AR-Supported Non-Destructive Testing for Grid Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for structures, such as buildings, face challenges in data acquisition and visualization, particularly in efficiently creating and aligning grids for data collection and in effectively visualizing depth and feature information.
Innovation Solution
The integration of augmented reality (AR) technology into NDT systems, which includes a data-acquisition device with sensors and an AR device with cameras and a display unit, allows for real-time generation and display of AR images that overlay detected features and measuring instructions onto the structure, enabling more efficient data collection and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a paper grid is used for data acquisition, then the grid can be placed on the structure, but it is difficult to place at challenging locations and requires repositioning within the room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper grid system with an augmented reality-based virtual grid system projected onto the structure. The AR device displays a virtual grid that can be freely positioned and adjusted without physical placement, eliminating the need for repositioning paper grids at challenging locations and saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a 2D paper grid to a 3D augmented reality grid that can be projected and viewed from multiple angles. This dimensional enhancement allows the grid to be visualized and adjusted in space without physical constraints, enabling easier placement on complex structures.
2Loss of information
If known NDT visualization methods are used, then data can be sketched on the tested wall, but depth visualization is not efficient and requires repositioning within the room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional sketching methods with augmented reality visualization that overlays detected features directly onto the structure in their spatial context. This substitution enables efficient depth visualization through 3D AR representations without requiring physical repositioning to view different aspects of the data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the visualization of detected features with the actual structure by overlaying AR images directly onto the viewed structure. This integration allows depth and spatial information to be visualized in context, eliminating the need to separate the data visualization from the physical structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual grid painting is used, then a grid can be created for data acquisition, but it is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual grid painting with automated AR grid generation. The system automatically creates and projects a virtual grid onto the structure using the AR device, eliminating the time-consuming manual painting process while maintaining accurate grid dimensions and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the grid in the AR environment that can be instantly projected onto the structure. This digital copy replaces the need for physical grid creation, allowing rapid deployment and adjustment without manual painting efforts.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for non-destructive testing of a structure, the system comprising a data-acquisition device comprising at least one NDT sensor configured to detect features inside the structure by means of non-destructive testing and to generate feature data related to the detected features, wherein the system comprises an augmented-reality device comprising at least one camera and a display unit, wherein the at least one camera is configured to capture images of a surrounding and to generate image data, the surrounding comprising at least one surface of the structure, the system comprises a computing unit that is configured to generate AR image data based on the image data and on NDT data and to provide the AR image data to the display unit, and the display unit is configured to present, based on the AR image data, AR images in real time to a user of the system.