Dendritic Structure Measurement via Concentric Circle Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metallographic measurement methods require separate image analysis and measurement routines for each microscope magnification and camera resolution combination, leading to measurement errors and inflexibility when microscope calibration or equipment changes occur.

Innovation Solution

A universal image analysis method that measures the circumferences of concentric circles overlaid on metallographic images, allowing for the determination of dendritic structure parameters independent of microscope magnification and camera resolution, and adjusts these measurements based on dendrite density and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate image analysis routines are used for each microscope magnification and camera resolution combination, then measurement accuracy is maintained for specific equipment configurations, but the system becomes inflexible and requires multiple specialized routines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal image analysis routine that can process metallographic images from any microscope magnification and camera resolution combination. The system uses standardized morphological operations and intercept counting methods that are independent of specific equipment parameters, allowing one routine to serve multiple functions across different microscope configurations without requiring separate specialized routines for each setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If standardized image analysis methods are used across all microscope configurations, then system flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but measurement errors may occur due to variations in magnification and resolution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem ease of useVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter-independent measurement methods where the analysis routine does not rely on fixed magnification or resolution parameters. Instead, it uses relative measurements through intercept counting on concentric circles and morphological operations that scale with the image content itself. This allows the standardized routine to maintain accuracy across varying equipment parameters by adapting to the actual image characteristics rather than assuming fixed parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If equipment calibration changes or microscope components are replaced, then system adaptability is improved, but measurement errors are introduced due to changes in magnification and resolution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The image analysis routine performs self-adjustment through automated morphological operations and intercept counting that inherently adapt to the actual image scale and resolution. The system does not require external calibration data or manual parameter input when equipment changes occur; instead, it automatically adjusts to the new magnification and resolution through its parameter-independent measurement methodology, maintaining reliability without requiring re-calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11263510B2Method for performing measurements of dendritic structures for all magnifications and camera resolutions of microscopes
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US11263510B2 patent drawing
  • US11263510B2 patent drawing
  • US11263510B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a processor and memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor configure the processor to receive an image of a metallographic sample of a product from a microscope, the image including dendritic structures in the metallographic sample; select a portion of the image; and perform morphological operations on the selected portion of the image to transform the image. The instructions configure the processor to overlay a plurality of concentric circles on the transformed image, measure circumferences of the circles, and count the number of intercepts of the circles and boundaries of the dendritic structures in the transformed image. The instructions configure the processor to determine parameters of the dendritic structures based on the measured circumferences and the number of intercepts. The instructions configure the processor to determine structural properties of the product based on the parameters of the dendritic structures.