Portable Visual Inspection Overlay for Secure Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual inspection systems for aircraft are complex, costly, and prone to errors due to manual processes and limitations in describing damage, while secure data transfer from unclassified to classified systems is challenging, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A visual inspection system using a portable electronic device with a display and imaging capabilities to overlay a wireframe model of the aircraft, allowing for precise defect tracing and data storage, combined with a secure data transfer method that converts data into an optically readable code for secure database entry without risking device contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual inspection processes are used, then operator flexibility in describing damage is maintained, but inspection accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to subjective descriptions and predefined menu constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection processes with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses cameras to capture images of defects and automatically measures their characteristics (size, shape, location) using image processing algorithms, eliminating the need for operators to manually describe damage while maintaining high measurement precision and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-measurement and self-documentation of defects. The automated system captures defect images, processes them to extract measurement data, and stores the information without requiring operator intervention for measurement taking or data entry, thereby ensuring consistent and accurate inspection results.
2Measurement precision
If laser theodolite systems are used, then measurement precision of surface defects is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase due to tripod mounting and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex laser theodolite systems and implements it using simple digital cameras. By removing the need for tripod mounting, laser alignment, and complex optical components, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for defect detection while dramatically reducing device complexity and setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, complex laser theodolite equipment with inexpensive digital cameras that can be easily deployed. The cameras serve as disposable-like components that can be quickly set up and removed without requiring permanent installation or complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing both cost and complexity.
3Reliability
If unclassified data is manually input into classified systems, then data transfer security is improved by avoiding device contamination, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual entry processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical code system that enables secure data transfer between unclassified and classified systems. The system converts unclassified inspection data into optical codes that can be read by classified systems without creating electronic connections, thereby maintaining security while enabling automated data transfer and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical data entry (typing on keyboards) with automated optical code scanning. The classified system's optical scanner automatically reads codes containing inspection data, eliminating the need for manual typing while maintaining secure data transfer protocols and preventing device contamination.
4Ease of operation
If predefined damage type menus are used, then data entry simplicity is improved, but information completeness deteriorates because the menus may not adequately describe all types of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual selection from predefined menus with automated optical measurement and description of defects. The system captures images of defects, automatically measures their characteristics, and generates comprehensive descriptions without requiring operators to select from limited predefined options, thereby ensuring complete and accurate damage documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from fixed categorical descriptions to continuous parameter-based descriptions. Instead of forcing operators to select from predefined damage types, the system measures and records actual defect parameters (size, shape, location, appearance) allowing for complete and flexible description of any damage type encountered.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual inspection system includes a database storing a wireframe model of an object and a portable electronic device equipped with an imaging device and a display. The portable electronic device is in communication with the database. The portable electronic device is configured to show on the display the wireframe model as an overlay to an image of the object taken by the imaging device. The display is configured to accept input of a trace of a defect on the display, and displays the trace on the image. A method of transmitting electronic data from an unsecure device to a secure database is also described.