Internal Pipe Surface 3D Modeling from Image-Caliper Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring internal pipe surfaces fail to provide accurate quantitative information about height and depth variations, particularly missing smaller regions between caliper fingers due to limited surface contact and lacking quantitative data from image analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines image data from downhole cameras with measured height profile data from multi-finger calipers to construct a three-dimensional model of internal pipe surfaces, correlating image properties with height profile data to extrapolate surface information beyond directly measured areas, enhancing spatial resolution and identifying defects like pitting and corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If linear interpolation is used between caliper fingers, then continuous surface data is obtained, but detection of localized small regions deteriorates due to averaging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linear interpolation method with an image-based correlation approach. Instead of mathematically averaging data between discrete points, the system uses optical image properties to guide the reconstruction of surface height, preserving local features while maintaining continuity. This substitution allows detection of small localized regions that would be averaged out in traditional interpolation.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution imaging is used to capture internal pipe surface, then spatial detail is improved, but quantitative information about radius variations deteriorates due to lack of direct measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges qualitative image data with quantitative caliper measurements. The high-resolution images provide detailed spatial information about surface features, while the caliper data provides accurate radius measurements. By combining these data types and correlating them through depth position matching, the system recovers quantitative radius information for the entire imaged area, not just at discrete measurement points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of constructing a three-dimensional model of an internal surface of a tubular structure comprises obtaining image data from an area of the internal surface of the structure, obtaining measured height profile data from the internal surface in a plurality of sub-regions of the area, for example using a multi-finger caliper tool, determining image properties from the image data, correlating the measured height profile data with the image properties in the sub-regions, and constructing expected height profile data for at least part of the area outside the sub-regions using the correlated measured height profile data and image properties.