Nondestructive testing (NDT) scanner and operator interface

Abstract

In some embodiments, a non-destructive testing device may include a scanner assembly configured to encode, for example, motion in one or both directions. The scanner assembly includes a carriage including one or more respective wheels oriented to rotate in a circumferential scanning direction, the carriage housing or otherwise guiding the transducer probe assembly. The first encoder may be configured to generate a first signal representative of a displacement of the carriage in a first direction, and the scanner assembly may further include at least one wheel that may be oriented to rotate in an indexed direction, the second encoder is configured to generate a second signal representative of a displacement of the carriage in a second direction in response to rotation of at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the second direction. An onboard operator interface of the scanner assembly may receive user input and simultaneously present a status indication to guide the inspection.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 376,839, entitled “DUAL ENCODER SCANNER AND RELATED OPERATOR INTERFACE,” filed on September 23, 2022 by Veronique Simard et al. (Agent Docket No. 6409.236PRV), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This document relates generally, but not limited to, apparatus and techniques for nondestructive inspection, such as facilitating nondestructive inspection such as acoustic inspection, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for performing encoding of scan positions, such as optionally including visual feedback to an operator. Background Art

[0004] Nondestructive testing (NDT) may refer to the use of one or more different techniques to inspect an area on or within an object, such as to determine if a flaw or defect is present, or to otherwise characterize the object being inspected. Examples of nondestructive testing methods may include the use of eddy current testing methods, in which electromagnetic energy is applied to an object and an induced current produced on or within the object is detected, and the value of the detected current (or associated impedance) provides an indication of the structure of the object being tested, such as to indicate the presence of cracks, voids, pores, or other inhomogeneities.

[0005] Another method of nondestructive testing may include the use of acoustic inspection techniques, such as where one or more electroacoustic transducers are used to insonify an area on or within an object being tested, and scattered or reflected acoustic energy may be detected and processed. Such scattered or reflected energy may be referred to as an acoustic echo signal. Typically, such acoustic inspection schemes involve the use of acoustic frequencies within the ultrasonic frequency range, such as including pulses having energy in a specified range, which, as an illustrative example, may include values ​​from, for example, hundreds of kilohertz to tens of megahertz. Summary of the invention

[0006] Nondestructive inspection can be performed in various ways. For example, as described above, acoustic inspection is a nondestructive testing (NDT) method, which, as an illustrative example, can be used to evaluate structures such as pipes, containers, plates, or welds associated therewith. This evaluation can include thickness measurement, corrosion monitoring, or inspections for detecting defects in welded structures, such as pores or pores. The scanning method can include the use of a phased array ultrasonic transducer assembly. Typically, in order to achieve the desired coverage and no gaps or unavailable acquisitions, the method can include: manually placing the detection probe assembly in an index position along the object to be measured, and then manually rolling or sliding the detection probe assembly along the scanning direction to perform a scan (e.g., as an illustrative example, to collect the corresponding A scan or compile a C scan view). After completing the "line" scan, the detection probe assembly can be moved to a new index position (e.g., "transposed"), and then another scan can be performed. In this method, which can be referred to as raster scanning, each circumferential scan can be compiled into a composite. In applications involving scanning of circular or tubular structures, such as pipes or vessels, the line scan may be circumferential and the index direction may be axial, but the apparatus and techniques described herein are not limited to this acquisition configuration.

[0007] Typically, the test probe assembly is connected to a separate test instrument with a display and key input (or touch screen as an illustration) using an umbilical cable. As a result, the operator of the test probe assembly may need to look at the separate test instrument while performing a scan, thereby taking the operator's line of sight away from the test probe assembly. Furthermore, in such a setup, alignment of the test probe may involve: using a completely separate position encoder, manually marking index positions, or sometimes performing non-intuitive arithmetic calculations for each index step.

[0008] As an example, corrosion mapping of an area using acoustic inspection may be performed using one encoded axis ("clicker mode"), and this approach typically involves drawing a line on the surface to be inspected. Each time the probe assembly is indexed, a position increment on a second axis is performed by shifting the probe assembly to, for example, perform another line scan parallel to the previous line scan but offset on the second axis. Drawing or scribing lines on a part is complex and can be quite time consuming. When it is assumed that there are fixed increments per scan in the instrument, the positioning of the probe assembly is done based on these fixed increments, which can affect the flexibility of the inspection. For example, if an obstruction prevents indexing the scanner to a predetermined increment value, scanning of the rest of the surface at that index position may be precluded because the data will not be properly aligned with the previous line scan data.

