Augmented Reality Tools for Enhanced Structural Inspection

To date, the tools available to structural inspectors to perform structural inspections have been very limited. In many cases inspectors are limited to using their eyes, ears, a tape measure and a hammer to perform an inspection. Notes are taken using a pad of paper and a pencil. In some cases, a tablet computer might be used to take notes along with a digital camera for documentation. Unfortunately, these techniques are clumsy and result in very few data points being measured and recorded. In this work, we will focus on developing the conceptual design for novel structural inspection tools for structural inspection applications based on emerging augmented reality technology. Augmented reality technology allows for holograms to be overlaid on the real world. It represents an exciting new way for inspectors to both collect, interact with, visualize, and analyze inspection data. The HoloLens allows a hands-free structural inspection and measurement technique minimizing time and challenges. The experiments conducted with the HoloLens for taking measurements and benchmarking the obtained measurements are shown in this study. It is proved that measurements taken from up to 20 feet distance, in and out of the line of sight, have less than 2% error compared to the actual measurement. Further applications of the HoloLens in the field of structural inspection are also discussed in this study.