System and method for identifying defects in a composite structure
First Claim
1. A system for identifying defects in a composite structure during fabrication thereof, comprising:
- a camera for receiving images of the composite structure comprised of a layer formed of a plurality of adjacent composite strips of material, wherein the plurality of adjacent composite strips are positioned in a common direction;
a processor for processing said images and outputting a response identifying a defect based on said images; and
a light source positioned at an oblique angle relative to the composite structure for illuminating the composite structure, said light source having an infrared component that is differently reflected by defects in the composite structure than from portions of the composite structure that are defect free, said light source being positioned to illuminate the composite structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the common direction of the composite strips.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for identifying defects in a composite structure is provided. The system includes a camera for receiving images of the composite structure, a processor for manipulating the images and outputting a response based on the images, and a light source for illuminating the composite structure. Advantageously, the light source is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the composite structure and comprises an infrared component that is differently reflected by defects in the composite structure than from portions of the composite structure that are defect free. Based on the response provided by the processor, defects that meet predetermined criteria can be identified.
93 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A system for identifying defects in a composite structure during fabrication thereof, comprising:
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a camera for receiving images of the composite structure comprised of a layer formed of a plurality of adjacent composite strips of material, wherein the plurality of adjacent composite strips are positioned in a common direction; a processor for processing said images and outputting a response identifying a defect based on said images; and a light source positioned at an oblique angle relative to the composite structure for illuminating the composite structure, said light source having an infrared component that is differently reflected by defects in the composite structure than from portions of the composite structure that are defect free, said light source being positioned to illuminate the composite structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the common direction of the composite strips. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for identifying defects in a composite structure during fabrication thereof, comprising:
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a camera for receiving images of the composite structure comprised of a layer formed of a plurality of adjacent composite strips, wherein the plurality of adjacent composite strips are positioned in a common direction; a memory device for storing said images; and a light source positioned at an oblique angle relative to the composite structure for illuminating the composite structure, said light source have an infrared component that is differently reflected by defects in the composite structure than from portions of the composite structure that are defect free, said light source being positioned to illuminate the composite structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the common direction of the composite strips. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method of identifying defects in a composite structure during fabrication thereof, comprising:
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positioning a camera proximate the composite structure, wherein the composite structure is comprised of a layer formed of a plurality of adjacent composite strips that are positioned in a common direction; illuminating the composite structure with an obliquely-mounted light source having an infrared component, wherein illuminating the composite structure comprises illuminating the composite structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the common direction of the composite strips; moving the camera and light source across the composite structure; recording images of the composite structure; and processing the images to identify defects in the composite structure. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification