Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for ultrasonic measurement of the average diameter and surface profile of a tube. A calibration block is used to calibrate the average tube diameter, and a correction is applied to account for any temperature difference of the couplant between calibration and test measurements. By using a linear probe, or a single probe with a finely pitched helicoidal scan, errors in diameter measurement due to presence of surface pits may be compensated.

Abstract: A joint connection method is provided that is a method for connecting joints that are used for a hydraulic pressure test or the like to a long pipe by using a production facility which includes a conveyance system, a welding apparatus, a winding apparatus and an X-ray inspection apparatus. The joint connection method includes a step of girth welding a first joint to a front end portion of the long pipe by means of the welding apparatus, a step of inspecting a girth weld zone of the first joint by means of the X-ray inspection apparatus, a step of girth welding a second joint to a rear end portion of the long pipe by means of the welding apparatus, and a step of inspecting a girth weld zone of the second joint by means of the X-ray inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing consistent images of leaves of plants, including articulating a lower case of a housing with respect to an upper case via an imaging chamber articulation mechanism from i) a closed state to ii) an open state, the articulable space forms an imaging chamber which is dark when the imaging chamber articulation mechanism is in the closed state, placing the leaf within the imaging chamber, articulating the imaging chamber articulation mechanism to the closed state, activating one or more light sources, actuating a linear actuator to thereby linearly move a camera from i) an initial position to ii) an end position, obtaining images from the camera, re-actuating the linear actuator to thereby linearly move the camera from the end position to the initial position, re-articulating the lower case to the open state, and removing the leaf.

Abstract: A method including obtaining a metal pipe with a longitudinal submerged arc weld, an axis of the longitudinal submerged arc weld being oriented parallel to a rotationally symmetric axis of the metal pipe and cutting a first test beam and a second test beam from the metal pipe with each test beam extending on both sides of the axis of the longitudinal submerged arc weld and has a cuboid shape. The method further including forming a double-beam assembly by clamping two spacers between the first and second test beams such that the two spacers are symmetrically disposed at an equal distance on either side the longitudinal submerged arc weld. The method further including immersing the double-beam assembly in a liquid test solution for a predetermined period of time before removing it from the liquid test solution and disassembling the double-beam. The method further including examining the first and the second test beam using a metallographic sectioning method.

Abstract: A method for testing a component non-destructively, particularly for internal defects, includes the following steps: a) providing a rotationally symmetrical component having a plurality of preferably cylindrical recesses, which are arranged at one or more hole circles, b) arranging a transmitter probe serving as an ultrasound transmitter and a receiver probe serving as an ultrasound receiver spaced apart from each other outside the component such that ultrasound waves can be irradiated into a shaded area located behind one of the recesses in the component by the transmitter probe and ultrasound waves which are diffracted at least at one defect present in the shaded area can be received by the receiver probe, and c) using time of flight to determine whether one or more faults are present in the shaded area. An apparatus carries out such a method.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for accurate time delay estimation using coherent averaging. A plurality of out-of-bracket acoustical impulses are generated in a pipe segment of a fluid distribution system. Signal data representing the acoustical impulses sensed at two locations along the pipe segment are recorded. Precise timings for the generation of the acoustical impulses are obtained, and the acoustical impulses in the signal data recorded from the first location are averaged based on the precise timings to produce a near-sensor average impulse. Similarly, the acoustical impulses in the signal data recorded from the second location are averaged based on the same precise timings to produce a far-sensor average impulse. A time delay between arrival of the plurality of out-of-bracket acoustical impulses at the first and second locations is estimated from the timing of the near-sensor average impulse and the far-sensor average impulse.