[0009] The inventors have also recognized that, among other things, an operator interface that can be coordinated with a scanner assembly that houses or otherwise directs a transducer probe assembly can facilitate nondestructive inspection data acquisition using single-axis or dual-axis encoding through user input devices and displays provided on the scanner assembly. In this way, an operator can maintain his or her view of the scanner assembly without having to monitor a display on a separate acoustic inspection instrument. As shown and described herein, the operator can also use user input (e.g., buttons) to select between, for example, a scanning mode (e.g., a line scan) and an indexing mode. The display can simultaneously provide feedback, such as to indicate that a scan is ready to be performed, or that such an acquisition has reached a specified boundary.

[0010] The inventors have also recognized that, among other things, the use of a second encoder (a second encoder that supports a raster scan mode) can provide additional flexibility, such as being able to give feedback about indexing operations, or to support freehand acquisition, in which movement can occur in both the scanning direction and the indexing direction during the corresponding acquisition. As an illustration, in the case where the scanner assembly does not have an onboard operator interface, the operator may need to view the second axis value on a separate display on the acquisition instrument (separate from the scanner assembly) and try to make it as close to the optimal value as possible before performing the next line scan. For example, in an acoustic inspection application, if the ultrasound probe effective beam is 63 mm wide, the index position may be a non-intuitive value: 63mm, 126mm, 189mm, 252mm, 315mm, etc. As described above, it is inconvenient for the operator to view the separate acquisition instrument each time indexing is performed on the second axis, and it is inconvenient for the operator to calculate the next index position value without a display. To address these challenges, an operator interface that is onboard or otherwise fixed to the scanner assembly can be used to provide feedback using a second encoder. In this way, the user can be provided with relevant information to perform a scanning or indexing operation without having to look at a separate acquisition instrument, perform mental calculations, or mark the objects being measured.

[0011] In an example, a nondestructive testing apparatus may include a scanner assembly comprising: a carriage including at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a first direction, the carriage being configured to mechanically guide a transducer probe assembly; a first encoder configured to generate a first signal representing a displacement of the carriage in the first direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the first direction; and an operator interface including a user input device and a display, the operator interface including a modular component removably mated with the carriage, the operator interface being configured to receive input at the user input device to control an operating mode associated with nondestructive testing and to present a status indication associated with a scanning operation of the nondestructive testing. In an example, a technique such as a method may include facilitating nondestructive testing (NDT), the method comprising: receiving input at a user input device of an operator interface to control an operating mode associated with the nondestructive inspection; in response, initiating the acquisition of nondestructive inspection data associated with a scanning operation of the nondestructive inspection, and presenting a status indication using a display of the operator interface, the status indication associated with the scanning operation of the nondestructive inspection using displacement data acquired using a first encoder, wherein the user input device and the display are included as part of the operator interface on a scanner assembly, the scanner assembly comprising a carriage, a first encoder, and the operator interface, wherein the carriage comprises at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a first direction, the carriage being configured to mechanically guide a transducer probe assembly, the first encoder being configured to generate a first signal representing a displacement of the carriage in the first direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the first direction, and the operator interface comprising the user input device and the display.

[0012] In these examples, the scanner assembly can include: at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a second encoder configured to generate a second signal representing displacement of the bracket in the second direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction.

[0013] In an example, a nondestructive testing apparatus may include a scanner assembly configured to encode movement in at least two directions, the scanner assembly comprising: a carriage including corresponding wheels oriented to rotate in a first direction including a circumferential scanning direction, the carriage guiding a transducer probe assembly; a first encoder configured to generate a first signal representing a displacement of the carriage in the first direction; at least one wheel, at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the second direction including an index direction along the object under test; a second encoder, the second encoder configured to generate a second signal representing a displacement of the carriage in the second direction in response to rotation of at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the second direction; an operator interface including a user input device and a display, the operator interface configured to receive input at the user input device to control an operating mode associated with the nondestructive inspection, and present a status indication using the display and using displacement data acquired using the first encoder or the second encoder according to the operating mode.

