Imaging Support Device for Split Structure Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging technologies face challenges in acquiring multiple images with required quality during split imaging of structures, leading to potential misinterpretation of damage, such as cracks and crevices, due to inadequate image quality, which can result in inappropriate inspection results.

Innovation Solution

An imaging support device that combines specified imaging point information with imaging plan and actual imaging information, including position and range data, to ensure images meet required quality standards by adjusting for imaging device parameters like pixel number, focal length, and environmental factors, and displays warnings for non-compliant images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If split imaging is performed to capture structure images, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the image quality may deteriorate leading to insufficient detail for damage detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is divided into multiple sequential imaging operations, each capturing a specific region of the structure. The imaging support device segments the overall imaging task into multiple sub-tasks, allowing each individual image to maintain high quality while the collection as a whole provides comprehensive coverage of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding imaging position information and imaging range information to the traditional imaging process. By managing images across multiple dimensions (position, range, quality parameters), the system achieves both comprehensive coverage and high image quality through coordinated multi-dimensional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If imaging parameters are adjusted to improve image quality, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the imaging efficiency deteriorates due to multiple re-imaging operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidimaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging support device performs preliminary actions by determining optimal imaging positions and ranges before actual imaging occurs. By pre-calculating and planning the imaging parameters based on structure information and damage detection requirements, the system avoids the need for multiple re-imaging operations, thus maintaining high detection accuracy while improving imaging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by evaluating whether obtained images meet the required quality standards for damage detection. Based on this evaluation, the imaging support device provides feedback to adjust subsequent imaging operations, ensuring that images are captured with appropriate quality on the first attempt, thereby improving both detection accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If comprehensive imaging information is collected to ensure quality, then the inspection reliability is improved, but the data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging support device extracts and manages only the essential imaging information needed for quality assurance, such as imaging position information, imaging range information, and key quality parameters. By extracting and focusing on critical data elements rather than processing all possible imaging data, the system maintains high inspection reliability while reducing data processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3410689B1Photography assistance device and photography assistance method
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3410689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3410689B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3410689B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the invention is to provide an imaging support device and an imaging support method that allow images, which satisfy required image quality, to be taken without omission during split imaging. An imaging support device (10) includes an imaging point specification unit (22) that specifies an imaging point of a structure on the basis of drawing information, an imaging planning unit (24) that generates imaging plan information including at least one of imaging position information or imaging range information of an imaging device at each imaging of the structure on the basis of the specified imaging point and image quality information, an actual imaging information-acquisition unit (28) that acquires actual imaging information including at least one of actual imaging position information or actual imaging range information of the imaging device at each imaging of the structure, and an imaging support information-generation unit (30) that combines the imaging plan information and the actual imaging information with the drawing information and allows a display unit (13) to display combined information.