Virtual 3D Model for Nondestructive Inspection Archiving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nondestructive inspection techniques lack the ability to characterize surface conditions beyond geometry, failing to support comprehensive visual inspection requirements and providing subjective, fugitive data that cannot be accurately archived or compared over time.
Innovation Solution
Integration of two-dimensional visual inspection data with three-dimensional surface position data to create a virtual 3D model of components, allowing for enhanced inspection capabilities, including zoom imaging, data enhancement, and statistical analysis, and enabling the recording and archiving of inspection results for comparative analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual visual inspections are used, then inspection capability is available, but the data is subjective and fugitive, cannot be accurately archived or compared over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical component by mapping 2D inspection images onto a 3D digital model. This virtual replica preserves all visual inspection data in a permanent, archivable format that can be stored, retrieved, and compared over time, eliminating the subjectivity and fugitive nature of manual inspection records
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines 2D visual inspection image data with 3D surface position data to create a composite virtual model. This integration of multiple data types (visual + geometric) produces a comprehensive digital representation that preserves both appearance and spatial information, enabling reliable archiving and comparison
2Adaptability or versatility
If 2D visual inspection data is mapped onto 3D model, then comprehensive inspection capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual model that serves multiple inspection functions simultaneously. The same 3D model with mapped 2D images can be used for visual inspection, dimensional measurement, defect detection, and condition monitoring, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a 3D surface model as an intermediary structure that bridges 2D visual inspection data and the physical component. This intermediary provides a common framework for integrating different inspection modalities and enables comprehensive analysis without requiring direct complexity between all components
3Loss of information
If virtual 3D model with 2D image mapping is created, then inspection results can be archived and compared, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating the complete virtual 3D model with all 2D images mapped during the initial inspection. This one-time comprehensive data capture and integration effort preserves all inspection information in an archivable format, eliminating the need for repeated inspections and reducing long-term data processing requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus (10) applying two dimensional nondestructive examination images onto a three dimensional solid model of a component (12) to display a virtual component (73) that may be manipulated to perform a nondestructive inspection. The two dimensional nondestructive examination images may be acquired from a plurality of views of the component in order to provide full coverage of the surface to be inspected, with appropriate stitching of images in regions of overlap between adjacent views. The two dimensional images (62) may be color or black and white photographs or ultraviolet or infrared images, for example. Multiple types of nondestructive examination images, results of inspection data evaluations, and design, operational and/or maintenance information may be displayed separately or jointly on the three dimensional solid model. Surface features of interest that are mapped as defined areas (76) on the three dimensional solid model may be displayed simultaneously in different views on 2D and 3D images of the virtual component.