[0014] Other aspects of the scanner assembly described herein may include a partially immersed configuration, such as providing a couplant chamber (e.g., a water tank) and a chamfered or rounded shim arrangement to couple the active surface of the acoustic transducer probe array to the object under test. A modular configuration may be provided, such as including an operator interface and a second encoder as a removable (e.g., detachable) component, which may be fixed to a bracket including the first encoder. Different acoustic inspection probe arrays may be removably accommodated by the bracket, or otherwise guided by the bracket.

[0015] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. Specific embodiments are included to provide additional information about this patent application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, similar reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. Similar reference numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The accompanying drawings generally illustrate various embodiments discussed in this document by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0017] Figure 1 Examples are generally illustrated that include an acoustic inspection system, such as may be used to perform at least a portion of one or more techniques as shown and described herein.

[0018] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C Corresponding views of a scanner assembly that may house an acoustic transducer probe assembly are generally illustrated.

[0019] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Corresponding views of the encoder wheel processing portion of the scanner assembly are generally illustrated.

[0020] Figure 4 An exploded view of an acoustic transducer probe assembly is shown, which may include, for example, a tilted spacer.

[0021] Figure 5 Generally illustrated is a technique, such as a machine-implemented method, that can include receiving input from a user or presenting a status indication, or a combination thereof, at an operator interface located on a scanner assembly.

[0022] Fig. 6A Generally, an illustrative example of an operator interface is shown, such as may be described above with respect to Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 3A , Figure 3B or Figure 3C A portion of the scanner assembly discussed is included and can be used, for example, to perform Figure 5 technology, or implementation such as Figure 6B The illustrative examples discuss other operations.

[0023] Figure 7 A scanner assembly is generally illustrated as being positioned on an object to be tested and a nondestructive testing instrument, such as being communicatively coupled to the scanner assembly.

[0024] Figure 8 Illustrated is a block diagram including an example of a machine upon which any one or more of the techniques (eg, methodologies) discussed herein may be performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] As discussed generally above and described in detail below, a nondestructive testing device may include a scanner assembly configured to encode motion in, for example, one or two directions. The scanner assembly may include a carriage including one or more corresponding wheels oriented to rotate in a circumferential scanning direction, the carriage housing or otherwise guiding a transducer probe assembly. A first encoder may be configured to generate a first signal representing a displacement of the carriage in a first direction, and the scanner assembly may also include at least one wheel oriented to rotate in an indexing direction, wherein a second encoder is configured to generate a second signal representing a displacement of the carriage in a second direction in response to rotation of at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a second direction. An operator interface mounted onboard or otherwise mechanically fixed to the scanner assembly may receive user input and simultaneously present a status indication to guide the inspection. This approach may help provide a "focused" configuration to allow a user, such as an inspection technician, to focus his or her attention on the scanner assembly without the need to observe the index position or acquisition status on a separate detection instrument during acquisition or indexing. This approach may also facilitate the selection or use of other operating modes, such as a freehand acquisition mode.

[0026] Typically, as shown in the example below, as the scanner assembly moves over the surface of the object being measured, a first encoder (e.g., a "scanning" encoder) can track the movement of the scanner in a scan direction. Such movement can be interpreted by a separate acquisition instrument and converted into position data in the scan direction. In addition, a second encoder (e.g., an "indexing" encoder) can track movement in a direction orthogonal to the scan direction. Such movement can be interpreted by a separate acquisition instrument and converted into position data in an index direction (e.g., an index direction orthogonal to the scan direction). With the scan position information and the index position information, the instrument can display a 2D mapping of the data collected during the inspection, such as for use in thickness or corrosion inspection using a phased array ultrasonic transducer (PAUT) probe assembly housed or otherwise guided by a carriage of the scanner assembly or using another nondestructive inspection technique such as eddy current inspection.

[0027] Figure 1An example is generally illustrated including an inspection system 100, which can be used to perform at least a portion of one or more techniques as shown and described herein. The inspection system 100 can include a detection instrument 140, such as a handheld or portable assembly. The detection instrument 140 can be electrically coupled to a probe assembly 150, such as using a multi-conductor interconnect 130. In the context of acoustic inspection, the probe assembly 150 can include one or more electroacoustic transducers, such as a transducer array 152 including corresponding transducers 154A to 154N. The transducer array can follow a linear or curved profile, or can include an array of elements extending along two axes, such as to provide a matrix of transducer elements. The element size and spacing can vary depending on the inspection application.

