Infrared Structure Assessment via Thermal Indicator Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing physical structure damage are risky and time-consuming, often requiring on-site inspections that expose individuals to hazards and delay repair processes, especially after natural disasters.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing infrared imaging and computing devices to analyze images for indicators exceeding a heat threshold, determining characteristics, and classifying damage or fasteners, thereby assessing the condition of physical structures remotely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-site inspection methods are used to assess physical structure damage, then detailed damage evaluation can be performed, but the risk of exposure to hazards and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of imaging devices and computational algorithms that mediate between the inspector and the physical structure. Instead of direct human exposure to hazards for inspection, the system uses captured images and thermal data as intermediaries to perform damage assessment remotely, thereby eliminating the harmful exposure while maintaining evaluation detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human inspection process with an automated image analysis system. Human inspectors physically examining structures are substituted by computational algorithms that process images and thermal data to identify damage patterns, replacing manual mechanical inspection with automated digital analysis to reduce hazard exposure.
2Measurement precision
If on-site inspection methods are used to assess physical structure damage, then detailed damage evaluation can be performed, but the time required for assessment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing images and thermal data before the actual damage assessment occurs. The imaging devices collect comprehensive visual and thermal information in advance, and the computational system prepares processing algorithms and analysis frameworks beforehand, enabling rapid assessment once the data is received without requiring time-consuming on-site evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming mechanical process of manual inspection with automated image processing algorithms. The computational system rapidly analyzes captured images and thermal data to identify damage patterns, replacing the slow manual examination process with fast automated digital analysis that maintains detail while significantly reducing assessment time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote analysis methods are used to assess physical structure damage, then the risk and time associated with on-site inspections are reduced, but the complexity of the analysis system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex analysis system into separate functional modules: imaging devices for data capture, transmission systems for data transfer, and computational algorithms for analysis. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining remote analysis capability and reducing hazard exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating digital copies of the physical structure through imaging and thermal sensing. Instead of requiring physical access to the structure for analysis, the system creates and processes digital copies of the structure's visual and thermal characteristics, enabling remote assessment while keeping the analysis system manageable through software-based processing rather than complex hardware systems.
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
This approach reduces the risk and time associated with on-site inspections by enabling remote analysis of physical structure conditions, facilitating quicker damage assessment and repair planning.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by one or more computing devices, information indicative of an infrared image. The infrared image includes a portion of the physical structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for assessing a physical structure are provided. Information indicative of an infrared image that includes a portion of the physical structure is received, and one or more indicators within the infrared image exceeding a heat threshold are determined. A plurality of characteristics of the one or more indicators are determined. One or more edges of the portion of the physical structure are detected, and an area associated with an intended use of one or more fasteners associated with the physical structure is determined according to the detected edges. An amount of the one or more indicators corresponding to the area is determined, and the one or more indicators are classified as fasteners according to the determined amount. Based on the classification of the one or more indicators, a condition of the physical structure is determined.