Surface Acoustic Wave Inspection Using Optical Gradient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nondestructive inspection techniques using surface acoustic waves are inefficient in quickly processing information about elastic bodies, particularly in acquiring detailed information about surface and internal defects, as they require extensive time and multiple measurement points.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that excites surface acoustic waves on an elastic body's surface, using a piezoelectric element and a wedge, to generate Lamb waves, and captures gradient information using a multiwavelength aperture and image sensor, allowing for rapid acquisition of surface and internal defect data through a single-shot image capturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface acoustic waves are used for nondestructive inspection of elastic bodies, then internal and surface defects can be detected, but inspection time is excessively long and measurement efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional contact-based mechanical measurement methods with optical measurement. A laser beam is used to detect surface acoustic waves on the elastic body, eliminating the need for physical contact sensors. This optical substitution enables non-contact, rapid scanning across large surfaces while maintaining high measurement precision for defect detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-by-point measurement to two-dimensional surface scanning. By moving the laser beam across the surface in a scanning pattern, the system captures acoustic wave information across the entire inspected area simultaneously, dramatically increasing inspection speed while preserving defect detection accuracy through comprehensive coverage.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are used to acquire detailed defect information, then measurement accuracy improves, but inspection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning measurement where the laser beam continuously traverses the surface of the elastic body, capturing acoustic wave data at all points along the scan path without interruption. This continuous measurement approach replaces discrete point measurements, maintaining high defect information accuracy while reducing inspection time by eliminating the stop-and-measure cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning to map the entire surface area before conducting detailed defect analysis. The laser beam first sweeps across the full inspection area to identify regions of interest, then focuses measurement resources on those specific areas, reducing overall inspection time while maintaining comprehensive defect detection capability.
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 rapid acquisition of surface and internal defect information of elastic bodies, significantly reducing inspection time and improving measurement efficiency by processing a large surface area in a single shot, while maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element and a wedge, to generate Lamb waves
Implementation Method 2
A nondestructive inspection technique that uses waves (surface acoustic waves) transmitted along the surface or the boundary surface of a medium
Implementation Method 3
direction information of a light ray that corresponds to gradient information of an elastic body surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a controller. The controller is configured to calculate a feature amount of a surface acoustic wave, based on direction information of a light ray that corresponds to gradient information of an elastic body surface of an inspection object that is obtained in a case where the surface acoustic wave is excited on the elastic body surface of the inspection object.