Image Analysis for Crack Width Using Reference Image Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defect detection technologies in structures, such as cracks in bridges and tunnels, often result in erroneous or missed detections, leading to significant user workload in manual correction and measurement, especially when determining defect attributes like crack width.
Innovation Solution
An image analysis apparatus that presents detected defects to users alongside reference images, allowing them to select and compare with stored image fragments to determine defect attributes like crack width, reducing the need for manual measurement and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic defect detection is used, then inspection efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to erroneous or missed detections
Solution Approach 1:
The system presents automatic detection results to users for review and correction, creating a feedback loop where user input refines the detection accuracy. The apparatus displays detected defects alongside reference images, allowing users to verify and correct measurements, thereby improving precision while maintaining automated inspection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus introduces reference images as intermediaries between automatic detection and final measurement. These reference images serve as a mediator that helps users accurately determine defect attributes by providing visual context and comparison standards, resolving the contradiction between automated efficiency and manual precision.
2Measurement precision
If manual correction and measurement is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but user workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting defects and preparing reference images in advance. This preliminary processing reduces the user's workload during manual correction by providing pre-organized information and visual references, allowing users to focus only on verification and minor adjustments rather than performing all measurement tasks manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus creates copies of detected defects in the form of reference images that can be displayed alongside the original captured images. These copies serve as visual references that reduce the cognitive load on users during manual correction, enabling accurate measurement with less effort by providing immediate visual comparison.
3Measurement precision
If reference images are provided for visual comparison, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates the reference image generation function from the main detection process. By taking out the creation of reference images as a distinct module that processes captured images independently, the apparatus reduces overall system complexity while still providing the necessary visual comparison tools for accurate crack width determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus implements a universal reference image generation mechanism that can handle multiple defect types and measurement requirements through a single integrated function. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity by consolidating various measurement support functions into one versatile system component.
Data Source
AI summary
An image analysis apparatus is provided. The apparatus presents an image of a determination-target crack detected from an inspection target to a user together with a plurality of reference images each showing a crack. The apparatus acquires user input for selecting two or more reference images among the plurality of reference images. The apparatus determines a width of the determination-target crack based on information indicating crack widths associated with the two or more reference images.