DE102014118424A1 - Method and apparatus for automatically identifying a point of interest on the surface of an anomaly - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for automatically identifying a point of interest (i.e., the lowest or highest digit) of interest on the surface of an anomaly on a viewed object using a video inspection device. The video inspection device makes an image of the surface of the object under consideration and displays it. A reference surface is determined along with a region of interest containing multiple points on the surface of the anomaly. The video inspection device determines a depth or height for each of the multiple points on the surface of the anomaly in the region of interest. The point on the surface of the anomaly (e.g., the greatest depth or height) is identified as the point of interest. Then a profile of the object surface at the point of interest is determined.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 108,976, filed on Dec. 17, 2013, entitled "METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING THE DEEPEST POINT ON THE SURFACE OF AN ANALYSIS" ("METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF THE DEFINITELY ON THE SURFACE OF ANOMALY "), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method and apparatus for automatically identifying a point of interest (e.g., the deepest or highest digit) of interest on the surface of an anomaly on a viewed object using a video inspection device.

Video inspection devices, such as video-endoscopes or borescopes, may be used to inspect a surface of an object to detect anomalies (eg, pits or notches) on the object, which may be, for example, a result of damage, wear, corrosion, or improper installation analyze. In many cases, the surface of the object is inaccessible and can not be viewed without the use of the video inspection device.

For example, a video inspection device may be used to inspect the surface of a blade of a turbine on an aircraft or power generation unit to detect any anomalies that may have formed on the surface to determine whether there is any repair or other maintenance is necessary. In order to perform the assessment, it is often necessary to obtain highly accurate dimensional surface and anomaly readings to verify that the anomaly does not exceed or exceed an operating limit or specification for that object.

A video inspection device may be used to obtain and display a two-dimensional image of the surface of a viewed object having the anomaly to determine the dimensions of an anomaly on the surface. This two-dimensional image of the surface can be used to generate three-dimensional data from the surface that provide the three-dimensional coordinates (e.g., (x, y, z)) of multiple points on the surface, including near the anomaly. In some video inspection devices, the user may operate the video inspection device in a metering mode to enter a metering screen in which the user places cursor on the two-dimensional image to determine geometrical dimensions of the anomaly. In many cases, it is difficult to determine the outline of a feature of interest from the two-dimensional image, which makes high-precision placement of the position indicators in the vicinity of the anomaly difficult. For example, when attempting to measure the depth of an anomaly, it may be difficult to determine from the two-dimensional image the location of the lowest point on the surface of the anomaly and to place a position indicator on it.

In some video inspection devices, the depth of an anomaly is determined by successively placing three position indicators around the anomaly to establish a reference plane and then placing a fourth position indicator on a point not on the plane by the vertical distance between the reference plane and to determine the surface at the fourth point. This depth measurement is most commonly used to try to measure the deepest point on the surface of the anomaly. After each position indicator has been positioned using a joystick, the user presses a button to indicate that he is ready with this position indicator ready for the next, after which the new position indicator is initially positioned arbitrarily in the center of the screen becomes. Therefore, for the fourth position indicator of a depth measurement, the user must move the position indicator from the center of the screen to the location of the anomaly and then move the position indicator around to manually find the lowest point on the surface of the anomaly. This process can take time and does not always result in the lowest point being identified.

The above discussion is offered only to provide general background information and is not to be taken as an aid to determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is provided a method and apparatus for automatically identifying a point of interest (eg, the lowest point or highest point) on the surface of an anomaly a viewed object using a video inspection device disclosed. The video inspection device makes an image of the surface of the object under consideration and displays it. A reference surface is determined along with a region of interest containing multiple points on the surface of the anomaly. The video inspection device determines a depth or height for each of the multiple points on the surface of the anomaly in the region of interest. The point on the surface of the anomaly (eg, the greatest depth or height) is identified as the point of interest. Then a profile of the object surface at the point of interest is determined.

An advantage that can be realized in practicing some disclosed embodiments of the method and apparatus for automatically identifying the point of interest on the surface of an anomaly is that the time taken to perform the measurement is shortened and the accuracy of the measurement is improved because the user does not have to manually identify the point of interest. In addition, the resulting views (profiles, dot cloud, etc.) showing the point of interest provide a more accurate representation of the site of interest.

In one embodiment, a method for automatically identifying a point of interest on a surface of an anomaly on an object surface of a viewed object is disclosed. The method includes the steps of displaying an image of the object surface on a monitor, determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points on the object surface using a central processing unit, selecting a first datum endpoint on a first pixel of the image using a pointing device, selecting a second datum endpoint a second pixel of the image using the pointing device, determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points on a first reference line extending between the first reference line end point and the second reference line end point using the central processing unit, selecting a third reference line end point on a third pixel of the image below Use of the pointing device, selecting a fourth reference line end point on a fourth pixel of the image using the pointing device, determining the three-dimensional one n coordinates of a plurality of points on a second reference line extending between the third reference line end point and the fourth reference line end point, using the central processing unit, determining a reference surface based on the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line and at least one of a plurality of points on the second reference line using the central processing unit, determining a region of interest for the reference surface having a plurality of points on the surface of the anomaly, using the central processing unit, determining the distances between the reference surface and the plurality of points on the surface of the surface Anomaly in the region of interest using the central processing unit, determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the point of interest on the surface of the anomaly in the region of interest using the central processing unit, determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of a profile surface contour line on the object surface between the first reference line and the second reference line containing the point of interest on the surface of the anomaly, using the central processing unit, and determining a profile of the object surface by determining the distance from the reference surface to the plurality of points of the profile surface contour line on the object surface using the central processing unit.

The step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the plural points on the first reference line may include determining a first reference line intersecting the object surface passing through the first reference line end point and the second reference line end point, and determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of a first surface contour line on the object surface near the first reference line level.

In the method of any kind mentioned above, the first reference line may be straight.

Additionally or alternatively, the reference surface may be a reference plane.

In one embodiment, the step of determining a region of interest for the reference surface comprises determining a polygon on the reference surface having vertices based on the at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line and the at least one of the plurality of points on the second reference line wherein the region of interest has multiple points on the surface of the anomaly that lie on lines that are perpendicular to the reference surface and that intersect the reference surface within the polygon.

In a further embodiment, the step of determining a region of interest for the reference surface comprises determining a plane of the region of interest intersecting the reference surface and passing through the first reference line between the at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line Region has multiple points on the surface of the anomaly, which are within a predetermined distance to the plane of the region of interest.

Further, the plane of interest region may intersect the reference surface perpendicular to the reference surface.

The method of any kind mentioned above may further comprise the step of displaying on the monitor a graphical representation of the profile of the object surface having a cross-section of the object of interest on the profile surface contour line.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may further comprise the step of displaying the distance between the reference surface and the point of interest on the surface of the anomaly on the monitor.

Further additionally or as a further alternative, the method may further comprise the step of displaying on the monitor a dot cloud image having a three-dimensional representation of the tread surface contour line.

In the method of any kind mentioned above, the image may be a two-dimensional image.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of points on the first reference line comprises performing a regression on the three-dimensional coordinates of the points on the object surface, the pixels of the image in the vicinity of a straight line between the first pixel and the second pixel match, up.

In another embodiment, the step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of points on the first reference line comprises performing low-pass filtering on the three-dimensional coordinates of the points on the object surface, the pixels of the image near a straight line between the first pixel and the second Pixels match, up.

In the method of any kind mentioned above, the tread surface contour line on the object surface may have a first point on or near the first reference line and a second point on or near the second reference line.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for automatically identifying a point of interest on a surface of an anomaly on an object surface of a viewed object is disclosed. The apparatus includes a monitor for displaying an image of the object surface, a pointing device for selecting a first reference line end point on a first pixel of the image, selecting a second reference line end point on a second pixel of the image, selecting a third reference line end point on a third pixel of the image, and for selecting a fourth reference line end point on a fourth pixel of the image and a central processor for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points on the object surface, for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points on a first reference line extending between the first reference line end point and the second reference line end point, for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points on a second reference line extending between the third reference line end point and the fourth reference line end point for determining a reference surface on d it bases the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line and at least one of the plurality of points on the second reference line to determine a region of interest for the reference surface having a plurality of points on the surface of the anomaly for determining the distances between the reference surface and the plurality of points on the surface of the anomaly in the region of interest, for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the point of interest on the surface of the anomaly in the region of interest having the greatest distance to the reference surface for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points a profile surface contour line on the object surface between the first reference line and the second reference line containing the point of interest on the surface of the anomaly, and for determining a profile of the object surface by determining ng of the distance from the reference surface to the multiple points of the profile surface contour line on the object surface.

This brief description of the invention is only intended to provide a brief overview of the subject matter disclosed herein in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to defining or limiting the scope of the invention, which is to be understood solely from the appended claims is defined. This brief description is provided to introduce in simplified form an illustrative selection of concepts, which are described in more detail below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as a tool to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages mentioned in the Background section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the features of the invention may be understood, a detailed description of the invention may be made to certain embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings illustrate only particular embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope, for the scope of the invention includes other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis generally being on illustrating the features of certain embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the several views. In order that the invention may be better understood, reference may now be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

1 a block diagram of an exemplary video inspection device;

2 an example of an image obtained by the video inspection device from the surface of an object having an anomaly in an embodiment of the invention;

3 FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of a method and apparatus for automatically identifying the lowest point on the surface of an anomaly on a viewed object shown in the image of FIG 2 is shown in one embodiment of the invention;

4 an example of a reference surface determined by the video inspection device;

5 an example of a region of interest, which has been determined by the video inspection device;

6 shows another example of a region of interest, which has been determined by the video inspection device; and

7 5 is a graphic representation of an example of a profile of the object surface of the object under consideration, which is shown in the image of FIG 1 is shown, in one embodiment of the invention;

8th another exemplary image created by the video inspection device from the object surface of a viewed object having an anomaly in another embodiment of the invention;

9 determining an exemplary profile surface contour line on the object surface between the first reference line and the second reference line, including the point of interest on the surface of the anomaly;

10 a graphical representation of another exemplary profile of the object surface of the object under consideration, the in the image after 8th is shown, in one embodiment of the invention; and

11 5 is a flowchart of another exemplary method for automatically identifying a point of interest on a surface of an anomaly on an object surface of a viewed object following in the image 8th is shown, in one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary video inspection apparatus 100 , It should be clarified that the in 1 shown video inspection device 100 an example and that the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular video inspection device 100 or any particular design of components within a video inspection device 100 is limited.

The video inspection device 100 can be an elongated probe 102 which have an insertion tube 110 and a head assembly 120 at the distal end of the insertion tube 110 is arranged comprises. The insertion tube 110 may be a flexible, tubular section through which all connections between the head assembly 120 and a probe electronics 140 run. The head assembly 120 can be a probe optics 122 to show light from the object being viewed 202 on an imager 124 to direct and focus. The probe optics 122 For example, it may comprise a single lens or a multi-component lens. Of the imager 124 may be a solid state CCD or CMOS image sensor that captures an image of the object being viewed 202 is obtained.

A removable tip or adapter 130 can be at the distal end of the head assembly 120 be arranged. The removable top 130 can be a top-viewing optic 132 (For example, lenses, windows or openings), with the probe optics 122 interacts to receive light from the object under consideration 202 on an imager 124 to direct and focus. The removable top 130 may also have illumination LEDs (not shown) when the light source for the video inspection device 100 from the top 130 or it may have a translucent element (not shown) that receives light from the probe 102 to the object under consideration 202 pass through. The summit 130 Also, it can impart the lateral viewing ability when a waveguide (eg, a prism) is picked up to turn the camera view and the light output to the side. The summit 130 may also include stereoscopic optics or structured light projecting elements used to determine three-dimensional data of the viewed surface. The elements in the top 130 may also be contained in the probe 102 to be self contained.

The imager 134 may comprise a plurality of pixels formed in a plurality of rows and columns, and may generate signals in the form of analog voltages representing light responsive to the individual pixels of the imager 124 meets. The image signals may be transmitted through an imaging hybrid device 126 , which provides electronics for signal buffering and conditioning, to a wiring harness 112 of the imager, the wires for control and video signals between the hybrid device 126 and the imager interface electronics 142 provides. The imager interface electronics 142 may include power supplies, a clock generator for generating image sensor clock signals, an analog front end for digitizing the imager video output signal, and a digital signal processor for processing the digitized imager video data into a more suitable format.

The imager interface electronics 142 is part of the probe electronics 140 , which provides a number of functions for operating the video inspection device 10 provides. The probe electronics 140 also has a calibration memory 144 comprising the calibration data for the probe 102 and / or the top 130 stores. A microcontroller 146 can also be found in the probe electronics 140 be included with the imager interface electronics 142 to determine and adjust gain and exposure settings, to store calibration data and out of the calibration memory 144 to read out the light that belongs to the object under consideration 202 supplied, to be controlled and with a central processing unit (CPU) 150 the video inspection device 100 to communicate.

In addition to communication with the microcontroller 146 can the imager interface electronics 142 also with one or more video processors 160 communicate. The video processor 160 can be a video signal from the encoder interface electronics 142 receive and output signals to different monitors 170 . 172 including an integrated display 170 or an external monitor 172 , output. The integrated display 170 There may be an LCD screen in the video inspection device 100 is built to a reviewer different images or data (eg the image of the object under consideration 202 , Menus, position indicators, measurement results). The external monitor 172 may be a video monitor or a computer monitor connected to the video inspection device 100 connected to display various images or data.

The video processor 160 can send commands, state information, video streams, video stills and graphical overlays to the CPU 150 and may consist of FPGAs, DSPs, or other processing elements that perform such functions as image acquisition, image enhancement, merging of graphical overlays, distortion correction, image averaging, scaling, digital zooming, overlaying, merging, tilting, motion detection, and video format conversion and compression.

The CPU 150 Can be used to control the user interface by receiving inputs via a joystick 180 , Switches or buttons 182 , a keyboard 184 and / or a microphone 186 in addition to providing a large number of other functions, including image, video and audio storage and retrieval functions, system control and measurement processing. The joystick 180 can be manipulated by the user to perform operations such as menu selection, cursor movement, slider adjustment, and motion control of the probe 102 and may include a push-button function. The switches or buttons 182 and / or the keyboard 184 can also be used for menu selection and for issuing user commands (eg freezing or saving a still image) to the CPU 150 be used. The microphone 186 can be used by the reviewer to issue voice commands to freeze or save a still image.

The video processor 160 can also use a video memory 162 communicate by the video processor 160 is used for frame buffering and caching of data during processing. The CPU 150 can also work with a CPU program memory 152 Communicate programs stored by the CPU 150 be executed. Besides, the CPU can 150 with a volatile memory 154 (eg a RAM) and with a non-volatile memory 156 (eg a flash memory device, hard disk drive, DVD or EPROM memory device). The non-volatile memory 156 is the primary storage for video streams and still images.

The CPU 150 can also work with a computer I / O interface 158 which provides various interfaces for peripheral devices and networks, such as USB, Firewire, Ethernet, audio I / O, and wireless transceivers. This computer I / O interface 158 can be used to store, retrieve, transfer and / or receive still images, video streams or audio. For example, a USB stick or "Thumb Drive" or a CompactFlash memory card in the computer I / O interface 158 be plugged. In addition, the video inspection device 100 be configured to send frames of image data or video stream data to an external computer or server. The video inspection device 100 may include a TCP / IP communication protocol suite and may be included in a wide area network that includes multiple local and remote computers, each of which also includes a TCP / IP communication protocol suite. By including the TCP / IP communication protocol suite, the video inspection device assigns 100 multiple transport layer protocols, including TCP and UDP, and several other layer protocols, including HTTP and FTP.

It should be made clear that in 1 certain components are represented as a single component (eg the CPU 150 ), but several separate components can be used to perform the functions of the component.

2 is an example of a picture 200 that through the video inspection device 100 from the object surface 210 one anomaly 204 having received viewed object, in one embodiment of the invention. In this example, the anomaly is 204 represented as a notch, where in the anomaly 204 Material from the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 has been removed by damage or wear. It should be understood that the anomaly illustrated in this embodiment 204 is only an example and that the method according to the invention can be applied to other types of imperfections (eg cracks, corrosion pits, loss of coating, superficial deposits, etc.). Once the picture 200 has been received and the anomaly 204 has been recognized, the picture can be 200 used to measure the dimensions of the anomaly 204 (eg height or depth, length, width, area, volume, point-to-line, profile section, etc.). In one embodiment, the image used 200 a two-dimensional picture 200 the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 including the anomaly 204 be.

3 is a flowchart of an example of a method 300 for automatic identification of the lowest point on the object surface 210 an anomaly 204 on a viewed object 202 that in the picture 200 from 2 is shown, in one embodiment of the invention. It should be clarified that in the flow chart of 3 described steps can be performed in a different order than shown in the flowchart, and that for some embodiments, not all the steps are necessary.

In step 310 of the embodiment 300 ( 3 ), and as in 2 the user can view the video inspection device 100 (eg the imager 124 ) use at least one image 200 the object surface 210 of a considered object 202 That's an anomaly 204 to receive and this on a video monitor (eg an integrated display 170 or an external monitor 172 ).

In step 320 of the example procedure 300 ( 3 ), the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the three-dimensional coordinates (eg, (x, y, z)) of several surface points on the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 , including surface points of the anomaly 204 , determine. In one embodiment, the video inspection device may obtain three-dimensional data from the image 200 generate to determine the three-dimensional coordinates. Several existing techniques can be used to obtain the three-dimensional coordinates of the surface points in the image 200 ( 2 ) of the object surface 210 (eg stereo, scanning, stereotriangulation, pattern light techniques, such as phase shift analysis, phase shift moire, laser spot projection, etc.).

Most such techniques use calibration data that includes, among other things, optical property data used to detect errors in the three-dimensional Reduce coordinates that would otherwise be caused by optical distortions. With some techniques, the three-dimensional coordinates may be determined using one or more images taken in close proximity to time that may contain the projected patterns and the like. It should be understood that references to three-dimensional coordinates made using the image 200 may also comprise three-dimensional coordinates using one or more close-spaced images 200 the object surface 210 be determined and that the picture 200 which may be displayed to the user during the described operations, but may or may not have been used in determining the three-dimensional coordinates.

In step 330 of the example procedure 300 ( 3 ), and as in 4 shown, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a reference surface 250 determine. In some embodiments, the reference surface may 250 be flat while the reference surface 250 in other embodiments may be curved. Similarly, in one embodiment, the reference surface 250 have the shape of a plane while the reference surface 250 may be formed in other embodiments in a different form (eg as a cylinder, ball, etc.). For example, a user can use the joystick 180 (or another pointing device (eg, a mouse, a touch-sensitive screen) of the video inspection device 100 Use one or more reference surface points on the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 near the anomaly 204 to select a reference surface.

In one embodiment, and as in 4 are shown, a total of three reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 on the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 near the anomaly 204 selected to make a depth measurement of the anomaly 204 perform, with the three reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 on the object surface 210 near the anomaly 204 to be selected. In an embodiment, the plurality of reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 on the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 be selected by reference surface position indicator 231 . 232 . 233 (or other pointing devices) on pixels 241 . 242 . 243 of the picture 200 are placed, which are the multiple reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 on the object surface 210 correspond. In the example of the depth measurement, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the three-dimensional coordinates of each of the plurality of reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 determine.

The three-dimensional coordinates of three or more surface points near one or more of the three reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 on the object surface 210 near the anomaly 204 can be used to make a reference surface 250 (eg a level). In an embodiment, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a curve fit of the three-dimensional coordinates of the three reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 Perform an equation for the reference surface 250 (eg for a plane), which has the following form: k _0RS + k _1RS1 · x _iRS + k _2RS · y _iRS1 = z _iRS (1) where (x _iRS , y _iRS , z _iRS ) coordinates of any three dimension points on the defined reference surface 250 and k are _0RS , k is _1RS and k is _2RS coefficients obtained by a curve fitting of the three-dimensional coordinates.

