Ultrasonic Inspection Data Alignment for Echo Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic inspection methods face challenges in accurately distinguishing between inner-wall echoes and defect echoes in three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data, particularly for complex targets, due to separate coordinate systems and differing sound velocity values, requiring time-consuming corrections for proper alignment and scale adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic inspection method that facilitates alignment of display positions and correction of relative scales between three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and shape data, using an array-probe ultrasonic sensor with a computer system for position and scale adjustments, allowing for efficient discrimination between inner-wall echoes and defect echoes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and three-dimensional shape data are displayed in separate coordinate systems, then each data type can be processed independently, but alignment and discrimination between inner-wall echoes and defect echoes become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display of three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and three-dimensional shape data into a unified coordinate system. The display unit presents both datasets simultaneously with aligned coordinate systems, allowing inspectors to directly compare and discriminate between inner-wall echoes and defect echoes without time-consuming manual alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary position correction and coordinate system alignment automatically before the inspection data is displayed. The system pre-aligns the ultrasonic inspection data with the three-dimensional shape data by matching coordinate systems and adjusting positions in advance, so that when the inspector views the combined display, the data is already properly aligned and ready for immediate discrimination.
2Measurement precision
If theoretical sound velocity values are used for display, then processing is simplified, but accurate positioning and scaling of inspection data cannot be achieved when actual sound velocity differs from theoretical values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the sound velocity parameter based on actual measurement conditions. The system allows input of actual sound velocity values measured during inspection and automatically recalculates the positioning and scaling of ultrasonic inspection data accordingly. This parameter change enables accurate representation of defect positions and dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple user interface for providing the correction values.
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 quick and accurate discrimination between inner-wall echoes and defect echoes by aligning and scaling three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data with shape data, reducing the time and effort required for corrections.
Implementation Method 1
an array-probe ultrasonic sensor having a plurality of piezoelectric vibration elements arrayed therein
Implementation Method 2
a reflected ultrasonic wave signal of the ultrasonic wave is received
Data Source
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AI summary
A primary object of the present invention is to provide ultrasonic inspection equipment and method which facilitate alignment of display positions of three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and three-dimensional shape data, and which are capable of quickly discriminating between a defect echo and an inner-wall echo. A computer (102A) has a position correction function of correcting a relative display position between three-dimensional shape data and three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data. According to the position correction function, a display position of the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data or that of the three-dimensional shape data is moved by a norm of a mean vector along the mean vector that is calculated from a plurality of vectors defined by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional shape data, the points selected in the three-dimensional shape data corresponding to the points selected in the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data respectively. The three-dimensional shape data and the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data are displayed in such a manner as to be superimposed on each other on a three-dimensional display unit (103C).