[0028] A modular probe assembly 150 configuration may be used, for example, to allow the detection instrument 140 to be used with a variety of different probe assemblies. Typically, the transducer array 152 includes piezoelectric transducers that may be acoustically coupled to a target 158 ​​(e.g., a test sample or "test object"), such as via a coupling medium 156. The coupling medium may include a fluid or gel or a solid film (e.g., an elastomer or other polymer material), or a combination of fluid, gel, or solid structures. For example, an acoustic transducer assembly may include a transducer array coupled to a wedge-shaped structure that includes a rigid thermosetting polymer having known acoustic propagation properties (e.g., a PTFE-based polymer available from C-Lec Plastics, Inc.). ), and during testing, water can be injected as a coupling medium 156 between the wedge structure and the structure being tested, or the interface between the probe assembly 150 and a target 158 ​​that is otherwise immersed in a coupling medium can be used for testing.

[0029] The detection instrument 140 may include digital and analog circuitry, such as a front-end circuit 122 including one or more transmit signal chains, receive signal chains, or switching circuitry (e.g., transmit / receive switching circuitry). The transmit signal chain may include amplifier and filter circuitry to, for example, provide transmit pulses for delivery to the probe assembly 150 via the interconnect 130 to insonify the target 158, thereby imaging or otherwise detecting a defect 160 on or within the structure of the target 158, such as by receiving scattered or reflected acoustic energy caused in response to the insonification.

[0030] Although Figure 1A single probe assembly 150 and a single transducer array 152 are shown, but other configurations may be used, such as multiple probe assemblies connected to a single detection instrument 140 or multiple transducer arrays 152 used with a single probe assembly 150 or multiple probe assemblies for a pitch / catch inspection mode. Similarly, coordination between multiple detection instruments 140 may be utilized to execute a detection protocol, such as in response to an overall test plan established according to the master detection instrument 140 or by another remote system, such as a computing facility 108 or a general purpose computing device such as a laptop computer 132, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a desktop computer, etc. As an illustrative example, a detection plan may be established according to published standards or regulatory requirements and may be executed at the time of initial development or on a recurring basis for continuous monitoring.

[0031] The receiving signal chain of the front-end circuit 122 may include one or more filter or amplifier circuits and analog-to-digital conversion facilities, such as to digitize the echo signal received using the probe assembly 150. The digitization may be performed coherently, such as to provide multiple digitized data channels that are aligned or referenced to each other in time or phase. The front-end circuit may be connected to and controlled by one or more processor circuits, such as the processor circuit 102 included as part of the detection instrument 140. The processor circuit may be connected to the memory circuit 104, such as to perform one or more of the acoustic wave transmission, acoustic wave acquisition, data processing or storage associated with the acoustic inspection for the detection instrument 140, or otherwise perform the techniques as shown and described herein. The detection instrument 140 may be communicatively connected to other parts of the system 100, such as using a wired or wireless communication interface 120.

[0032] For example, the execution of one or more techniques as shown and described herein can be implemented on the onboard detection instrument 140 or using other processing facilities or storage facilities, such as using the computing facility 108 or a general computing device such as a laptop computer 132, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a desktop computer, etc. For example, a processing task that would be undesirably slow or beyond the capabilities of the detection instrument 140 if executed on the onboard detection instrument 140 can be remotely (e.g., on a separate system) executed, for example, in response to a request from the detection instrument 140. Similarly, the storage of imaging data or intermediate data, such as an A-scan matrix of time series data or other representations of such data can be implemented, for example, using a remote facility that is communicatively connected to the detection instrument 140. The detection instrument may include a display 110 and an input device 112, the display 110 is used to present configuration information or results, and the input device 112 is used to receive operator commands, configuration information, or responses to inquiries, such as including one or more of a keyboard, a trackball, function keys or soft keys, a mouse interface, a touch screen, a stylus, etc.

