Optical Geometry Change Detection for Slow Structural Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting geometric changes in structures, particularly slow vibrations and deformations, are inaccurate, expensive, and complex, especially for offshore structures, and require complex setups that are difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that compares image data from photographs taken at different times from a defined recording point to determine geometric changes, using image analysis to detect slow vibrations and deformations without requiring sensors on the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are used to measure vibrations in structures, then vibration detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy for very slow geometric changes deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical vibration sensors with an optical measurement system using a laser beam and image capture device. Instead of using sensors that physically contact and mechanically detect vibrations, the system uses optical fields to detect geometric changes, thereby avoiding the limitations of sensors in detecting very slow geometric changes while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the measurement system and the structure. The laser beam serves as a mediator that reflects off the structure and carries geometric change information to the image capture device, enabling accurate detection of very slow geometric changes without direct sensor contact.
2Measurement precision
If optical surveying methods are used with a measuring device at a fixed point remote from the structure, then geometric change detection is enabled, but setup complexity increases and implementation difficulty increases for offshore structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system portable and self-contained by integrating the image capture device, laser source, and processing unit into a single unit that can be easily deployed on offshore structures. The system can adapt to different measurement scenarios (onshore and offshore) without requiring complex fixed installations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining geometric change detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to the object to measure vibrations, then vibration measurement is enabled, but detection accuracy for very slow geometric changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors attached to the structure with a non-contact optical measurement system. The laser beam and image capture device measure geometric changes from a distance, eliminating the mechanical coupling that limits sensor accuracy for very slow geometric changes and improving detection reliability in the low frequency range.
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
Enables reliable detection of very slow geometric changes, such as long-wavelength vibrations, in a simple and cost-effective manner, improving the detection of instabilities like fatigue in structures.
Implementation Method 1
The second image data are compared with the first image data, and a change in the geometry of the object is determined based on the result of this comparison
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
In a method for determining a change in the geometry of an object (1), initial image data of a first image (5) of a measurement object (2) attached to the object (1) are acquired. The first image depicts the measurement object (2) from a defined recording point (4) in a defined viewing direction (z) at a first time point. Furthermore, second image data of at least a second image of the measurement object (2) are acquired. The second image depicts the measurement object (2) from the defined recording point (4) in the defined viewing direction (z) at a later second time point. The second image data are compared with the first image data, and a change in the geometry of the object (1) is determined based on the result of the comparison.