NDI Scanner Localization via Structural Feature Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive inspection (NDI) systems rely on rotational incremental encoders for accurate localization of scanners, which can be cumbersome and require dedicated components.
Innovation Solution
The system employs image processing and feature point comparison to track the location of an NDI scanner using scan images acquired from the target object, eliminating the need for rotational incremental encoders by identifying common features and calculating position and orientation changes based on pixel position differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational incremental encoders are used for scanner localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the localization function from dedicated mechanical encoders and relocates it to the imaging system itself. By using image processing of structural features to determine scanner position and orientation, the system eliminates the need for separate rotational incremental encoders, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is given a dual function: it both captures structural data for inspection purposes and simultaneously performs localization by tracking structural features. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve both inspection and positioning needs, eliminating dedicated encoder components and reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If dedicated location measurement components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes dedicated location measurement components from the system and extracts the localization capability into the software processing pipeline. By using existing scan images and structural feature recognition algorithms, the system achieves accurate location tracking without requiring operators to manage separate measurement devices, thereby improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-localization by automatically tracking structural features in the scanned images. The software autonomously determines scanner position and orientation through image processing without requiring external measurement components or manual intervention, making the system easier to operate while maintaining precision
3Measurement precision
If separate location measurement components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the localization function with the existing imaging and inspection system. By using the same sensors and processing infrastructure to both capture structural data and determine scanner location through feature tracking, the system eliminates separate location measurement components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through integrated multi-functional processing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking the location of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) scanner using images of a target object acquired by the NDI scanner. The system includes a frame, an NDI scanner supported by the frame, a system configured to enable motorized movement of the frame, and a computer system communicatively coupled to receive sensor data from the NDI scanner and track the location of the NDI scanner. The NDI scanner includes a two-dimensional (2-D) array of sensors. Subsurface depth sensor data is repeatedly (recurrently, continually) acquired by and output from the 2-D sensor array while at different locations on a surface of the target object. The resulting 2-D scan image sequence is fed into an image processing and feature point comparison module that is configured to track the location of the scanner relative to the target object using virtual features visible in the acquired scan images.