Abstract: Method for generating a compatibility index between two ends of two tubes, in particular before welding operations, the method comprising the steps of: (a) marking an angular reference (M0) on each of the two ends, (b) orbital measurement of an inside radius of each of the ends; (c) determining an index of angular compatibility (INDth?tak) between the two ends for an angular deviation (?, theta) between the angular references of the ends, said angular compatibility index deriving from a maximum difference between the inside radii of each opposite end, (d) iterating the step of determining the angular compatibility index for several values for angular deviation between the angular references of the ends; (e) generating an overall score for compatibility (Hk) between said two ends, the overall compatibility score being a function of the angular compatibility indices determined for several angular deviation values.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a battery pack, which includes a plurality of battery cells, has at least one ultrasound source and at least one ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound source can be configured to generate and direct ultrasound at one or more battery cells of the battery pack. The ultrasound sensor can be configured to detect ultrasound reflected from or transmitted through one or more cells of the battery pack. A battery management unit receives one or more signals from the ultrasound sensor responsive to the detected ultrasound. The battery management unit can be configured to determine a state of the battery pack based at least in part on the detected ultrasound.

Abstract: Pressure-inducing devices and pressure transducers can be used to detect and quantify liquid pools in hydrocarbon fluid pipelines. Pressure fluctuations can be detected by a pressure transducer, where the pressure fluctuations are the response of a pressure-inducing device outputting a pressure signal in a pipe carrying hydrocarbons. Variation in a pipe diameter caused by pooling or deposition can be estimated using an inverse model. The pooling or depositions can be classified by applying a machine-learning model to the pressure fluctuations. The variation in pipe diameter can be converted to an equivalent liquid volume for pooling locations. A pooling or deposition location and volume can be output and used for determining an action on the pipe to remove the pooling or deposition.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a bio-inspired robot operable for detecting crack and corrosion defects in tubular structures are disclosed herein.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an estimation device includes a processor. The processor accepts information. The information is acquired by each of a plurality of ultrasonic sensors transmitting an ultrasonic wave in a second direction toward a weld portion and receiving a reflected wave. The ultrasonic sensors are arranged in a first direction. The second direction crosses the first direction. The processor estimates a range of the weld portion in the second direction based on an intensity distribution of the reflected wave in the second direction. The processor calculates a centroid position of an intensity distribution of the reflected wave in the first direction for each of a plurality of points in the second direction, and estimates a range of the weld portion in the first direction based on a plurality of the centroid positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint is provided. The apparatus includes a processor, an ultrasound (“US”) probe in communication with the processor, and a database comprising classification rules. The processor is configured to generate an initial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial US scanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured US pulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluate an aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection apparatus includes a robotic device, an end effector coupled to the robotic device, and a controller coupled to the robotic device and the end effector. The controller is configured to determine, based on an amount of linear actuator extension of a sensor of the end effector and an amount of rotation of the sensor about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation, a displacement of the sensor relative to a center point of the end effector surface so as to determine location information of the sensor, wherein sensor data for a location on a surface of a test article is sensed and correlated with the determined location information of the sensor. The robotic device controls movement of the end effector and is configured to determine, during the movement of the end effector, positional information for the center point of the end effector surface.

Abstract: A system for non-destructively inspecting tubes is provided. The system may include a tank filled with a fluid, e.g., water. The tank may define an axial passage within it for tube insertion, and the tank may include an opening to the axial passage. A transducer probe may be disposed inside the tank and oriented toward the opening to the axial passage. The system may also include a movable seal including a chamber, configured to move axially in the axial passage, and a membrane positioned in the opening of the tank. During inspection, an acoustic pathway may be provided between the transducer probe and the tube, the pathway including fluid in the tank, the membrane, and fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A carriage arranged to walk along an elongate member while carrying a payload includes individually-operable clamps that are spaced axially along a common longitudinal axis. An axially-extensible frame connects the clamps. At least one of the clamps is attached to the frame via a rotationally-displaceable coupling for relative angular movement between that clamp and the frame about the longitudinal axis. The carriage can carry the payload to a subsea worksite by opening and closing the clamps to release and grip the elongate member in a sequence that includes moving the leading clamp forward when the leading clamp is open and moving the trailing clamp forward when the leading clamp is closed. At the worksite, installation force can be applied to the payload in a forward direction by moving the leading clamp forward when the leading clamp is open and the trailing clamp is closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic bar or tube inspection assembly comprising two centering assemblies and two inspection cassettes. The centering assemblies are designed to guide the bar under inspection with rollers disposed on symmetrically arranged pivot arms activated by a single centering ring. A pressure plate is designed to push the probe cassettes to be stacked tightly and concentrically onto the centering assembly. The inspection probe cassettes, with the accompanying design of engagement grooves and ridges, and a pressure plate, may be easily removed from the bar inspection assembly for maintenance operations.

