Statistical Image Normalization for Translucent Composite Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Visual inspection of translucent composite parts is subjective and prone to human error, leading to imprecision in assessing structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a light emitter and detector to acquire digital images, analyzed by a control unit for automated defect detection and porosity determination, employing statistical methods to normalize geometric features and reduce subjectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is performed by human individuals, then the inspection process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the inspection results are subjective and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human visual inspection system with an automated optical inspection system consisting of a light emitter, detector array, and control unit. The control unit captures images through the translucent part and automatically analyzes them to detect defects and determine porosity, eliminating human subjectivity while providing precise, objective measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-analysis through automated image processing algorithms that detect defects and calculate porosity levels without human intervention. The control unit independently processes the captured images, applies analysis algorithms, and generates inspection results, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating human error.
2Reliability
If automated image analysis is implemented, then inspection precision and objectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the optical components and the inspection results. This control unit houses the image capture, processing, and analysis functions, serving as a centralized hub that manages the complex operations while presenting simplified results. The intermediary architecture organizes the system complexity into manageable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions within a single device: capturing images through the detector array, processing the image data, analyzing defects, calculating porosity, and generating inspection reports. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one integrated unit, improving reliability while managing overall system complexity.
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
The system provides an efficient and precise non-destructive inspection method that minimizes human error by automatically analyzing digital images for defects and porosity, ensuring structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter configured to emit light onto or into a part to illuminate the part
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to acquire one or more digital images of the part as illuminated by the light
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method include a light emitter configured to emit light onto or into a part to illuminate the part. A detector is configured to acquire one or more digital images of the part as illuminated by the light. A control unit is in communication with the detector. The control unit is configured to receive the one or more digital images of the part as illuminated by the light from the detector, and automatically analyze the one or more digital images of the part (to normalize out, such as by removing, known geometric features) as illuminated by the light to one or both of detect one or more defects of the part, or determine a porosity of the part.