[0033] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The corresponding view of the scanner assembly 250 that can accommodate the acoustic transducer probe assembly 253 is generally illustrated. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the scanner assembly 250 can be modular, such as to allow the use of different acoustic transducer probe assembly 253 configurations (e.g., such as supporting an acoustic transducer array 252 having a specified number of acoustic transducer elements, such as to define a specified aperture width or have other specified characteristics). The transducer array 252 can be communicatively coupled to an analog front end on a separate acoustic inspection instrument, such as by a cable 230. The acoustic probe assembly can include a gasket support frame 256 and a housing, such as to provide a couplant chamber (e.g., a water tank 283) and support a gasket (e.g., including a cover 255) to provide local immersion of the interface between the object under test and the active surface 233 of the acoustic transducer array 252. For example, the gasket can be configured to retain the couplant in the region between the surface of the object under test and the active surface 233. The couplant chamber can be supplied through the couplant hole 231, such as by the couplant line 276.

[0034] The scanner assembly 250 may include a bracket 270, such as defining or otherwise including an area 249 for receiving an acoustic transducer probe assembly 253 to mechanically accommodate the acoustic transducer probe assembly 253. Other configurations may be used, such as an arrangement in which one or more acoustic transducer probe assemblies are mechanically anchored to the bracket, such as via an arm or support frame. The bracket 270 may include a wheel 272 aligned to rotate in a first direction (e.g., the first direction defines a scan axis for acquiring a line scan). The line scan direction may be aligned longitudinally to the axial scan, circumferentially around a cylindrical or tubular object to be measured, or aligned in another direction, such as in a specified direction along a planar object to be measured. The wheel 272 may be magnetized or may include a permanent magnet so that the bracket 270 is held against a ferromagnetic object to be measured during scanning. As Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the operator interface 262 can be removably matched with the bracket 270. For example, the operator interface 262 can include one or more user inputs and displays, as shown and described below in other examples. The operator interface 262 can be custom manufactured for the scanner assembly 250, or the operator interface 262 can be an off-the-shelf component or can include an off-the-shelf component, such as a mobile device or tablet device with a touch screen or other user input device and a display, which is mechanically fixed to the bracket 270 or otherwise mechanically connected to the bracket 270, such as by a mounting member. The operator interface 262 can accommodate or otherwise include one or more encoders, such as a first encoder 267 that can monitor the rotation of one or more of the wheels 272, thereby forming a scanning encoder assembly 264. The operator interface can include an electrical connector 263 or other means for communication and power, such as for interconnection with a separate acoustic inspection instrument via a cable and connector 263. One or more of the couplant line 276 , the cable 230 , or the cables coupled to the connector 263 may be bundled together and may be held within a cable bundle or umbilical bundle 274 .

[0035] The scanner assembly 250 may include a second wheel 268, for example, configured to rotate in a second direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the wheel 272. Such a direction may be an index direction along the object being measured. Figure 2A As shown in the figure, the index encoder assembly 266 can accommodate a second encoder that can monitor the rotation of the second wheel 268. The first wheel 272 and the second wheel 268 can be configured to rotate only in their respective directions (e.g., the first wheel 272 rotates to move in a first direction, and the second wheel 268 rotates to move in an orthogonal second direction).

[0036] As shown below and described, the operator interface 262 can provide an indication to the user, such as a status indication indicating that the first encoder, the second encoder, or both are activated, or a status indication that otherwise indicates an active operating mode of the scanner assembly 250. Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the index encoder assembly 266 may include a stowage rod 265 that, for example, raises or lowers the second wheel 268. The second wheel 268 may also include other features, such as to limit binding or to facilitate sliding in the circumferential direction. For example, Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the second wheel 268 may be beveled or rounded.

[0037] As an illustration of the operation of the stowage lever 265 and other features that may be included as part of the index encoder assembly 266, Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C A corresponding view of the encoder wheel processing portion of the scanner assembly 250 is generally illustrated, such as may be included as part of the index encoder assembly 266. Figure 3A In the embodiment of the present invention, the second wheel can be in a raised or disengaged position 268A, such as in response to the stowed control device being in the raised position 265A. In this raised position 268A, when the carriage moves orthogonally (or substantially orthogonally) to the rotation direction of the second wheel, the second wheel can avoid causing binding or off-axis displacement of the carriage. Figure 3A As shown, the resistance or friction associated with the rotation of the second wheel can be adjusted, such as using a resistance control device 269 (where such a control device can apply or select the force applied to the shaft or hub of the second wheel). Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the second wheel may be moved to the lowered or engaged position 268B, such as by moving the stowage control to the lowered position 265B. Figure 3C A locking configuration of a stowage rod of the index encoder assembly 266 of the scanner assembly 250 is shown wherein, in the raised position 268A, the stowage rod can engage with a clip, protrusion, or other retaining feature 271 which can engage with the stowage rod and prevent the stowage rod from being lowered unless the stowage rod is pressed inwardly.

[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An end view of the gasket cover 255 is also shown, and with respect to Figure 4 The features of the gasket cover 255 are discussed. Figure 4An exploded view of an acoustic transducer probe assembly 253 is shown (with the acoustic transducer array 252 itself not shown), which may include, for example, a gasket cover 255. The gasket cover 255 may be a replaceable element made of a porous material (e.g., a hygroscopic material) or a non-porous material, and may include or define corresponding chamfered or rounded edges, such as chamfered edge 282, to inhibit one or more of adhesion, extrusion, or damage to the flexible gasket 259, such as when the acoustic transducer probe assembly 253 is moved in a scan direction (compared to the index direction). The gasket 259 and gasket cover 255 may help retain the couplant within the couplant chamber defined by the interior of the transducer housing water tank 283 and the gasket support frame 256. The acoustic transducer probe assembly 253 may include other elements, such as plates 281 and 285, and the assembled acoustic transducer probe assembly 253 is configured to provide localized immersion of the surface of the object being measured by the couplant.

[0039] Figure 5 Generally, a technique 500, such as a machine-implemented method, is illustrated, which may include receiving input from a user or presenting a status indication, or a combination thereof, at an operator interface located on a scanner assembly. Technique 500 may be implemented in software or firmware instructions, such as executed by one or more processors locally onboard the scanner assembly or in cooperation with another device, such as an acoustic detection instrument having one or more processors. At 505, an operator interface of the scanner assembly may receive input (such as a button press or input provided by a user to a touch screen). Such input may control an operating mode associated with an acoustic inspection. For example, such input is used to select a scanning operating mode, such as to indicate that a line scanning operation in a first direction begins. At 510, in the scanning operating mode, in response to a user input, the acquisition of acoustic inspection data associated with the scanning operation may be initiated.

[0040] At 515, a status indication may be provided using a display, such as while or during the initiation of acquisition. The display may include a light emitter (e.g., a light emitting diode or other light) or a display element that illuminates (e.g., changes brightness) or displays a specified color (e.g., green) to indicate that acquisition is activated in a scanning mode of operation. Such a status indication may indicate that scanning along a first direction should be initiated or should continue or should be terminated. For example, the display may be updated or may otherwise provide a status indication using displacement data acquired using a first encoder that represents the displacement of the scanner assembly in the first direction. For example, when a boundary defining a specified coverage range of a corresponding line scan is encountered or breached, the light emitting device may change from green to red, may flash, or may be extinguished. For example, if the scanner assembly moves outside the line scan boundary, the light emitting device may change from green to flashing green, or from green to red.

[0041] In another example, the input received at 505 may switch or otherwise select an indexing operation mode among other operation modes. At 525, in response to the selection of the indexing operation mode, the operator interface may present a status indication associated with the indexing operation. For example, such a status indication may provide contemporaneous feedback to the user using displacement data acquired using a second encoder configured to encode displacement in a direction orthogonal to the first encoder. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Examples of such status indications are further discussed in the illustrative (but non-limiting) examples of . As an illustration, the status indicator may change brightness or color to indicate that movement in a second direction (e.g., an index direction) should be initiated or that a specified index position should continue to be achieved. The status indicator may change to indicate that movement in the index direction should be terminated or even to indicate that the scanner has exceeded a specified index position (or is outside a specified margin of such a position). The scanning mode of operation and the indexing mode of operation may generally be referred to as examples of supporting raster scanning, wherein corresponding line scans may be performed at different index positions to assemble into a composite, and wherein encoding is performed in both the scanning direction and the orthogonal index direction (e.g., a "double" encoding method). The operator interface may also support selection of a freehand operation mode, such as at 530, using a display of the operator interface to present a status indication indicating that a freehand operation mode is activated, the freehand operation mode including utilizing displacement data acquired using both a first encoder and a second encoder simultaneously.

