Guided-Test System for Bundle of Tubular Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual testing of bundles of objects, such as pipes, is complex and prone to human errors due to the large number of objects, their similarity in shape and color, and the need for rapid testing without shutting down entire systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential mistakes in identifying defects and recording results.
Innovation Solution
A Guided-Test System (GTS) utilizing a computing-assistance device (CAD) that guides the tester, identifies objects, records results, and uses a Test-reference-border apparatus (TRBA) and portable probe to accurately locate and measure objects, reducing human error and increasing efficiency through image processing and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual testing is used on a bundle of objects, then the tester can examine each object individually, but the complexity and human error increase due to the large number of similar objects
Solution Approach 1:
A computing-assistance device serves as an intermediary between the tester and the bundle of objects. The device receives a picture of the bundle, processes it to identify individual objects and their locations, and provides guidance to the tester. This intermediary system manages the complexity of testing numerous similar objects while maintaining accurate identification and measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (picture) of the bundle of objects and processes this copy to identify object locations and characteristics. This digital representation allows the system to track and guide testing without physically manipulating each object, reducing testing complexity while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If manual testing is performed on hundreds or thousands of objects, then complete coverage is possible, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing a picture of the entire bundle of objects before testing begins. The computing device processes this picture to pre-identify all objects, their locations, and characteristics. This preliminary processing creates a roadmap that guides the tester through the bundle, enabling rapid movement from object to object while ensuring complete coverage without missing or duplicating tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of manually locating and tracking each object with an optical and computational system. A camera captures the bundle, and image processing algorithms automatically identify object positions and provide guidance, substituting manual search and tracking operations with automated visual recognition and guidance.
3Area of stationary object
If objects are crowded together with no specific logic-order or marking, then space utilization is efficient, but object identification and result correlation become error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual identification and tracking of crowded objects with an automated image processing system. The camera captures the entire bundle, and computational algorithms identify each object's location, size, and characteristics based on the picture. This substitution eliminates the need for physical markings or logical ordering while maintaining accurate object identification and result correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (processed picture) of the crowded bundle that contains identified object locations and characteristics. This digital representation serves as a reference guide for the tester, allowing accurate identification of objects in the crowded physical arrangement without requiring physical markings or systematic ordering of the objects themselves.
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
The system enables rapid, accurate, and efficient non-destructive testing of bundles of objects, reducing human mistakes, increasing testing speed, and allowing for more frequent maintenance, which helps in preventing system damage and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic pulse reflectometry (APR) is a generic name given to a family of systems and methods used to measure an acoustic response of a given system/object. The term APR is derived from the fact that an excitation pulse (input signal) is applied to a system/object being tested, and the reflections (acoustic response) created inside the system/object are measured and analyzed.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of method and system for guiding a tester of a bundle of similar objects are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments may obtain a picture of the bundle of the similar objects. The image may be processed in order to identify the bundle of similar objects to be tested. Then, the system may determine which object of the similar objects to measure and accordingly it may instruct a tester to associate an object-measuring device with the determined object to be measured. Upon receiving a trigger signal issued by the tester, information is collected regarding the test results of the measured object and information on the location of the measured object. Then the process can proceed for additional objects in the bundle.