Patent ID: 7769224
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: G01N,G06T

Abstract:
1. A method for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure, the method comprising: using a material placement head to lay a course of material that forms a composite structure; using an imaging system arranged to obtain an image taken along an axis of motion parallel to the direction of motion of the material placement head, the image revealing an inconsistency; determining a linear velocity of the material placement head unit along the course being laid; using the linear velocity to determine a linear distance from a first reference point along the course to the inconsistency of the composite structure; and determining a lateral distance from a second reference point of the composite structure to the inconsistency; and using the first and second references points corresponding to the linear and lateral distances to mark a location of the inconsistency that defines X axis and Y axis positions for the inconsistency; wherein determining the lateral distance comprises summing courses completed to produce a total completed course count, and multiplying a predetermined course width by the total completed course count; and wherein said summing completed courses comprises tracking receipt of signals from a machine load cell indicating whether pressure is being applied to a compaction roller of the material placement head unit.