Crack Vector Coupling for Human-Aligned Structural Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crack evaluation methods through image processing often result in differing damage assessments compared to human visual evaluations, leading to inconsistent and labor-intensive crack vector creation.
Innovation Solution
A crack evaluation apparatus and method that reduces the load of creating crack vectors by allowing users to easily check and edit coupling crack vectors, displaying them in a visually distinguishable manner, and generating new coupling vectors to couple spatially separated vectors, thereby aligning with human-traced evaluations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If crack vectors are created through image processing, then automated evaluation is achieved, but the evaluation results differ from human visual assessments and require significant processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary process where automatically detected crack vectors serve as a foundation, but human operators can manually adjust and couple vectors that should be connected. This intermediary step between full automation and pure manual evaluation ensures both efficiency and accuracy, allowing the system to leverage automated detection while correcting its limitations through human judgment.
2Productivity
If crack vectors are created through image processing, then automated evaluation is achieved, but the processing load and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the crack evaluation process into distinct phases: automatic vector detection, manual coupling adjustment, and final evaluation. By dividing the complex task of crack assessment into manageable segments, the system reduces overall processing complexity while maintaining high productivity. Each segment can be optimized independently, and operators only need to focus on specific aspects rather than the entire evaluation process.
3Measurement precision
If manual editing of crack vectors is allowed, then evaluation accuracy improves, but operation time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by allowing manual editing only for specific aspects of crack vector evaluation, particularly for coupling vectors that should be connected but were not automatically detected. Instead of requiring complete manual review of all crack vectors, the system applies manual intervention selectively where needed, thus improving accuracy without proportionally increasing operation time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A crack evaluation apparatus, a crack evaluation method, and a crack evaluation program that can reduce the load of creating a crack vector and can obtain an evaluation result that is equivalent to an evaluation by an operator are provided. The crack evaluation apparatus includes a crack information acquiring unit that performs image processing on a captured image of a structure and acquires crack information about cracks of the structure; a crack vector generating unit that generates crack vectors on the basis of the crack information that is acquired, and generates, among the crack vectors that are generated, a coupling crack vector coupling, according to a coupling standard, crack vectors that are spatially separated from each other; a display unit that displays, in a classified manner, the crack vectors and the coupling crack vector that are generated; an operating unit that accepts a user operation for editing the crack vectors and the coupling crack vector that are displayed; and an evaluation unit that acquires an evaluation result of the cracks of the structure on the basis of crack information of the crack vectors and the coupling crack vector that are edited.