Roadway Surface Imaging for Non-Destructive Asphalt Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the bulk specific gravity and density of construction materials, particularly asphalt mixtures, are prone to operator-dependent errors, destructive, and lack accuracy due to irregular specimen shapes and operator measurement inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a translation mechanism with roller wheels and material-interacting devices, such as light, sound, ultrasound, or radiation, to non-destructively measure dimensions and characteristics of construction materials, minimizing operator judgment and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (gamma attenuation, Archimedes' principle, dimensional analysis) are used to determine bulk specific gravity, then measurements can be obtained, but operator-dependent errors and variability occur reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems (calipers, rulers) with automated optical imaging systems and computer vision algorithms. The imaging device captures images of the specimen, and software automatically determines dimensions and calculates bulk specific gravity, eliminating operator-dependent manual measurements and improving both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical specimen and performs measurements on this copy through image processing. This allows multiple measurements to be taken from the same image without physically touching or disturbing the specimen, reducing operator variability while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If destructive testing methods are used to determine material properties, then accurate data can be obtained, but the specimen is damaged and cannot be reused for other tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical testing methods with non-destructive optical imaging and image processing techniques. The imaging device captures visual information about the specimen's dimensions and characteristics without physically contacting or damaging it, allowing the specimen to be reused for other tests while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent obtains all necessary measurement data from visual copies (images) of the specimen rather than through physical interaction. This allows complete characterization of the specimen without altering it, preserving the specimen for future testing while achieving accurate material property determination.
3Reliability
If manual calibration and measurement procedures are used, then equipment can be operated, but time-consuming calibration processes reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration through the use of known reference objects (coins, US stamps) that are automatically recognized and used to calibrate the imaging system. The software automatically determines the size of these reference objects from images and uses them to establish scale, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of standard reference objects (coins, stamps) with known dimensions to automate the calibration process. The software compares captured images against stored reference images or known dimensions, automatically determining calibration factors without requiring manual intervention, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple manual measurements are taken to account for irregular specimen shapes, then measurement coverage improves, but operator judgment and inconsistency increase variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual multi-point measurement procedures with automated optical imaging that captures the entire specimen surface simultaneously. Image processing algorithms automatically analyze the complete specimen geometry, eliminating operator judgment and ensuring consistent measurement of irregular shapes without requiring multiple manual measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear measurements (caliper readings) to two-dimensional image analysis that captures the entire specimen surface. This allows comprehensive measurement of irregular geometries in multiple dimensions simultaneously, improving precision while eliminating operator variability through automated image processing.
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
Provides accurate, non-destructive measurements of dimensions and characteristics, improving the reliability of density and specific gravity determinations, leading to better quality control and design in construction projects.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device interacting with a construction material to thereby determine at least one surface characteristic of the construction material
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device interacting with a construction material to thereby determine at least one surface characteristic of the construction material
Implementation Method 3
a translation mechanism configured for rotating the construction material sample about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 4
material-interacting devices, such as light, sound, ultrasound, or radiation, to non-destructively measure dimensions and characteristics
Implementation Method 5
material-interacting devices, such as light, sound, ultrasound, or radiation, to non-destructively measure dimensions and characteristics
Implementation Method 6
Gamma attenuation technology can be used to provide bulk density of a compacted asphalt specimen by measuring its electron density as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,641 to Dep et al. The electron density is determined by the intensity and energy distribution of gamma radiation traversing the sample.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a characteristic of a construction material is provided. The method includes imaging the construction material and determining a characteristic of the construction material based off of the imaging.