Automated Drill Core Measurement via Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring drill cores of road surfaces are labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming, relying on manual inspections by trained personnel.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and device that rotate and illuminate the drill core, using a camera unit and analysis algorithm to measure parameters such as layer boundaries, color, grain size, and porosity, with the option for multiple cameras and AI-driven neural networks for enhanced analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection by trained inspectors is used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but personnel costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement system with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the drill core, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze layer thickness and bond quality, eliminating the need for manual ruler measurements while maintaining precision and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the drill core surface, which can be analyzed multiple times without additional time investment. The captured images serve as permanent records that can be processed automatically, allowing repeated analysis without the time cost of repeated manual measurements.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is used, then detailed visual assessment is possible, but the process becomes personnel- and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes human inspectors with an automated system comprising a camera and image processing software. This maintains reliable inspection through consistent algorithmic analysis while eliminating personnel dependencies and reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-analysis through automated image processing algorithms that independently evaluate drill core quality parameters. The software automatically detects layer boundaries, measures thickness, and assesses bond quality without requiring human intervention, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective.
3Productivity
If automated optical measurement is implemented, then efficiency and productivity improve, but measurement precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement with automated optical measurement using a camera and image processing. This substitution maintains measurement precision through calibrated imaging systems and sophisticated edge-detection algorithms while dramatically improving inspection efficiency and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from physical ruler contact to optical image capture. By capturing high-resolution images and analyzing pixel data, the system maintains measurement accuracy while enabling non-contact, rapid inspection that significantly improves productivity.
4Reliability
If multiple parameters are analyzed simultaneously, then comprehensive assessment is achieved, but analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal image processing system that simultaneously analyzes multiple parameters including layer thickness, bond quality, color variations, and defect detection. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive assessment through a single integrated system rather than separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the analysis process into distinct algorithmic modules: edge detection for layer boundaries, color analysis for material identification, and pattern recognition for defect detection. This segmentation manages analysis complexity by breaking down comprehensive assessment into manageable, independent computational tasks.
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 efficient, reliable, and accurate automated analysis of drill cores, reducing personnel and time costs while improving measurement precision and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
Illuminating the drill core with a lighting unit; Recording the rotated and illuminated drill core with a camera unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for measuring a core sample (12) of a road surface comprising the steps of: rotating (S10) the core sample (12); illuminating (S20) the core sample (12) with a lighting unit (16); recording (S30) the rotated and illuminated core sample (12) with a camera unit (18); and analyzing (S40) the recorded core sample (12) with regard to its properties, wherein the core sample (12) is automatically analyzed by means of an analysis algorithm with regard to one of the following parameters: color of the bitumen-mineral mixture, grain size, grain distribution, porosity, number of layers, compaction of the layers, layer boundaries (30), voids, and/or color transitions between the layers. The present invention further relates to a corresponding device.