Patent ID: 9404898
Filing Date: 2016-08-02
CPC Classification: G01N

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus comprising: a laser system located outside of an area that includes a region of a structure to be inspected, wherein the laser system generates a laser beam; a mobile platform located within the area, wherein the mobile platform is a robotic vehicle configured to move on a surface of the structure; an alignment system configured to direct the laser beam towards the mobile platform as the mobile platform moves on the surface of the structure, the alignment system comprising a fixed portion and a mobile portion, wherein the fixed portion has a fixed position relative to an output of the laser system, and the mobile portion is positioned on the mobile platform; and wherein the fixed portion steers the laser beam towards the mobile portion on the mobile platform such that the mobile portion receives the laser beam from the fixed portion; and a projection system on the mobile platform, wherein the projection system receives the laser beam from the mobile portion and projects the laser beam onto the surface of the region of the structure and wherein the laser beam causes a number of ultrasonic waves to form within the structure.