Augmented Reality Visualization for Ferromagnetic Pipe Defect Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to precisely locate defects in ferromagnetic materials, such as buried pipes, due to the difficulty in translating location points from insulation or cladding to the pipe itself, making it challenging to access and repair internal defects.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing magnetic field data and augmented reality technology to visualize defects, allowing for the display of magnetic field data as an image that registers with the ferromagnetic material, enabling precise location and diagnosis through a head-worn or hand-held display, and facilitating the reinstallation of sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sector and pipe identifiers from drawings are used for geolocation, then location information can be provided in a control center, but the information becomes cumbersome and difficult to use in the actual facility where reference location identifiers are not present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the defect location by projecting an image representing magnetic field data onto the ferromagnetic material itself. This visual copy allows operators to see the defect location directly on the pipe without needing to cross-reference drawings or sector identifiers, making the location information immediately accessible and actionable in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality system acts as an intermediary between the magnetic field data and the operator. Instead of requiring operators to interpret raw data or cross-reference multiple sources, the AR system translates the magnetic field data into a visual representation that directly overlays the defect location on the pipe, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between detection and physical location.
2Measurement precision
If magnetometry-based detectors are used to detect defects, then defect location can be identified, but translating the detection position directly on the pipe becomes difficult, especially when pipes are coated with protective layers and insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the defect location information by projecting an image that represents magnetic field data onto the three-dimensional surface of the pipe. This allows operators to view the defect location from any angle and understand its spatial context, making it easier to locate and access the defect even when the pipe is coated with protective layers or insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality system uses visual representations with different colors to indicate defect locations and characteristics. By displaying the magnetic field data as a color-coded image that registers with the pipe, operators can quickly identify defect positions without needing to remove coatings or insulation, as the visual cues are visible through or on the pipe surface.
3Ease of operation
If cladding, insulation and pipe coatings are removed to access defects, then physical access to the defect can be gained, but all reference points are destroyed making future location difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary visualization by projecting the defect location image onto the pipe before any removal of coatings or insulation occurs. This allows operators to identify the exact defect location and plan their access strategy without blindly removing materials. The visual reference remains available throughout the process, and after repair, the system can reproject the location to guide reinstallation of sensors or further inspection.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If permanently-mounted magnetometry systems are used, then continuous monitoring is possible, but the defect is below the sensor area and difficult to precisely locate when sensors are removed for further analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the defect location that can be projected onto the pipe regardless of whether the sensors are attached or removed. When sensors need to be removed for analysis or repair, the projected image remains as a visual reference showing where the defect is located, allowing precise reinstallation or further inspection without needing to recreate the sensor positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and precise location, diagnosis, and repair of ferromagnetic material defects by overlaying magnetic field data as a human-perceivable image, allowing operators to follow the image through layers of insulation and coatings, and accurately reposition sensors post-repair.
Implementation Method 1
an augmented reality system coupled to receive the magnetic field data. The augmented reality system causes display, by the display device, of an image. The image represents the magnetic field data, such that the image registers, as viewed by the human, with the ferromagnetic material.
Data Source
AI summary
A defect visualization system includes an augmented reality display system to display an image representing a defect, such as missing metal, in a ferromagnetic material when a user gazes at a portion of the ferromagnetic material hosting the defect, based on magnetic field data provide by a magnetometry system, thereby facilitating locating the defect and replacing magnetometers after the defect has been repaired, even if location references originally present on cladding material are lost or destroyed during the repair.