Visual Structural Stress Inference via Image Affine Transformations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural stress monitoring methods rely on direct measurements with sensors, which can be costly and complex, and lack efficient remote or non-contact solutions for detecting structural impairments and stress in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using visual image and video data to infer structural stress by computing affine transformations between frames, estimating deformation, and converting it into time-varying stress without direct imaging of the structure, employing off-the-shelf cameras and processors to analyze sequences of images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement sensors are used to monitor structural stress, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stress sensors with a visual imaging system that captures deformation through camera images. The system uses image processing algorithms to calculate affine transformations between consecutive frames, deriving stress information from visual data rather than direct mechanical measurement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual images as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure structural stress. Instead of direct contact with the structure, the system uses camera captures of the structure's appearance changes over time to infer deformation and stress states, eliminating the need for complex sensor installations
2Measurement precision
If direct contact sensors are installed on the structure, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes physical sensor installation with remote visual monitoring. By using camera images to track deformation through affine transformation calculations, the system eliminates the need for complex sensor mounting and installation procedures while maintaining the ability to measure stress accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the structure's deformation state through image sequences. By analyzing changes in the visual representation (images) rather than directly measuring the physical structure, the system avoids difficult installation while preserving measurement capability
3Productivity
If multiple cameras are used to monitor multiple structures, then productivity and monitoring coverage are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal image processing system that can handle multiple structures and cameras using the same affine transformation algorithms. The system processes images from different cameras and structures through a unified computational framework, enabling multi-site monitoring without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the processing of multiple camera feeds and multiple structures into a single integrated workflow. By combining image sequences from different sources and applying consistent transformation algorithms across all structures, the system achieves high productivity while managing complexity through standardized processing pipelines
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an apparatus and method for determining time-varying stress experienced by a structure comprising: obtaining images that include the structure; segmenting the second and any subsequent images to include the “static” portions that are identified from the first image; computing with a processor the affine transformations between the first and second, and optionally subsequent images, sequence of images; estimating a deformation (i.e. translation and rotation) undergone by the structure; and converting the deformation to estimate the structural stress by using one or more scaling functions) to generate the time-varying stress experienced by the structure.