural information, enabling accurate identification of repairs and hidden layers during the inspection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital model as an intermediary between the physical composite structure and the inspector. This digital representation serves as a mediator that translates invisible internal structures into visible digital imagery, allowing accurate inspection without direct physical examination of hidden layers.
3Loss of information
If multiple images of composite components are recorded and processed to create multi-dimensional representations, then the visualization of hidden layers and repair history improves, but the data processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the composite structure inspection into distinct computational stages: image capture at multiple angles, individual image processing, 3D model reconstruction, and overlay generation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different image sets and enables progressive visualization where results can be viewed at intermediate stages rather than waiting for complete processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The different illustrative embodiments provide a method for augmenting reality that may be applied to repairs performed on a composite structure. An image may be recorded of a first layer of a composite component. The image may relate to a first repair performed at a first time. Physical data may be captured for the composite component from a surface layer of the composite component using a number of portable devices. A multi-dimensional representation of a combined augmented reality of the composite component including a display of various layers of the composite component selected by a user may be generated. A user selection may include a time restriction and a spatial restriction. The number of portable devices may display the multi-dimensional representation comprising physical data for an image of the surface of the composite component and digital data for an overlay of composite layers beyond the surface.