High dynamic range image processing for non-destructive-testing

This paper proposes High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging as a protocol for nondestructive-testing for the first time. HDR imaging protocol has been experimentally validated on images of pitting corrosion in this paper and has been further applied to isolate a range of image backgrounds that arise out of a number of environmental conditions. The superiority of HDR imaging over a standard imaging process has been demonstrated. The results indicate that the proposed protocol is not limited by the examples considered in this paper and can readily be applied to a number of infrastructure maintenance management related applications. The protocol complements and improves standard visual inspection techniques and expert opinions. This approach immediately lends itself to further mathematical and statistical analyses, both qualitative and quantitative.