Abstract: A learning control unit includes a machining device performance calculation section for calculating performance of a machining device during machining or after machining based on a motion command issued to a robot by a controller, a machining command issued to the machining device by the controller, and machining results measured by a sensor, an operation speed correction information calculation section for calculating operation speed correction information of the robot based on the performance of the machining device so as to satisfy a preset acceptable condition of the machining error, and under an allowable load condition of the robot, and a learning completion determination section for determining whether or not learning has completed based on previous correction information and current correction information.

Abstract: A pier maintenance system and a structural maintenance system are provided. The pier maintenance system is configured to maintain elongate members of the pier (e.g. piles). The pier maintenance system includes a delivery module, configured to navigate between the elongate members; and a maintenance module, coupled to the delivery module, and configured to navigate along the elongate members, to maintain the pier.

Abstract: An object is to provide an ultrasonic measurement apparatus capable of measuring a gap length between a rotational body and a casing without providing a reference position indication member on the rotational body in fluid machinery. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus which applies to fluid machinery having a rotational body as a measurement object includes: an ultrasonic probe installed and used outside a casing part of the fluid machinery, the casing part accommodating the rotational body; a measurement circuit unit electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe; and a reference signal generation unit.

Abstract: A scanner assembly for pipeline inspection, having a pipe mounting section and a scanner frame which is laterally displaceable with respect to the pipe mounting section.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus comprising first, second, and third wheel assemblies, and a clamping mechanism configured to apply a force for urging the second wheel and the third wheel to pivot in opposing directions towards a plane of the first wheel for securing the first wheel, the second wheel, and the third wheel to the pipe, each wheel assembly including an alignment mechanism for adjusting an orientation of the wheels to allow the robotic apparatus to move along a straight path or a helical path on the pipe. A method for navigating an obstacle on a pipe comprising advancing the robotic apparatus along a helical pathway on the pipe to position an open side of the robotic apparatus in longitudinal alignment with the obstacle, and advancing the robotic apparatus along a straight pathway on the pipe such that the obstacle passes unobstructed through the open side of the robotic apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pipe inspecting apparatus includes a selection module configured to select first and second ultrasonic optical probes from a plurality of ultrasonic optical probes attached to a pipe. The apparatus further includes a power supplying module configured to supply power to an ultrasonic transducer of the first ultrasonic optical probe to input an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer to the pipe and to supply the ultrasonic wave via the pipe to an optical fiber sensor of the second ultrasonic optical probe. The apparatus further includes a light detection module configured to detect laser light transmitted through the optical fiber sensor of the second ultrasonic optical probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-destructive ultrasonic testing is disclosed that permits focused immersion measurements to be accomplished in a non-immersion, contact mode. The apparatus includes an adaptor for acoustically coupling an elastomeric body to a focused ultrasonic transducer via an acoustic couplant. The adaptor includes a housing for receiving the elastomeric body on one end, and the ultrasonic transducer on another end. A cavity is defined within the housing for receiving a liquid medium that acoustically couples the ultrasonic transducer to the elastomeric body. The elastomeric body has a frontal surface disposed at a face slant angle relative to a longitudinal axis, where the face slant angle can be optimized for the test material. The volume of the housing cavity may be adjusted so as to vary the focal length of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A data capture device and a data capture system are provided. The data capture device is configured to navigate along an elongate structure. The data capture device includes a surface scanner, for scanning a surface of the elongate structure; and a sensor, for capturing data relating to the elongate structure. The surface scanner and the sensor are configured to capture data relating to a common region.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for inspecting an elongated tube-like object. The apparatus comprises a body (1, 2) for moving along the elongated tube-like object by clamping the object; and a sensor frame (15, 15b, 15c) supporting one or more sensors (20) for measuring a state indication property. One or more one or more body-to-sensor-frame connections (39, 40, 43, 72b, 72c) connect the sensor frame (15, 15b, 15c) to the body (1, 2), wherein the one or more body-to-sensor-frame connections (39, 40, 43, 72b, 72c) are arranged to allow an adjustable relative position between the sensor frame and the body, while the sensor frame can position itself with respect to the tube.

Abstract: There is provided a device for testing ultrasound probes comprising a plurality of transducing elements, said device comprising a plurality of ultrasound transmitter/receiver circuits, a computing device and a control device arranged to control the transmitter/receiver circuits and the computing device arranged to select an interrogation protocol from a plurality of different interrogation protocols, where each interrogation protocol comprises instructions for the order in which the plurality of transmitter/receiver circuits shall send voltage pulses to the transducers of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A probe device for a rotating head of a rotary system comprises at least one support arm that is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, at least one probe that is connected to the support arm, and at least one cable guide for guiding a probe cable. The cable guide comprises a first end portion that extends along the support arm, from the probe to the axis of rotation, and a second end portion that originates essentially at the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A system is provided having a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.

Abstract: A fusion bead testing device is provided for testing the strength of a fusion bead removed from a pipe joint. The testing device comprises a first pressing means for exerting a force against the fusion bead. If the fusion bead splits as a result of the applied force then the fusion bead fails a quality control test and the fusion bead and consequently the pipe joint from which the bead was removed are deemed too weak. The fusion bead testing apparatus comprises an automatic split detection device for detecting a split in the bead.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for interrogating a liquid in a container. In one embodiment, methods are provided to interrogate and identify a container material type and a liquid within a container.

Abstract: A method for inspection of tubes in a boiler is disclosed. The method of inspecting includes the steps of providing an apparatus having a sensor and a housing adapted to contain the sensor. The method further including the steps of extending the apparatus into a tube bundle until a desired tube for inspection is reached; rotating the apparatus until the sensor is positioned over the tube to be inspected; clamping the housing around the tube to be inspected, thereby clamping the sensor around the tube; transmitting a pulse of guided waves into the tube to be inspected and detecting reflected signals; and acquiring data from the reflected signals and determining the condition of the tube.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: A component inspection apparatus and a method for ultrasonic inspection of a component, including low pressure last stage steam turbine blades, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide member, a guide adapting member and scanning probes. The guide member includes a first surface and a distal second surface. The first surface is configured to adaptably mirror the shape of portions of the component to be inspected. The guide adapting member is capable of releasably attaching the second surface of the guide member. to be changeable as per the shape of the component. The scanning probes may be located on the guide adapting member in a manner configured to be movable along the second surface of the guide member to generate and receive ultrasonic waves used to inspect the component.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for evaluating echo signals obtained from a phased array experiment on a billet is disclosed. The computer-implemented method may comprise collecting the echo signals from a pulser/receiver unit, correlating the echo signals with a position on a longitudinal axis and a circumferential angle of the billet, computing an amplitude for each of the echo signals, displaying the amplitudes as indications in a c-scan data plot at a computer display unit, and determining the signal-to-noise ratios of indications located in a region-of-interest box relative to noise in surrounding boxes in the c-scan data plot. The computer-implemented method may further comprise classifying each indication as rejectable, reportable, or insignificant based on its amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio. The computer-implemented method may find applications in quality control evaluations in the aircraft industry.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanning device for scanning a turbine component. The device includes an ultrasonic transducer attached to a moveable fluid distribution block, wherein the block includes a block opening and an internal passageway for receiving a fluid. The device also includes a fluid pad having a fluid pad opening that is in fluid communication with the block opening, wherein the fluid pad and block openings form a channel that extends between the ultrasonic transducer and the turbine component. Fluid received by the internal passageway moves to the channel and forms a fluid column between the ultrasonic transducer and the turbine component that facilitates transmission of ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic transducer. In addition, the device includes a control module for controlling operation of the ultrasonic transducer and an encoder for providing travel information to the control module for determining a position of the device relative to the turbine component.

Abstract: A method of non-destructive inspection evaluation includes converting a scan file of a part into a text file, determining whether the signal attenuation representative value is greater than a predetermined value and outputting a numeric score related to the signal attenuation representative value to signify a defect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-speed non-destructive inspection of a half- or full-barrel-shaped workpiece, such as a barrel-shaped section of an aircraft fuselage. Such workpieces can be scanned externally using a mobile (e.g., translating) arch gantry system comprising a translatable arch frame disposed outside the fuselage section, a carriage that can travel along a curved track carried by the arch frame, a radially inward-extending telescopic arm having a proximal end fixedly coupled to the carriage, and an NDI sensor unit coupled to a distal end of the telescoping arm. The stiffeners of the fuselage sections can be scanned using a mobile scanner platform disposed inside the fuselage section, which platform comprises a radially outward-extending telescopic arm rotatably coupled to a mobile (e.g., holonomic or linear motion) platform and an NDI sensor unit coupled to a distal end of the telescoping arm.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a weld on a component where the weld has a plurality of cross-sections includes a camera disposed above the weld that optically senses a weld position. A projector disposed above the weld projects on to the component along a length of the weld position a primary scan path with a primary scan path start point and a primary scan path end point. An imaging probe scans the weld as the imaging probe moves from the primary scan path start point to the primary scan path end point to generate a plurality of 2D cross-sectional images of the weld corresponding to the cross-sections of the weld, the imaging probe having a position and skew angle that vary as the imaging probe moves. Each 2D cross-sectional image of the weld is optically encoded with a respective imaging probe position and a respective imaging probe skew angle.

Abstract: A device for inspection of a tubular piece includes a cart including plural elemental ultrasound transducers distributed along at least a first direction and a guide which cooperates with an exterior surface of the piece to position the cart such that the first direction essentially corresponds to a direction transverse to the tubular piece. A control electronics, connected to the electroacoustic transducers, includes a memory storing the timed excitation laws and a controller that applies in succession a respective timed excitation law to subsets of mutually adjacent elemental transducers along the first direction. The timed excitation laws are designed so that the elemental transducers of the respective subsets jointly produce incident beams of ultrasonic waves propagating along respective directions inclined relative to a direction normal to the exterior surface of the tubular piece.

Abstract: A method of assessing the condition of a tubular member comprises driving an ultrasonic probe to fire a short pulse ultrasonic beam at the outer surface of the tubular member and analyzing the reflected signals from the tubular member to assess the condition of the tubular member. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe (22), means for driving the probe to fire a short pulse ultrasonic beam at the outer surface of the tubular member and means for converting the reflected ultrasonic beam into image signals which can be analyzed to assess the condition of the tubular member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection assembly detects a characteristic in a test object. The ultrasonic detection assembly includes a phased array probe positioned in proximity to a peripheral surface of the test object. The phased array probe includes a plurality of transducer elements. The transducer elements of the phased array probe transmit a sound beam into the test object. The sound beam is movable by the phased array probe within the test object to detect the characteristic.

Abstract: As described herein, a system for inspecting a component includes an ultrasonic inspection probe with a component surface interface, and a robotic device with an end effector coupled to the ultrasonic inspection probe. The robotic device is automatably controllable to move the ultrasonic inspection probe across a surface of the component. Additionally, the system includes an angle sensor subsystem coupled between the ultrasonic inspection probe and the end effector. The angle sensor subsystem is configured to operably detect an actual orientation of the end effector relative to a presently inspected portion of the surface of the component. The system includes a controller configured to receive orientation data from the angle sensor subsystem, the orientation data comprising the actual orientation of the end effector, compare the actual orientation to a desired orientation, and control the robotic device to adjust an orientation of the end effector to be in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A method used in a welding system includes detecting multiple markers on a welding torch. The markers are detected using one or more cameras. The method also includes blocking live welding using the welding torch while the one or more cameras are unable to detect at least one of the multiple markers on the welding torch.

Abstract: Provided herein is a robot for inspecting pipelines as it moves along an outer surface of a pipeline, the robot comprising: a plurality of body parts detachably provided along a longitudinal direction of the pipeline; a connector configured to connect adjacent body parts, and to distance one of the connected body parts away from the pipeline so that the plurality of body parts may cross an obstacle; and a controller configured to control the connector to lift one of the body parts to cross an obstacle, with another body part secured to the pipeline.

Abstract: A mast-climbing robot has first and load-bearing assemblies, at least one linear actuator connected between the assemblies for changing their vertical spacing, and a respective clamp on each load-bearing assembly that can secure the respective load-bearing assembly on the mast and release the respective load-bearing assembly therefrom. Each clamp has two bearing points on the respective load-bearing assembly, at least one flexible belt that extends between the two bearing or attachment points and circumferentially around the mast, and at least one clamping actuator with which the length of the at least one belt can be increased and decreased between the bearing or attachment points to tighten lock the respective belt about the mast and thereby lock the respective assembly on the mast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented. A signal may be sent into a structure at an incidence angle from a transducer array. A response signal reflected from the structure in response to the signal sent into the structure may be detected at the transducer array to form a received response.

Abstract: Pipeline wall thickness is measured as a function of position using ultrasound propagation. A series of predictive models is used, which define predictions of the ultrasound response signals as a function of different sets of parameters. The different sets that are determine of position dependent ultrasound speed at different sound frequencies and different spatial resolution. Successive iterative fitting process are executed, each fitting a combination of values of a successive set of parameters to the detected ultrasound response signals according to a respective model, using the values fitted values from the previous fitting process to initialize the next set of parameters for iterative fitting.

Abstract: An ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device and an evaluation method are provided and prevent a reduction in the measurement accuracy of a water level that is in a wide measurement range. The ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device includes an upper tube extending from a gas phase portion in a reactor, a lower tube extending from a liquid phase portion in the reactor, measurement tubes connected to each other and arranged at multiple stages between the upper tube and the lower tube, and units for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves, the units being arranged at bottom portions of the measurement tubes. The ultrasonic reactor water level measuring device measures levels of water within the measurement tubes and calculates a water level within the reactor from the sum of the measured water levels, the sum excluding an overlapped part of the measurement tubes.

Abstract: Thermal Acoustic Imaging (TAI) methods and systems are provided for detecting defects in an object. The TAI system may include a plurality of acoustic wave transceivers (AWTs), which are positioned around the object at different locations, and a broadband frequency signal generator, which is coupled to each of the AWTs. The system may further include an acoustic processor configured to utilize the AWTs to gather acoustic data pertaining to the object, process the acoustic data to generate spectral response data, and then process the spectral response data to determine an optimized setup. The optimized setup may include optimized excitation frequencies and optimized inspection positions for positioning a plurality of infrared imaging devices at different locations around the object. A plurality of infrared imaging devices may then be selectively positioned with respect to the object at the optimized inspection positions and utilized to further inspect the object for defects.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to drive a transduction apparatus including a cell with a first electrode and a second electrode disposed so as to oppose each other via a gap. The apparatus includes a timing detection unit and a control unit. The timing detection unit detects a timing of outputting of an electromagnetic wave from an electromagnetic wave source configured to output the electromagnetic wave to irradiate an object to be measured. The control unit drives and controls the transduction apparatus in synchronization with the detected timing such that the capacitive electromechanical transduction apparatus is put in a receiving state only for a period in which an acoustic wave generated in an inside of the object irradiated with the electromagnetic wave is received.