Pipe Joint Bending Angle Calculation Using Image-Derived Pipe Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for calculating the bending angle between joined pipes require time-consuming manual measurements of distances between a white line and the end surface at multiple positions, leading to inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that captures an image of joined pipes, derives laying direction straight lines from pipe contours, and calculates the bending angle using image processing techniques, including contour extraction, derivation of straight lines, and approximation of intermediate points to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of distance between white line and end surface is performed at multiple positions, then bending angle calculation accuracy is improved, but time consumption and worker effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement system with an automated image processing system. Instead of workers physically measuring distances with tools, the system captures images of the pipes and uses computer algorithms to automatically extract contours, identify key points, and calculate bending angles, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical pipe configuration and performs measurements on this copy rather than the physical object itself. By working with image data and extracted contours, the system can perform multiple measurements and calculations without additional physical measurement efforts, saving time while preserving accuracy
2Reliability
If manual measurement at multiple positions is performed, then measurement completeness is improved, but worker effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically conducting all measurement operations without human intervention. The image processing algorithm independently extracts contours, identifies multiple positions, performs measurements, and calculates results, eliminating the need for workers to manually perform repetitive measurement tasks while ensuring complete measurement coverage
3Extent of automation
If image processing with contour extraction is used, then automation level is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex image processing task into distinct sequential steps: image capture, contour extraction, key point identification, distance calculation, and angle computation. This segmentation transforms a potentially overwhelming complex process into manageable modular operations, enabling high automation while controlling calculation complexity through structured processing
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a bending angle calculation method capable of saving a worker time and effort. The bending angle calculation method includes: an image capturing step (S1) of capturing an image of pipes in which a first pipe and a second pipe are joined together by a joint; a derivation step (S3) of deriving, from the image, laying direction straight lines corresponding to laying directions of the pipes; and a calculation step (S4) of calculating, as a bending angle at the joint, a crossing angle between a laying direction straight line of the first pipe and a laying direction straight line of the second pipe.