Craig L Walters

US Patent:

6871684, Mar 29, 2005

Filed:

Aug 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/217805

Inventors:

Roger W. Engelbart - St. Louis MO, US
Craig Walters - Wentzville MO, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B32B031/20

US Classification:

156361, 156378, 156379, 356324, 356300, 3562372

Abstract:

The present invention provides an improved system for identifying defects in a composite structure by providing a light source such that defects, and in particular dark defects on a dark background and/or light defects on a light background, can be identified by capturing images of the illuminated composite structure. In particular, the improved system for identifying defects in a composite structure may provide a reflective surface, dispersion elements, and multiple and/or moveable light source(s) and/or camera(s) in order to ensure that the most accurate images of any area of the composite structure, even curved or contoured areas, are captured and processed. As a result, the system of the present invention permits the operator to quickly identify and correct defects which would otherwise create structural flaws or inconsistencies that may affect the integrity of the composite structure.