Non-destructive Imaging with Stereoscopic Virtual Projection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-destructive imaging methods using penetrating radiation are time-consuming, limited in flexibility, and pose health hazards, making real-time, intuitive inspection of internal structures difficult, especially for large or complex objects.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that create virtual images of both the surface and internal structure of objects using penetrating radiation, allowing operators to manipulate and view these images intuitively, using voice and body movements to control robotic arms and visualization tools, enabling real-time, flexible inspection without physical presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static radiography is used to image internal structure, then radiation penetration through opaque objects is achieved, but imaging time is excessive and real-time inspection is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal structure imaging capabilityVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static radiography to dynamic real-time imaging. The system enables continuous acquisition of radiographic images while the object moves through the scanning area, allowing real-time inspection without stopping the production line. This resolves the contradiction by making the imaging process dynamic rather than static, thus reducing imaging time while maintaining internal structure visualization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the object on a moving conveyor belt before it enters the scanning area. The system is prepared in advance with the radiation source and detector already aligned, so that as soon as the object enters the scanning zone, imaging begins immediately. This eliminates setup time and enables continuous real-time inspection, resolving the time loss issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If CT scanning is used to create three-dimensional models, then comprehensive internal structure data is obtained, but large sets of images require extensive computational processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal structure information completenessVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by selecting and imaging only the specific regions of interest within the object, rather than scanning the entire object with CT. The system uses the moving conveyor to present different sections sequentially to the radiation source and detector, extracting only the necessary internal structure information from each section. This reduces the total data volume requiring processing while maintaining comprehensive information about the inspected regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by performing radiography on selected portions of the object as they pass through the scanning area, rather than completing full CT scans of entire objects. The system inspects only the critical sections that require examination, leaving other areas unscanned. This partial inspection approach significantly reduces processing time while still obtaining all necessary internal structure information for the inspected portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If robotic arms are used to position radiation source and detector, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but system complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex robotic arms with a simpler mechanical conveyor belt system. Instead of using powered robotic manipulators to position the radiation source and detector, the system uses a moving conveyor to transport objects past fixed or minimally movable imaging components. This substitution eliminates the need for complex robotic positioning mechanisms while maintaining flexibility through the continuous motion of the conveyor, thus reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 immediate, natural, and intuitive examination of internal structures, reducing the need for extensive data processing and allowing operators to evaluate 3D structures efficiently, while maintaining safety from radiation hazards.

Implementation Method 1

The internal structure of objects that are visually opaque is currently determined by means of radiation of the penetrating form of energy such as ultrasonic waves or ionizing radiation. This radiation penetrates through the internal structure impenetrable for visible light and if the radiation leaving the tested structure is detected, the image is obtained with information about the internal structure of the object.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPenetrating radiation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11670053B2Method of non-destructive imaging of the internal structure and device for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2023.06.06 RADALYTICA SRO
  • US11670053B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to non-destructive imaging of the internal structure for safe and intuitive operator work. In the context of the invented method, electronic scanning first creates a virtual image of the surface of the object (5) whose internal structure is the subject of research. Part of the surface of the object (5) and the angle of scanning are set by voice or by movement of the operator's body (9). The virtual image of the surface of the object (5) is subsequently projected in the stereoscopic glasses (7), followed by creation of the virtual image of the internal structure of the object (5) for the same angle of scanning. The virtual image of the internal structure is projected in the virtual image of the surface of the object (5), or replaces the virtual image of the object (5).