It should be understood that multiple reference surface points (ie, at least as many points as the number of k coefficients) are used to perform the curve fit. The curve fit finds the k coefficients that provide the best fit for the points used (eg the least squares method). The k coefficients then define the plane or other reference surface 250 which approximates the three-dimensional points used. However, if more points are used in the curve fitting than k coefficients are present, then the x and y coordinates of the points used in the plane equation ( 1 ), the z-results due to noise and any deviations from a plane that can actually exist generally do not exactly match the z-coordinates of the points. Thus, x _iRS1 and y _{iRS1 may be} arbitrary values, and the resulting z _iRS reveals what z is in the defined plane at x _iRS , y _iRS . Thus, the coordinates represented in these equations may apply to arbitrary points that are exactly on the defined surface, but not necessarily to the points used in the fitting to determine the k coefficients.

In other embodiments, only one or only two reference surface points are selected, which eliminates the use of curve fitting based solely on three-dimensional coordinates for these reference _surface points, since three points are needed to determine k _0RS , k _1RS, and k _2RS . In In this case, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) identify multiple pixels near the individual pixels of the image, the multiple points on the object surface 210 in the vicinity of the reference surface point (s), and determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the near point (s), thereby providing curve fitting for determining a reference surface 250 is possible.

Although the example of a reference surface 250 based on reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 by reference surface position indicator 231 . 232 . 233 can be selected, the reference surface 250 in other embodiments, using a pointing device with which a reference surface shape (eg, a circle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, etc.) is placed in the vicinity of the anomaly and the reference surface points 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 the form 260 used to cover the reference surface 250 to determine. It should be understood that the reference surface points 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 the form 260 Points selected by the pointing device or may be other points lying on or near the perimeter of the shape, which may be sized to be the anomaly 204 encloses.

In step 340 of the example procedure 300 ( 3 ), and as in 5 shown determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a region of interest 270 near the anomaly 204 based on the reference surface points of the reference surface 250 , The region of interest 270 contains several surface points of the anomaly 204 , In one embodiment, a region of interest becomes 270 by forming a shape of the region of interest 271 (eg, a circle) based on two or more of the reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 educated. In another embodiment, the region of interest may be 270 be formed by a cylinder perpendicular to the reference surface 260 and train it through or near two or more of the reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 leads. By again on 4 Reference may be made to a region of interest within the reference surface shape 260 and the reference surface points 261 . 262 . 263 . 264 be formed.

Although the example of the form 271 the region of interest in 5 is formed so that it passes through the reference surface points 221 . 222 . 223 In another embodiment, a smaller diameter reference surface shape may be formed to extend only near the reference surface points. As in 6 is a region of interest, for example 280 formed by having a shape 281 of the region of interest (eg, a circle) so that it is near two of the reference surface points 221 . 222 runs, with the diameter of the circle 281 is less than the distance between the two reference surface points 221 . 222 is. It should be made clear that the forms 271 . 281 the region of interest and the regions of interest 270 . 280 in the picture 200 can be represented, but not necessarily.

After the region of interest 270 . 280 has been determined determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) in step 350 of the example procedure 300 ( 3 ) the distance (ie the depth) of each of the multiple surface points in the region of interest to the reference surface 250 , In one embodiment, the video inspection device determines 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the length of a line between the reference surface 250 and each of the multiple surface points in the region of interest 270 . 280 runs, the line being the reference surface 250 vertical cuts.

In step 360 of the example procedure 300 ( 3 ), the video inspection device determines the location of the deepest surface location 224 in the region of interest 270 . 280 by determining the surface point farthest from the reference surface 250 is removed (eg by selecting the surface point with the longest line to the reference surface 250 runs). It should be understood that the "lowest point" (or "deepest point") or "deepest surface point" (or "deepest surface point") is a farthest point relative to the reference surface 250 is reset, or can be the farthest point (ie the highest point) from the reference surface 250 protrudes. The video inspection device 100 can be the deepest surface area 224 in the region of interest 270 . 280 in the picture by displaying eg a position indicator 234 ( 5 ) or other graphic designation 282 ( 6 ) on the deepest surface 224 mark. In addition, the video inspection device 100 , as in 5 and 6 is shown, the depth 290 the deepest surface area 224 in the region of interest 270 . 280 (eg, the length of the vertical line from the deepest surface point 224 to the reference surface 250 runs) in the picture 200 (in inches or millimeters). Because of the position indicator 234 or the other graphic designation 282 ( 6 ) automatically at the deepest surface 224 in the region of interest 270 . 280 is displayed, shortens the video inspection device 100 The time it takes to perform the depth measurement and improves the accuracy of the depth measurement, as the Users the deepest surface area 224 in the anomaly 204 do not have to mark manually.

Once the cursor 234 at the deepest surface 224 in the region of interest 270 . 280 is displayed, the user can select this point and make a depth measurement and save. The user can also see the cursor 234 in the region of interest 270 . 280 move to the depth of other surface points in the region of interest 270 . 280 to determine. In an embodiment, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the movement of the position indicator 234 monitor and record when the cursor is 234 has stopped moving. When the cursor is 234 has not moved for a predetermined time (eg 1 second), the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the deepest surface location near the cursor 234 (eg in a given circle with the cursor 234 as the center point) and the position indicator 234 automatically transfer to this position.

7 is a graphical representation of a sample profile 400 the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 that in the picture 200 from 1 is shown. In this example profile 400 is the reference surface 250 illustrates how it relates between two reference surface points 221 . 222 and their respective reference surface position indicators 231 . 232 extends. The place and the depth 290 the deepest surface area 224 in the region of interest are also shown in the graph. In another embodiment, a point-cloud view may also be used to determine the deepest surface location 224 to show.

8th shows another example picture 500 that through the video inspection device 100 from the object surface 210 of a considered object 202 That's an anomaly 204 has been created in a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this example, the anomaly is 204 again illustrated as a notch, on the material from the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 in the anomaly 204 has been removed by damage or wear. It will be understood that the anomaly illustrated in this embodiment 204 represents only an example and that the method according to the invention applies to other types of irregularities (eg cracks, corrosion pits, loss of coating, superficial deposits, etc.). Once the picture 500 has been received and the anomaly 204 is identified, the picture may be 500 used to measure the dimensions of the anomaly 204 (eg height or depth, length, width, area, volume, point-to-line, profile section, etc.). In one embodiment, the image used 500 a two-dimensional picture 500 from the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 including the anomaly 204 be. In a further embodiment, the image 500 a point cloud or other three-dimensional representation of the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 including the anomaly 204 be.

