3D SmartInspect: Intelligent Inspection Monitoring and Documentation by Optical Tracking System for Ultrasound and Eddy Current Inspection

Situation of traditional inspection

In the case of the widely used manual inspection, the quality of the inspection depends strongly on the personnel and the environmental conditions; this fact concerns the inspection of small com-ponents in production as well as the maintenance inspections of large industrial structures. The -adequate interpretation of the measured values and the thorough coverage of the inspection area require a high degree of personal expertise. In addition, companies face considerable challenges with regard to documen-tation. Often, inspection reports are drawn up by hand and any peculiar observations are marked on the components themselves. A digital link between the specimen and the documentation is not established. If inspections take several hours or days, errors and incomplete documentation can occur, leading to negative consequences for subsequent processes.
To solve this topic, Fraunhofer IZFP has developed the optical tracking system "3D SmartInspect", an assistance system for manual inspections based on cognitive signal evaluation.

Solution of 3D-SmartInspect

Fraunhofer IZFP "3D-SmartInspect" technology provides unique options to ensure objective and quantified inspection of large and / or safety-relevant industrial structuress. Parallel to the fully digitized recording of the manual or robot-assisted inspection process by cameras – including tracing of the probe position – all volume data, generated in realtime from the measurement signals, are visualized, optionally via HoloLens, tablet PC, or laptop. The automated generation of a digitized inspection protocol will significantly facilitate processing, analysis, and control of the manual inspection process. Then again, such an extension will substantially relieve the inspectors. In the long term, time-killing and failure-prone preparatory work will be superseded and the degree of the inspectors' individual competence won't influence the inspection reliability any longer. Additionally, engineers can accurately record relevant data with intelligent, assisting sensor systems and gainfully use it in the digital product memory – in every phase of the product lifecycle.

3D SmartInspect – a Fraunhofer IZFP tool for the digital NDT world: Augmented Reality System as a support for the manual inspection of components or large surfaces

Vantages of "3D SmartInspect" Inspection Technology

One hundred percent inspection: The system itself warrants the thorough scan of the inspection area and the localization of all identified imperfections (e.g., cracks, corrosion).
Reduction of the inspection time: The inspection procedure is speeded up by visualization of areas which are already inspected and areas which have yet to be inspected. Thus, multiple scanning of one and the same area can be avoided.
Digital inspection memory: The automated documentation of the inspection results works as a proof for the reliable realization of the manual inspection in accordance with requirements of quality assurance.

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