[0042] Fig. 6A An illustrative example of an operator interface 562 is generally shown, which may be used as described above with respect to Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 3A , Figure 3B or Figure 3C A portion of the scanner assembly discussed is included and can be used, for example, to perform Figure 5 or perform other operations such as those discussed elsewhere herein, such as Figure 6B Other operations discussed in the illustrative examples. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The illustrated operator interface 562 may include a user input device, such as a momentary contact button 583, a keyboard, a touch screen, or other input. The operator interface 562 may include a display, such as including a light emitting device, such as a status indicator 584 or a couplant condition indicator 597, or other display elements (e.g., an index guide 585 indicator and a scan guide 586 indicator, pixel elements, or icons, such as icons presented using a bit field or a liquid crystal display such as a graphics display 599). As described elsewhere herein, the operator interface 562 need not be customized or scanner-specific, and may be implemented on a mobile device or tablet device, such as affixed to a scanner assembly.

[0043] In the examples herein, status indications may be presented using one or more dedicated indicators or annunciators or using a general purpose device (eg, a bit field display). Figure 6B , the scanner assembly and its associated operator interface 562 can be used to implement a variety of different scanning configurations or workflows. For example, the user interface 600 can be presented by another device or system, such as a nondestructive testing instrument for configuring an acoustic inspection operation or a corresponding acquisition including such an operation. For example, the scanner assembly can be selected or detected from a plurality of available assemblies that can be compatible with the nondestructive testing instrument. The probe aperture value 589 can be set manually or automatically, and an associated index increment value 593 can be established. For example, the index increment value 593 can be less than the probe aperture value 589, such as to result in an overlap value 591 corresponding to an overlap between adjacent or consecutive line scans in the index direction.

[0044] As an illustrative example, a "clicker" workflow as explained in the user interface 600 manual and shown in area 590 may behave as follows: In an initial state, the workflow may begin with a first encoder (e.g., a scan encoder) of the scanning assembly being activated as indicated by an illuminated status indicator 584 (e.g., a green indication when neither the index guide 585 or the scan guide 586 is illuminated), thereby allowing the operator to perform a line scan. In the "clicker" workflow, when the operator clicks button 583, the first encoder may toggle between an activated state and an inactivated state. When inactivated, the status indicator 584 may be illuminated with a different color (e.g., red), and the operator may move the scanner assembly in an indexing direction without overwriting previously acquired line scan data. Once the indexing operation is performed, the operator may click button 583, thereby activating the scan encoder (changing the operating mode to a scan mode) to perform the next line scan using the increment of the index value stored in the instrument. In this "clicker" mode, encoding of movement in the index or axial direction is not performed, and the index increment is typically fixed in the instrument. Other modes may be supported, such as a "reverse" indexing mode. For example, in a "clicker" workflow, a transition to a "reverse" indexing mode may be accomplished, such as in response to a click sequence (e.g., a double-click operation) of button 583. In this mode, the index position may be moved by an associated index increment value 593 in a direction opposite to the normal indexing direction, such as to perform a rescan of a previous line scan.

[0045] Another type of workflow may include a "raster" workflow, where encoding may be performed in both the scanning (e.g., circumferential) direction and the indexing (e.g., axial) direction. Figure 6B As shown, the operator interface 562 can be used to select between "clicker" and "raster" modes, such as in response to continued pressure by the operator on button 583 (e.g., pressing and holding the momentary contact button for a specified duration longer than the above-mentioned "click" duration, such as about 8 seconds). In the "guide" mode shown in area 594, the first state can include activating the first (e.g., scanning) encoder and disabling or ignoring the second (e.g., indexing) encoder. This can be referred to as "muting" the encoder. Silencing the encoder can prevent erroneous numbers from being processed by the acquisition instrument.