11 shows a flowchart of another exemplary method 700 for automatically identifying a point of interest 502 on a surface of an anomaly 204 on an object surface 210 of a considered object 202 that in the picture 500 to 8th is shown in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It is understood that the in the flowchart 11 described steps can be performed in a different order than shown in the flowchart and that for some embodiments not all the steps are required.

In step 710 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), and as in 8th illustrates, the user can the video inspection device 100 (eg the imager 124 ) use at least one picture 500 from the object surface 210 of a considered object 202 That's an anomaly 204 and to create this on a video monitor (eg an integrated display 170 or an external monitor 172 ). In one embodiment, the image 500 in a measuring mode of the video inspection device 100 are displayed.

In step 720 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ) determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the three-dimensional coordinates (eg, (x, y, z)) of several surface points on the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 , including the surface points 501 . 502 . 503 the anomaly 204 , In an embodiment, the video inspection device may obtain three-dimensional data from the image 500 generate to determine the three-dimensional coordinates. Several different existing techniques can be used to obtain the three-dimensional coordinates of the surface points in the image 500 ( 8th ) of the object surface 210 (eg, stereo, scanning systems, stereotriangulation, pattern light techniques, such as phase shift analysis, phase shift moire, laser spot projection, etc.).

Again, most such techniques involve the use of calibration data that includes, among other things, optical data Contain properties that are used to reduce errors in the three-dimensional coordinates that would otherwise be caused by optical distortions. With some techniques, the three-dimensional coordinates may be determined using one or more images taken in close proximity to time that may contain the projected patterns and the like. It is understood that references to three-dimensional coordinates using the image 500 may also comprise three-dimensional coordinates obtained using one or more near-temporal images 500 the object surface 210 be determined and that the picture 500 which is displayed to the user during the described operations, can actually be used in determining the three-dimensional coordinates, but need not.

In step 730 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), and as in 8th illustrates, the user creates a first reference line 510 by selecting a first datum endpoint 511 on a first pixel 561 of the picture 500 and by selecting a second reference line endpoint 512 on a second pixel 562 of the picture 500 using a pointing device (eg, a joystick, a mouse, a touch-sensitive screen) to position indicators on the image 500 to position. The first operating line endpoint 511 and the second reference line endpoint 512 can close to or on a first page of anomaly 204 to be selected. In step 732 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the three-dimensional coordinates of several points on the first reference line 510 determine that is between the first datum endpoint 511 and the second reference line endpoint 512 extends.

Similarly, the user creates in step 734 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), and as in 8th illustrates a second reference line 520 by selecting a third reference line endpoint 521 on a third pixel 563 of the picture 500 and by selecting a fourth reference line endpoint 522 on a fourth pixel 564 of the picture 500 using a pointing device to position indicators on the image 500 to position. The third baseline endpoint 521 and the fourth reference line endpoint 522 can close to or on a second side of the anomaly 204 to be selected. In step 736 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the three-dimensional coordinates of several points on the second reference line 520 determine that is between the third reference line endpoint 521 and the fourth reference line endpoint 522 extends. As in 8th can be seen, the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 be positioned to the anomaly 204 to span or surround.

In an embodiment, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the least-squares regression (to reduce the effects of noise) on the three-dimensional coordinates of the pixels between the first datum endpoint 511 and the second reference line endpoint 512 Apply to the following equations for the first reference line 510 to determine: x (d ₁ ) = kx ₀ + kx ₁ * d ₁ + kx ₂ * d ₁ ² (2) y (d ₁ ) = ky ₀ + ky ₁ * d ₁ + ky ₂ * d ₁ ² (3) z (d ₁ ) = kz ₀ + kz ₁ * d ₁ + kz ₂ * d ₁ ² (4) where d _{1 is} the fraction along the first reference line 510 in the range of, for example, 0.0 to 1.0. For example, the first reference line 510 , as in 8th , broken into eight segments (d ₁ = 0.0, 0.10, 0.20, ... 0.90, 1.00). For the first reference line 510 a set of constant (k) quantities is determined. The same process is used for the second reference line 520 with the same number of segments (ie d ₂ = 0.0, 0.10, 0.20, ... 0.90, 1.00). Although in the exemplary embodiment, the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 are illustrated with the same length, with the same number of segments, the reference lines 510 . 520 in other embodiments have different lengths and / or a different number of segments.

In the in 8th illustrated embodiment are the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 straight lines. In one embodiment, the video inspection device performs 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a regression on the three-dimensional coordinates of the points on the object surface 210 , the pixels of the picture 500 near a straight line between the first pixel 561 and the second pixel 562 correspond, by. In another embodiment, the video inspection device performs 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) low-pass filtering at the three-dimensional coordinates of the points on the object surface 210 , the pixels of the picture 500 near a straight line between the first pixel 561 and the second pixel 562 correspond, by.

In a further embodiment (if, for example, the object surface 210 more complex or curved) determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) for the step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of several points on the first reference line 510 a first reference line level 581 that the object surface 210 (eg perpendicular to this) and cuts through the first datum endpoint 511 and the second reference line endpoint 512 runs. The video inspection device 100 then determines the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of a first surface contour line 591 on the object surface 210 near the first reference line level 581 (eg at the first reference level 581 or within a predetermined distance therefrom). Similarly, the video inspection device determines 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) for the step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of points on the second reference line 520 a second reference line level 582 that the object surface 210 (eg perpendicular to this) intersects and through the third reference line endpoint 521 and the fourth reference line endpoint 522 runs. The video inspection device 100 then determines the three-dimensional coordinates of multiple points of a second surface contour line 592 on the object surface 210 near the second reference line level 582 (eg on the second reference level 582 or within a predetermined distance therefrom). In this embodiment, if the reference lines may be curved, another set of constants (k) for the equations and the values d along the reference lines would be determined.

In step 740 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), and as in 8th illustrates, determines the video inspection device (eg, the CPU 150 ) a reference surface 550 using the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two of the plurality of points (eg 514 . 515 . 516 ) on the first reference line 510 and at least one of the several points (eg 524 . 525 . 526 ) on the second reference line 520 , For the sake of clarity shows 8th only the determination of a single reference surface 550 for a single group of points along the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 , However, in the exemplary method, multiple reference surfaces for different groups of points along the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 generated. For example, while the illustrated reference surface 550 On the basis of the points near d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.50, other reference surfaces may be determined on the basis of the points near d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.00, 0.10, 0, for example , 20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.60, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90, 1.00.

In some embodiments, the reference surface may 550 flat (eg, a plane) while in other embodiments the reference surface 550 curved or in the form of another shape (eg a cylinder, a ball, etc.) may be present. In an embodiment in which the first reference line 510 and / or the second reference line 520 is curved, the reference surfaces can 550 along each of the first reference line 510 and / or the second reference line 520 Contain reference surfaces, at least two of which are not parallel to each other.

