Patent ID: 7757558
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of inspecting a workpiece comprising: introducing ultrasonic signals into the workpiece along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece; receiving back scattered signals from the workpiece responsive to the ultrasonic signals; determining a measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval by integrating the energy of the backscattered signals received over the predefined time interval, wherein the predefined time interval is based upon and at least as long as the time required for ultrasonic signals to propagate through at least that portion of the workpiece that is to be inspected; and detecting an anomalous response from the workpiece based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals.