DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to an Augmented Reality (AR) based digital inspection system. The present invention further relates to an AR based method of inspection of an article. More particularly, the system and method of inspection is applicable to ships, where frequent inspection of layout of compartment is critical.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Design and construction of ship is a complicated process which requires considerable amount of planning before execution. Further, installation of equipment / system components at site as per design layout, requires precise planning and in depth knowledge of ship systems with various specialization. The execution also involves multiple teams of experts in the respective field. Hence this demands for precise planning of the activities. The execution of work by multiple team of experts at multiple time interval may lead to clashes and deviations from the design. Such installations, if done referring paper drawings or on site as done traditionally, does not provide accurate visualisation of complete layout arrangement and what needs to be done. This process is briefly explained in Figure 1.

[003] In recent times, Augmented Reality (AR) based inspection systems are employed which could be useful for early fault detection and related activities including maintenance. Such systems have proven to be much more efficient than the traditional ways. US10564127B2 discloses a pipe inspection system based on AR visualization. The said system includes an augmented reality display system to display an image representing a defect, such as missing metal, in a ferromagnetic material when a user gazes at a portion of the ferromagnetic material hosting the defect, based on magnetic field data provide by a magnetometry system. This facilitating locating the defect and replacing magnetometers after the defect has been repaired, even if location references originally present on cladding material are lost or destroyed during the repair.

[004] The inventors of the present invention have attempted providing a technology based solution, which improves accuracy as well as error free execution to a great extent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] It is an object of the invention to help deciding and making precise installations on the ship.

[006] It is another object of the invention to improve quality of construction of the article.

[007] It is yet another object of the invention to eliminate production error in the construction of the article.

[008] It is yet another object of the invention for early identification of the errors in the construction of the article.

[009] Accordingly, a digital inspection system is disclosed for the inspection of the article. The digital inspection system is Augmented Reality (AR) based and includes a virtual module adapted for creating a virtual 3D model of the article, a superimposition module adapted to superimpose the virtual 3D module on a physical model.

[010] The present invention further discloses a digital method of inspection of an article. The method comprises a step of creating a virtual 3D model of the article, and a step of superimposing the 3D model on a physical model.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[011] Following figures illustrate embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 1 illustrates a manual inspection process.
Figure 2 represents a process diagram of the current invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart
Figure 4 illustrates a virtual 3D model created on the smart devices
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[012] Certain wordings appear in the specification have defined meaning. “Article” may be any article of manufacture. However in the context of the present invention, “article” is most likely a ship. “Augmented Reality” has its usual meaning associated with it. “3D model” is a virtual three-dimensional view created of a physical article.

[013] The present invention may be comprehended by referring to figures appended at the end of the specification. The figures demonstrate at least one embodiment, including process, of the invention. The figures, however, do not limit the scope of the invention.

[014] Referring to Figures 2-4, the present invention discloses a digital inspection system for the inspection of the article. The digital inspection system an image capturing device to capture images of the article; a virtual module adapted to provide a parametric virtual 3D model of the article based on the images received from the image capturing device; at least one portable device to visualize said virtual 3D model of the article; a superimposition module adapted to superimpose the virtual 3D model on a physical model, wherein the virtual 3D model is created without using open network, wireless network.

[015] In an embodiment, the portable device is selected from smartglasses or smart devices. In the embodiment, the smartglasses may be Hololens, whereas the smart devices may be smart computers, such as tablet devices or such, having advanced functions. The system is adapted to produce measurement of deviations in the layout arrangement of article, report generation. The data security is guaranteed by authorised auditing agency.

[016] The present invention further discloses a digital method of inspection of an article. The method comprises capturing an image of the article by an image capturing device; creating a parametric virtual 3D model of the article by the virtual module based on the image received from the image capturing device; displaying the virtual 3D model on at least one portable device; and superimposing the virtual 3D model on the physical model of the article by a superimposition module.

[017] In a preferred embodiment, the 3D model of the article is translated and published to a server platform using a no-code plugin technology. The translated model is “pulled & cached” on smart devices like Hololens and iPad. The smart devices are carried to the production site and the 3D model is anchored on the physical site during planning, construction and outfitting. The 3D model is used to validate the markings before fitment of equipment and routing of pipes. The 3D model is used for day-to-day validation and supervision at each stage of construction and outfitting. Any deviations and changes are captured directly from the device. This information is uploaded and stored on the server when the device is connected to internal local area network of the user.

[018] Advantages of the invention:
? Improves quality of ship construction by ensuring that the installation is done as per 3D model created
? Eliminate production errors by improving visualization & communication of 3D model, leading to error free production sequencing & execution
? Incorporates innovative digital techniques that streamline time-consuming processes like to-place (TP) pipe templating on production floor
? Reduces rework & fouling by early identification of issues in outfitting & production
? Streamlines production management & supervision with timely feedback to design teams & other related departments about site changes.
,CLAIMS:1. A digital inspection system to inspect an article comprising:
an image capturing device to capture images of the article;
a virtual module adapted to provide a parametric virtual 3D model of the article based on the images received from the image capturing device;
at least one portable device to visualize said virtual 3D model of the article;
a superimposition module adapted to superimpose the virtual 3D model on a physical model,
wherein the virtual 3D model is created without using open network, wireless network.

2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the portable device is selected from smartglasses or smart devices.

3. The system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the smartglasses are Hololens.

4. The system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the smart devices are selected from smart computers, tablets and such.

5. A method of digital inspection to inspect an article comprising:
(i) capturing an image of the article by an image capturing device;
(ii) creating a parametric virtual 3D model of the article by the virtual module based on the image received from the image capturing device;
(iii) displaying the virtual 3D model on at least one portable device; and
(iv) superimposing the virtual 3D model on the physical model of the article by a superimposition module