Patent ID: 7552027
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for quantifying damage in a test structure; said test structure having a plurality of transducer units coupled to at least one portion of said test structure; the method comprising: (a) training an evaluating algorithmic system coupled with said plurality of transducer units to establish a trained algorithmic system able to recognize a predetermined plurality of characteristics of signals traversing a plurality of paths through a training structure substantially similar to said test structure after said training structure is damaged; each respective path of said plurality of paths being situated between respective pairs of transducer units of said plurality of transducer units coupled to said training structure; said predetermined plurality of characteristics relating each said respective path of said plurality of paths to a plurality of physical aspects of said damage; and (b) employing said trained algorithmic system to recognize said predetermined plurality of characteristics of signals traversing a plurality of paths in said test structure to effect said quantifying; said plurality of physical aspects including less than ten physical aspects.