Returning to 8th become the exemplary reference surface 550 that the position on the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 where d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.50, the three-dimensional coordinates of a set of two points 514 . 516 (d ₁ = 0.50 ± 0.05) on the first reference line 510 and a sentence of two points 524 . 526 (d ₂ = 0.50 ± 0.05) on the second reference line 520 used the reference surface 550 as a reference plane. In an embodiment, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) an adaptation of the three-dimensional coordinates of at least three of the four points 514 . 516 . 525 . 526 Perform an equation for the reference surface 550 to be determined, which has the following form: z (x, y) = a ₀ + a ₁ · x + a ₂ · y (5), where (x, y, z) are coordinates of any three dimension points on the defined reference surface 550 and a ₀ , a ₁ and a _{2 are} coefficients obtained by fitting the three-dimensional coordinates. While in the exemplary embodiment, the reference surface 550 based on points from two corresponding segments of the reference lines 510 . 520 (ie d ₁ = d ₂ ) was determined, the reference surface could 550 in other embodiments, may be determined based on two segments that do not correspond to each other (ie, d ₁ ≠ d ₂ ).

In step 750 of the exemplary method 700 (in 11 ), and as in 8th illustrates determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a region of interest 570 for each reference surface 550 that have multiple points 501 . 502 . 503 on the surface of the anomaly 204 having. In one embodiment, the region of interest becomes 570 by determining a polygon 571 on the reference surface 550 with vertices based on the at least two of the multiple points 514 . 516 on the first reference line 510 and at least one of the multiple points 524 . 526 on the second reference line 520 generated. The region of interest 570 contains several points 501 . 502 . 503 on the surface of the anomaly 204 lying on lines leading to the reference surface 550 run vertically and the reference surface 550 within the polygon 571 to cut.

In a further embodiment, the region of interest becomes 570 generated by a plane 580 of the region of interest, which determines the reference surface 550 (eg perpendicular to this) intersects and through the first reference line 510 between at least two of the several points 514 . 516 on the first reference line 510 runs. The region of interest 570 has several points 501 . 502 . 503 on the surface of the anomaly 204 which are within a predetermined distance 571 . 572 to the plane 580 of the region of interest.

In step 760 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), and as in 8th illustrates determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the distances between the reference surfaces 550 and the multiple points 501 . 502 . 503 on the surface of the anomaly 204 in each of the regions of interest 570 , In step 770 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), and as in 8th illustrates determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the three-dimensional coordinates of the point of interest 502 on the surface of the anomaly 204 in the region of interest 570 which has the greatest distance to the reference surface (eg the lowest point in a depression or the highest point on a projection). Once the point of interest 502 has been identified, the video inspection device attempts 100 (eg the CPU 150 ), to find the profile (or a profile section), by the point of interest 502 runs.

In step 780 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ), and as in 9 illustrates, determines the video inspection device (eg, the CPU 150 ) a profile surface contour line 594 on the object surface 210 between the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 that the point of interest 502 on the surface of the anomaly 204 contains, as in 9 illustrated. In one embodiment, the profile surface contour line 594 a first point 518 on or near the first reference line 510 , a second point 528 on or near the second reference line 520 and the point of interest 502 on the surface of the anomaly 204 on, like in 9 illustrated. In an embodiment, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) to a profile surface contour line 594 to be determined by the body of interest 502 (the lowest or highest point), an iterative process in the particular segment of the first reference line 510 and the second reference line 520 perform where the point of interest 502 was found. For example, and as in 9 illustrates, the video inspection device 100 because the point of interest 502 was found in the segment corresponding to d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.50, several reference surface planes 583 . 584 determine which the reference surface 550 (eg perpendicular to this) and cut through corresponding points on the reference lines 510 . 520 (eg where d ₁ = d ₂ ). While in the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of reference surface planes 583 . 584 based on points from two corresponding segments of the reference line 510 . 520 (ie d ₁ = d ₂ ), the reference surface planes could be 583 . 584 in other embodiments, may be determined based on two segments that do not correspond to each other (ie, d ₁ ≠ d ₂ ).

For example, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) the distance between the point of interest 502 and the plane 580 of the region of interest for d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.50. As in 9 can be seen is the point of interest 520 at a distance 574 from the plane 580 located away from the region of interest so that the profile (or profile section) attached to the plane 580 the region of interest is taken, the point of interest 502 would not contain.

Next, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a reference surface plane 583 determine the original reference surface 550 or a new reference surface (using points on the reference lines 510 . 520 in the vicinity of d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.52) (eg perpendicular to this) intersects and by a reference line point 517 on the first reference line 510 and a corresponding reference line point 527 on the second reference line 520 for d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.52 runs. The video inspection device 100 then can the distance between the point of interest 502 and the reference surface plane 583 for d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.52 determine. As in 9 can be seen is the point of interest 502 at a distance 575 from the reference surface plane 583 arranged away, leaving a profile (or a profile cut) at the reference surface level 583 is taken, the point of interest 502 would not contain.

Continuing to repeat, the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a reference surface plane 584 determine which the reference surface 550 or a new reference surface (using points on the reference lines 510 . 520 is generated near d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.53) (eg perpendicular to this) and cuts through a reference line point 518 on or near the first reference line 510 and a corresponding reference line point 528 on or near the second reference line 520 for d ₁ = d ₂ = 0.53 runs. The video inspection device 100 then can the distance between the point of interest 502 and the reference surface plane 584 for d ₁ = Determine d ₂ = 0.53. As in 9 can be seen is the point of interest 502 at the reference surface level 584 arranged so that a profile (or profile section), which is at the reference surface level 584 is taken, the point of interest 502 would contain. The video inspection device 100 Then, the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of a profile surface contour line 594 on the object surface 210 near the reference surface plane 584 (eg, at or within a predetermined distance from the reference surface plane 584 ). The profile surface contour line 594 points the point 518 on or near the first reference line 510 , the point 528 on or near the second reference line 520 and the point of interest 502 on the surface of the anomaly 204 on, like in 9 illustrated.

In step 790 of the exemplary method 700 ( 11 ) determines the video inspection device 100 (eg the CPU 150 ) a profile of the object surface 210 that the point of interest 502 contains, by determining the distance from the reference surface 550 to the multiple points of the profile surface contour line 594 on the object surface 210 , 10 shows a picture 600 the graphical representation of the profile of the object surface 210 of the considered object 202 that in the picture 500 to 8th is illustrated. The graphic representation of the profile, which is a cross section of the object considered 210 at the profile surface contour line 594 can be displayed on the video monitor (eg an integrated display 170 or an external monitor 172 ) are displayed. The profile contains the point 518 on or near the first reference line 510 , the point 528 on or near the second reference line 520 and the point of interest 502 on the surface of the anomaly 204 , The graphical representation of the profile also shows the distance 602 between the reference surface 550 and the point of interest 502 on the surface. In another embodiment, a dot-cloud image may, for example, be a three-dimensional representation of the reference surface 550 and the profile surface contour line 594 including the point 518 on or near the first reference line 510 , the point 528 on or near the second reference line 520 and the point of interest 502 on the surface of the anomaly 204 on the video monitor (eg an integrated display 170 or an external monitor 172 ) are displayed.

As apparent from the above, embodiments of the invention automatically determine the depth or height of a spot on an anomaly on a surface. A technical effect is that the time required to perform the measurement is shortened and, in addition, the accuracy of the measurement is improved because the user does not have to manually mark the point of interest (the deepest or highest point).

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an all-hardware embodiment, an all-software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment, software and hardware. Aspects combined, all of which may be referred to herein as "service", "circuit", "circuit", "module" and / or "system". Further, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product that may be embodied in a computer-readable medium or multiple computer-readable media in which computer-readable code is embodied.

Any combination of a computer-readable medium or multiple computer-readable media may be used. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may e.g. an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or element, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, without being limited thereto. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: electrical connection to one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM) erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable, non-rewritable CD-ROM (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or item.

Program code and / or executable instructions embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted by any suitable means, including wireless, wireline, fiber optic cable, RF, etc., or any of the above suitable combination of said includes, but is not limited to.

Computer program code for performing operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C ++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may be stored completely on the user's computer (the device), partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or a server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via some type of network including, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be to an external computer (e.g. Internet using an Internet service provider) are produced.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each block of the illustrated flowcharts and / or block diagrams and combinations of blocks in the illustrated flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be implemented by computer program instructions. The computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to spawn a machine such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device include means for implementing the functions. Create aspects that are specified in the flowchart and / or in the block or blocks of the block schema.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that may instruct a computer, other programmable computing device, or other devices to function in a particular manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce a product Contains instructions that implement the function / action specified in the flowchart and / or in the block or blocks of the block diagram.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable computing device, or other device to cause a number of operations to be performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide processes for implementing the functions / actions indicated in the flowchart and / or in the block or blocks of the block diagram.

This written description uses examples to describe the invention, including the best mode for carrying it out, and to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, including the manufacture and use of devices and systems and the practice included in the procedure. The scope of the invention which is to be protected is defined by the claims and may include other examples which may be obvious to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they have equivalent structural elements that differ only insubstantially from the literal language of the claims.

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for automatically identifying a point of interest (i.e., the lowest or highest digit) of interest on the surface of an anomaly on a viewed object using a video inspection device. The video inspection device makes an image of the surface of the object under consideration and displays it. A reference surface is determined along with a region of interest containing multiple points on the surface of the anomaly. The video inspection device determines a depth or height for each of the multiple points on the surface of the anomaly in the region of interest. The point on the surface of the anomaly (e.g., the greatest depth or height) is identified as the point of interest. Then a profile of the object surface at the point of interest is determined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 Video inspection device

102

 probe

110

 insertion tube

112

 Imager harness

120

 head assembly

122

 special optics

124

 imager

126

 Imager hybrid device

130

 detachable tip

132

 Peak viewing optics

140

 probe electronics

142

 Imager interface electronics

144

 calibration memory

146

 microcontroller

150

 CPU

152

 CPU program memory

154

 volatile memory

156

 non-volatile memory

158

 Computer I / O interface

160

 video processor

162

 video memory

170

 integrated display

172

 external monitor

180

 joystick

182

 Keys

184

 keyboard

186

 microphone

200

 image

202

 viewed object

204

 anomaly

210

 surface

221

 Reference surface point

222

 Reference surface point

223

 Reference surface point

224

 deepest surface point

231

 Reference surface position indicator

232

 Reference surface position indicator

233

 Reference surface position indicator

234

 Position indicator for the lowest point

241

 pixel

242

 pixel

243

 pixel

250

 reference surface

260

 Reference surface shape

261

 Reference surface point

262

 Reference surface point

263

 Reference surface point

264

 Reference surface point

270

 region of interest

271

 Shape of a region of interest

280

 region of interest

281

 Shape of a region of interest

282

 graphical indicator of the lowest point

290

 depth

300

 method

310

 Image of the surface (step)

320

 3D of surface points (step)

330

 Reference surfaces (step)

340

 region of interest (step)

350

 Depth of surface points in the region of interest (step)

360

 Location and depth of the deepest surface location (step)

400

 profile

500

 image

501

 Object surface point

502

 Object surface point (point of interest)

503

 Object surface point

510

 first reference line

511

 first reference line endpoint (first reference line)

512

 second reference line endpoint (first reference line)

514

 Reference point (first reference line)

515

 Reference point (first reference line)

516

 Reference point (first reference line)

517

 Reference point (first reference line)

518

 Reference point (first reference line)

520

 second reference line

521

 third reference line endpoint (second reference line)

522

 fourth reference line endpoint (second reference line)

524

 Reference line point (second reference line)

525

 Reference line point (second reference line)

526

 Reference line point (second reference line)

527

 Reference line point (second reference line)

528

 Reference line point (second reference line)

550

 reference surface

561

 first pixel (first reference position indicator)

562

 second pixel (second reference position indicator)

563

 third pixel (third reference position indicator)

564

 fourth pixel (fourth reference position indicator)

570

 region of interest

571

 Shape of the region of interest

572

 first distance of the region of interest

573

 second distance of the region of interest

574

 Distance from the surface point to the plane

575

 Distance from the surface point to the plane

580

 Level of the region of interest (plane for the reference surface)

581

 first reference line level (plane for the object surface)

582

 second reference line level (plane for the object surface)

583

 Plane for the reference surface

584

 Plane for the reference surface

591

 first surface contour line

592

 second surface contour line

594

 Profile Surface Contour

600

 profile

602

 depth measurement

604

 Display of depth measurement

700

 method

710

 Image of the object surface (step)

720

 3D of object surface points (step)

730

 first reference line (step)

732

 3D of the first reference points (step)

734

 second reference line (step)

736

 3D of the second reference line points (step)

740

 Reference surface (s) (step)

750

 region of interest (s) (step)

760

 Distances of anomaly surface points (step)

770

 3D of the point of interest (step)

780

 3D of the profile surface contour line (step)

790

 Profile of the object surface (step)

Claims (10)

