NDI Scanner Localization via Scan Image 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 uses image processing to track the location of NDI scanners by aggregating and comparing scan images from one or two one-dimensional sensor arrays, identifying common feature points to calculate the relative physical distance and update the scanner's absolute location without the need for rotational incremental encoders.
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 encoder components and relocates it to the NDI scanner's existing imaging system. By using the scanner's camera to capture images and identify feature points for localization, the system eliminates the need for separate rotational incremental encoders, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the NDI scanner's imaging system perform dual functions: both non-destructive inspection and localization. The same camera and image processing capabilities used for inspection are also utilized to capture feature points and calculate scanner position, eliminating the need for dedicated localization components and reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If rotational incremental encoders are used for localization, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate encoder components and their associated setup procedures. By using the existing scanner imaging system for localization, the system eliminates complex encoder installation, calibration, and synchronization operations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner system performs its own localization using its built-in imaging capabilities. The scanner captures images, identifies feature points, and calculates its own position without requiring external encoder systems, simplifying operation and reducing setup complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking the location of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) scanner using scan data converted into images of a target object. Scan images are formed by aggregating successive scan strips acquired using one or two one-dimensional sensor arrays. An image processor constructs and then compares successive partially overlapping scan images that include common features corresponding to respective structural features of the target object. The image processor is further configured to compute a change in location of the NDI scanner relative to a previous location based on the respective positions of those common features in the partially overlapping scan images. This relative physical distance is then added to the previous (old) absolute location estimate to obtain the current (new) absolute location of the NDI scanner.