Dynamic Resolution Image Processing for Bridge Defect Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image inspection methods for concrete structures, such as bridges and tunnels, face high readout and data communication loads due to the large size of high-resolution images needed for defect detection, leading to inefficient defect detection and increased storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus generates multiple images at different resolutions from a target image and selects an image of suitable resolution based on the type of defect to be checked, reducing the image readout and data communication loads while maintaining visual recognition of the defect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging is performed to detect defects that can be checked only in high-resolution images, then defect detection capability is improved, but the amount of image data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating multiple processed images at different resolutions and selecting the appropriate resolution level based on the specific defect type. Different regions of the image are processed at different resolution levels - high resolution for defects requiring detailed inspection, lower resolution for defects that can be detected at coarser levels. This resolves the contradiction by providing high measurement precision where needed while reducing the overall quantity of image data stored and processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the image resolution dynamic rather than fixed. The system generates a plurality of processed images at different resolutions and dynamically selects the appropriate resolution level based on the defect type being inspected. This allows the system to adapt the image quality to the specific inspection requirements, improving defect detection capability when necessary while reducing data volume when high resolution is not required.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are stored and displayed for defect checking and training, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores multiple processed images at different resolution levels rather than only high-resolution images. This allows the system to maintain high defect detection accuracy for defects requiring detailed inspection while reducing overall storage space by using lower-resolution images for defects that do not require high magnification. The local quality principle ensures that high-resolution data is preserved where needed while discarding unnecessary high-resolution data elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by storing and processing only the necessary portion of image data at high resolution. Instead of storing all images at maximum resolution, the system stores images at different resolution levels and selectively uses high-resolution images only when needed for specific defect types. This reduces the total storage volume while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the inspection task.
3Measurement precision
If large image data is read and processed for defect inspection, then defect detection capability is improved, but readout load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the image resolution level based on the defect type being inspected. The system generates multiple processed images at different resolutions and selects the appropriate level to minimize readout load while maintaining sufficient defect detection capability. For defect types that can be detected at lower resolutions, the system reads and processes only those lower-resolution images, significantly reducing the readout power requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by reading and processing only the necessary portion of image data required for the inspection task. Instead of loading all high-resolution image data into memory and processing it, the system loads and processes only the necessary lower-resolution images when high resolution is not required, reducing the readout load while maintaining adequate defect detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes one or more memories storing instructions, and one or more processors executing the instructions to generate a plurality of processed images different in resolution, from a target image, set a type of an object included in the target image and select, as an image to be used for specifying the object of the type that has been set, from the plurality of processed images, a processed image of a resolution corresponding to the type of the object that has been set.