Intelligent image correlation using genetic algorithms for measuring surface deformations in the autonomous inspection of structures

Summary form only given. Presents an intelligent digital image correlation technique that uses genetic algorithms to estimate surface displacements and strains for autonomous inspection of structures. Speckle patterns are spray painted on the surface of interest and pictures taken before and during loading using off-the-shelf CCD quickcams. Subpixel accuracy, required for measuring displacements and strains accurately, is obtained by using interpolation methods. An innovative adaptive scheme is used to develop a cost surface which is used to match the before and after image subsets with the help of genetic algorithms to search for the optimal match. Some potential applications for this work are to extract real time information on surface displacements and strains on aircraft in flight, submarines under water and civil infrastructures such as bridges and buildings