Netrix S.A., in cooperation with WSEI University in Lublin, is implementing the project entitled “Detector for the Classification of Ultrasonic Signals Using the Doppler Effect and Deep Learning”. The project is co-financed by the European Union under the SMART Path measure, Priority: Support for Enterprises, European Funds for a Modern Economy Programme.
The aim of the project is to develop a portable intelligent ultrasonic tomograph that will use advanced Doppler techniques to revolutionise the process of diagnosing the technical condition of structures. The innovative device will be equipped with a multi-row sensor array (4×8 sensors), enabling precise wall tomography and providing non-invasive, high-resolution images of the internal structure of buildings.
The project will employ techniques such as colour Doppler, power Doppler, pulsed-wave Doppler, and spectral Doppler analysis. The final product, designed as a portable device, will enable the detection of material deterioration, reinforcement damage, leaks, and water infiltration, thereby improving structural safety and reducing maintenance and repair costs.
As a result, the company will gain a significant competitive advantage by offering services of a higher standard, directly contributing to increased market competitiveness. The project team will develop solutions capable of generating high-quality B-mode images and three-dimensional visualisations of the internal structure of materials, which have previously not been available for engineering applications. DOPPLER will provide precise insight into the location, nature, and size of structural defects that might remain undetected using traditional diagnostic tools.
The target market can be divided into the following segments:
The project activities will comprise industrial research and experimental development carried out by the project leader and consortium partner.
Task 1 – Industrial Research – Development of Algorithms and the First Device Prototype
The aim of this task is to develop the first prototype of the DOPPLER device. The device will consist of a central computing unit housed in a portable case, a signal control and excitation module, a measurement (ADC) and filtering module, a power supply module, and an integrated computing unit module.
Task 2 – Industrial Research – Development of Signal Processing Algorithms for the Ultrasonic Tomograph
This task will focus on developing specialised algorithms for analysing reflected ultrasonic waves in the context of tomography. These algorithms will form the basis for dedicated software capable of precisely analysing and interpreting complex diagnostic data obtained from various types of materials used in building structures.
The developed algorithms will analyse signals at the microscale. The planned work will include the development of algorithms for detecting and visualising internal microstructures, with the aim of creating software capable of identifying subtle changes in material structures that could lead to serious structural damage.
The work will also include the development of crack and damage detection algorithms, adapting ultrasonic techniques to identify structural damage invisible to the naked eye, such as cracks or reinforcement defects.
Algorithms for filtering and noise reduction will also be developed using advanced signal processing methods. These solutions will remove interference from diagnostic signals, which is particularly important in challenging construction environments.
Finally, prototype software integrating all developed components into a single environment will be created to enable testing, validation, and optimisation of the complete solution.
Task 3 – Industrial Research – Development of the Final Version of the Device
The planned R&D activities will include further development of the DOPPLER device prototype based on knowledge gained during work on the first prototype and data provided by the project partner responsible for signal processing algorithms.
The work will include the development of improved hardware components incorporating advanced algorithmic solutions to create a second prototype version, as well as enhanced defect detection algorithms based on advanced signal processing techniques and deep learning.
User interfaces and embedded software will also be developed to maximise the effectiveness of real-time diagnostic data visualisation. The improved prototype will undergo validation and testing both in laboratory and field environments to assess the device’s actual effectiveness and performance.
The measurement head and data analysis module will also be optimised to achieve the highest possible measurement accuracy and sensitivity.
Task 4 – Industrial Research – Development of New Algorithms Based on Experimental Data
R&D activities will focus on developing and optimising the ultrasonic signal processing algorithms created under Task 2. The work will include an in-depth analysis of the performance of existing algorithms, identification of areas for improvement based on experimental results, and development of new algorithms.
The activities will include analysis of data collected during previous stages of the project to better understand the challenges associated with processing ultrasonic signals for different materials and operating conditions.
Experiments will also be conducted using different ultrasonic signal parameters to identify optimal settings for achieving the highest possible defect detection accuracy.
Data processing algorithms will be further developed to improve the speed and accuracy of data processing and classification. Performance tests will assess the effectiveness and processing speed of the improved algorithms within the desktop application environment.
Work will also focus on the user interface, including improving software ergonomics and adapting the application’s functionality to the needs of end users.
Task 5 – Experimental Development – Preparation of the Final Device Version and Embedded Software
The planned R&D activities will focus on further development of the device and its embedded software, taking electrical safety requirements into account.
Hardware and software systems will be integrated and synchronised to ensure full compatibility and provide smooth, intuitive, and reliable operation.
The functionality of the final device will be validated through a series of tests to ensure that all components operate according to the designed parameters and meet the required quality standards.
Specialised electrical safety tests will be outsourced to ensure that the device is fully safe for users under both standard and extreme operating conditions.
Development work on the embedded software will focus on improving internal operating systems and algorithms to maximise the efficiency and reliability of the device.
Operational testing will also be conducted to analyse the device’s performance and durability under various long-term usage scenarios and confirm its readiness for real-world operation.
Task 6 – Experimental Development – Finalisation of the Desktop Software
The sixth task will focus on integrating the desktop software algorithms developed under Tasks 2 and 4 with the entire system and directly with the diagnostic device. This task represents an essential stage in finalising the device before commercialisation.
The main elements of the research plan will include software engineering activities involving close cooperation between software development teams and hardware engineers to ensure compatibility and efficient data exchange between the software and device modules. Particular attention will be given to refining communication interfaces and transmission protocols.
Comprehensive functional testing of the integrated algorithms will be carried out to verify correct integration and ensure reliable operation of the system as a whole. This will also include stability testing under various usage scenarios.
User interaction will be optimised by further developing and adapting the desktop software interface to ensure intuitive and efficient system operation, contributing to the comfort and safety of future users.
Simulations and load tests will also be conducted in a controlled environment to assess the system’s reliability and performance under maximum workload conditions.
The final product will be ready for market implementation and capable of achieving a significant market share.
Project value: PLN 8,442,534.00
European Funds contribution: PLN 6,743,823.12
Implementation period: April 2025 – March 2028
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