3-D Radiography and Image Analysis of Defect Detection

In Phase I of this project, we will investigate the feasibility of adding a "real-time" or "near real-time " stereoscopic imaging capability to the armaments radiographic inspection system already in place at Yuma Proving Ground. We will determine the best way to implement rapid, accurate, and cost-effective automated stereoscopic inspection with minimal modifications to existing equipment. We propose to do this by (1) providing a stereoscopic imaging demonstration on a PC-type computer with a stereo-scoping display, (2) using this demo to obtain stereo radiographs of Yuma's actual test items in the context of the ultimate automated system, (3) analyzing the configuration and capabilities of the present facilities (which include the radiographic systems and the image processing computer system) to determine the best way to take the necessary multi-aspect radiography, and (4) determining the functional requirements of the ultimate system (with respect to, for example, image quality and resolution, throughput, the need for image processing and measurements, and operator ease of use). Phase II would implement such a system at the Yuma Proving Ground. We look forward to taking this technology to the broader industrial inspection community in Phase III.