Procedure ( 700 ) for automatically identifying a point of interest ( 502 ) on a surface of an anomaly ( 204 ) on an object surface ( 210 ) of a viewed object ( 202 ) ( 202 ), the process ( 700 ) comprises the steps of: displaying an image ( 500 ) of the object surface ( 210 ) ( 210 ) on a monitor ( 170 / 172 ); Determining the three-dimensional coordinates of several points on the object surface ( 210 ) using a central processing unit ( 150 ); Selecting a first reference line end point ( 511 ) on a first pixel ( 561 ) of the picture ( 500 ) using a pointing device ( 180 ); Selecting a second reference line endpoint ( 512 ) on a second pixel ( 562 ) of the picture ( 500 ) using the pointing device ( 180 ); Determining the three-dimensional coordinates of several points on a first reference line ( 510 ) extending between the first reference line end point ( 511 ) and the second reference line endpoint ( 512 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ); Select a third reference line endpoint ( 521 ) on a third pixel ( 563 ) of the picture ( 500 ) using the pointing device ( 180 ); Selecting a fourth reference line endpoint ( 522 ) on a fourth pixel ( 564 ) of the picture ( 500 ) lower use of the pointing device ( 180 ); Determining the three-dimensional coordinates of several points on a second reference line ( 520 ) extending between the third reference line end point ( 521 ) and the fourth reference line end point ( 522 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ); Determining a reference surface ( 550 ) based on the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line (FIG. 510 ) and at least one of the several points on the second reference line ( 520 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ); Determining a region of interest ( 570 ) for the reference surface ( 550 ), which has several points on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ); Determining the distances between the reference surface ( 550 ) and the multiple points on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) in the region of interest ( 570 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ); Determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the point of interest ( 502 ) on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) in the region of interest ( 570 ), which is the largest distance to the reference surface ( 550 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ); Determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of a profile surface contour line ( 594 ) on the object surface ( 210 ) between the first reference line ( 510 ) and the second reference line ( 520 ) containing the point of interest ( 502 ) on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ); and determining a profile ( 600 ) of the object surface ( 210 ) by determining the distance from the reference surface ( 550 ) to the multiple points of the profile surface contour line ( 594 ) on the object surface ( 210 ) using the central processing unit ( 150 ). Procedure ( 700 ) according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of points on the first reference line comprises: determining a first reference line level ( 581 ), the object surface ( 210 ) and through the first datum endpoint ( 511 ) and the second reference line endpoint ( 521 ) runs; and determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of a first surface contour line ( 591 ) on the object surface ( 210 ) near the first reference level ( 581 ). Procedure ( 700 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first reference line ( 510 ) is straight; and / or wherein the reference surface ( 550 ) is a reference plane. Procedure ( 700 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining a region of interest ( 570 ) determining a polygon for the reference surface ( 571 ) on the reference surface ( 550 ) with vertices based on the at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line ( 510 ) and the at least one of the plurality of points on the second reference line ( 520 ), the interesting one Region ( 570 ) several points on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) lying on lines leading to the reference surface ( 550 ) are perpendicular and the reference surface ( 550 ) within the polygon ( 571 ) to cut. Procedure ( 700 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining a region of interest ( 570 ) for the reference surface ( 550 ) determining a plane ( 580 ) of the region of interest comprising the reference surface ( 550 ) and through the first reference line ( 510 ) between the at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line ( 510 ), the region of interest ( 570 ) several points on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) which is within a predetermined distance to the plane ( 580 ) of the region of interest; where the plane ( 580 ) of the region of interest, preferably the reference surface ( 550 ) perpendicular to the reference surface ( 550 ) cuts. Procedure ( 700 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of the steps of: displaying a graphical representation of the profile ( 600 ) of the object surface ( 210 ), which is a cross-section of the object under consideration ( 202 ) on the profile surface contour line ( 594 ), on the monitor ( 170 / 172 ); Displaying the distance ( 602 / 604 ) between the reference surface ( 550 ) and the point of interest ( 502 ) on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) on the monitor ( 170 / 172 ); and displaying a dot cloud image that is a three-dimensional representation of the profile surface contour line ( 594 ), on the monitor ( 170 / 172 ). Procedure ( 700 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image ( 500 ) is a two-dimensional image. Procedure ( 700 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of points on the first reference line ( 510 ) performing a regression on the three-dimensional coordinates of the points on the object surface ( 210 ), the pixels of the image ( 500 ) near a straight line between the first pixel ( 561 ) and the second pixel ( 562 ) correspond; and / or wherein the step of determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the plurality of points on the first reference line ( 510 ) performing a low-pass filtering on the three-dimensional coordinates of the points on the object surface ( 210 ), the pixels of the image ( 500 ) near a straight line between the first pixel ( 561 ) and the second pixel ( 562 ) correspond. Procedure ( 700 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile surface contour line ( 594 ) on the object surface ( 210 ) a first point ( 518 ) on or near the first reference line ( 510 ) and a second point ( 528 ) on or near the second reference line ( 520 ) having. Device for automatically identifying a point of interest ( 502 ) on a surface of an anomaly ( 204 ) on an object surface ( 210 ) of a considered object ( 202 ), the device comprising: a monitor ( 170 / 172 ) for displaying an image ( 500 ) of the object surface ( 210 ); a pointing device ( 180 ) for selecting a first reference line end point ( 511 ) on a first pixel ( 561 ) of the picture ( 500 ), Selection of a second reference line end point ( 512 ) on a second pixel ( 562 ) of the picture ( 500 ), Selection of a third reference line end point ( 521 ) on a third pixel ( 563 ) of the picture ( 500 ) and selection of a fourth reference line end point ( 522 ) on a fourth pixel ( 564 ) of the picture ( 500 ); and a central processing unit ( 150 ) for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points on the object surface ( 210 ); Determining the three-dimensional coordinates of several points on a first reference line ( 510 ) extending between the first reference line end point ( 511 ) and the second reference line endpoint ( 512 ), determining the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points on a second reference line ( 520 ) extending between the third reference line end point ( 521 ) and the fourth reference line end point ( 522 ), determination of a reference surface ( 550 ) based on the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two of the plurality of points on the first reference line (FIG. 510 ) and at least one of the several points on the second reference line ( 520 ), Determination of a region of interest ( 570 ) for the reference surface ( 550 ), which has several points on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ), determination of the distances between the reference surface ( 550 ) and the multiple points on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) in the region of interest ( 570 ), Determination of the three-dimensional coordinates of the point of interest ( 502 ) on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ) in the region of interest ( 570 ), which is the largest distance to the reference surface ( 550 determining three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of a profile surface contour line ( 594 ) on the object surface ( 210 ) between the first reference line ( 510 ) and the second reference line ( 520 ) containing the point of interest ( 502 ) on the surface of the anomaly ( 204 ), and Determination of a profile ( 600 ) of the object surface ( 210 ) by determining the distance from the reference surface ( 550 ) to the multiple points of the profile surface contour line ( 594 ) on the object surface ( 210 ).

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