Ultrasonic Probe Position Tracking via Pipe QR Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic probe systems face difficulties in accurately acquiring position data on a pipe once detached, making it challenging to associate correct position data with flaw detection results upon reattachment.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system incorporating a sheet material with two-dimensional patterns, such as QR codes, attached to the pipe, which allows an ultrasonic probe to read these patterns and calculate position data using a reader and movement sensors, enabling accurate position data acquisition even after detachment and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an ultrasonic probe is detached from the pipe to perform inspections, then the probe can be repositioned and reused, but the total movement distance from reference coordinates cannot be detected, making it difficult to acquire correct position data upon return
Solution Approach 1:
A sheet material with two-dimensional patterns (QR codes) is introduced as an intermediary between the probe and the pipe. The sheet material is attached to the pipe surface and contains position information encoded in QR codes at specific locations. When the probe returns to the pipe, the reader on the probe reads the QR code from the sheet material to reacquire accurate position data, solving the problem of position loss during detachment.
2Measurement precision
If a reader mounted to the ultrasonic probe reads two-dimensional patterns on the pipe, then position data can be acquired even after detachment, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The reader mounted on the ultrasonic probe is designed to perform multiple functions: it reads the two-dimensional patterns (QR codes) on the sheet material for position detection, and also reads patterns directly on the pipe surface for continuous position tracking during scanning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated position detection systems.
3Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic probe continuously scans the pipe to acquire position data, then position information can be maintained, but the scanning direction and movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet material with QR codes is pre-attached to the pipe at specific reference positions before the inspection begins. This preliminary placement of position markers allows the probe to quickly reacquire position data by simply reading the pre-positioned QR codes when it returns to the pipe, without needing to perform continuous scanning or follow restricted movement paths.
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 the ultrasonic probe to correctly acquire position data on the pipe and associate it with flaw detection results, enhancing the convenience and accuracy of inspections by reducing restrictions on scanning direction and improving data association.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe that is freely moved on a pipe, and irradiates the pipe with an ultrasonic wave to detect a reflected wave
Implementation Method 2
a reader mounted to the ultrasonic probe and reads the two-dimensional patterns, in which the calculation unit acquires position data on the pipe based on the two-dimensional patterns read by the reader
Implementation Method 3
a movement amount sensor attached to the ultrasonic probe to detect the movement amount of the ultrasonic probe on the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system includes: a sheet material that is attached to a surface of a pipe and has two-dimensional patterns drawn thereon that are arranged on the pipe and indicate positions on the pipe; a reader that is mounted to an ultrasonic probe and reads the two-dimensional patterns; and a calculation unit that acquires position data on the pipe based on the two-dimensional patterns read by the reader. The inspection system associates the position data with a flaw detection result obtained from a detection result based on the ultrasonic probe.