[0046] In the operator interface 562, the scan guide 586 and the index guide 585 may be selectively illuminated, such as to indicate which encoder axis is activated. The status indicator 584 may indicate the scan mode (as opposed to the index mode), as in the "clicker" mode of operation above. When the corresponding line scan is completed at the corresponding index position, the operator may click button 583 to select the indexing mode of operation. For example, this will mute the scan encoder and unmute the index encoder, wherein the scan guide 586 indicator is extinguished and the index guide 585 is illuminated (or other markings may be provided). The status indicator 584 may be extinguished. In the indexing mode of operation, the indexing motion is tracked and compared to the associated index increment value 593. Once the index position is within a specified range of expected values, such as a specified range selected or indicated by the warning tolerance 595 display, the status indicator 584 may change, such as being illuminated (e.g., showing green). If the indexing motion continues beyond the position corresponding to the associated index increment value 593, the status indicator 584 may change, such as changing color (e.g., displaying red) or presenting some other overshoot indication. In this manner, the status indicator 584 changes in response to the distance traveled by the scanner assembly. Once the operator has completed indexing, the operator may click button 583 to select the scanning mode of operation and perform a new encoded line scan at the new index position.

[0047] Another raster operation mode may be available, which is illustratively shown as a "freehand" mode in area 592. In the freehand operation mode, both the index encoder and the scan encoder can be activated at the same time. The status indicator can still provide index increment tracking (e.g., changing from off to green, red according to movement along the index axis), but in freehand mode, the index encoder remains activated even during line scan acquisition. As an illustrative example, switching between freehand operation and guided non-freehand operation can be achieved, such as in response to a click sequence of buttons 583 (e.g., a double-click operation). In general, the indicator colors or other behaviors and user inputs described above are only illustrative examples. As an illustrative example, other methods or devices for indicating with respect to the operator interface 562, such as a bit field display, a text, a numeric or an icon-based indicator, a touch screen input, or a soft key, can be used. In general, the above-mentioned methods and workflows allow the user to "focus" on viewing the scanner components during acquisition or indexing (or both) without requiring the user to observe a separate display on the acquisition instrument.

[0048] For additional context on this distinction, Figure 7Generally illustrated is a system 700 that includes a scanner assembly 750 located on an object under test 758 and a nondestructive testing instrument 740 (e.g., a separate acquisition instrument that stores inspection data acquired by the scanner assembly 750), such as being communicatively coupled to the scanner assembly 750. The workflows mentioned above can be performed using an operator interface located onboard the scanner assembly 750 without requiring an operator to observe a display of the nondestructive testing instrument 740 during acquisition. Various acoustic inspection parameters or other configurations can be performed using a user interface provided by the nondestructive testing instrument 740, wherein line scan acquisition and indexing are performed using an operator interface of the scanner assembly 750 without requiring an operator to manually calculate index increments or observe prompts or values ​​on the nondestructive testing instrument 740 during indexing or line scan acquisition. This approach can address various challenges, such as improving index positioning accuracy, improving inspection throughput (e.g., allowing inspections to be performed faster with less setup or rework), or simplifying the operation of the system 700, or a combination of these technical improvements. Although Figure 7 The indexing direction is shown to be the axial direction and the scanning direction is the circumferential direction in the case of a cylindrical object to be measured, but the apparatus and techniques described in this document are applicable to other objects and orientations. For example, the scanning direction can be longitudinal or axial instead of circumferential. Planar objects can also be inspected using the methods and apparatus described herein.

[0049] Many of the examples in this document relate to acoustic inspection using an acoustic transducer probe. The apparatus and techniques described herein are generally applicable to other non-destructive testing methods, such as eddy current or optical testing as illustrative examples.

[0050] Figure 8 A block diagram is illustrated including an example of a machine 800 on which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methods) discussed herein may be performed. The machine 800 (e.g., a computer system) may include a hardware processor 802 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 804, and a static memory 806 connected via an interconnect 830 (e.g., a link or bus), as some or all of these components may constitute hardware for the systems or related implementations discussed above.

[0051] Specific examples of main memory 804 include random access memory (RAM) and semiconductor memory devices that may include semiconductors, such as storage locations in registers. Specific examples of static memory 806 include nonvolatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable magnetic disks; magneto-optical disks; RAM; or optical media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0052] The machine 800 may also include a display device 810, an input device 812 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 814 (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display device 810, the input device 812, and the UI navigation device 814 may be a touch screen display. The machine 800 may include a mass storage device 808 (e.g., a drive unit), a signal generating device 818 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 820, and one or more sensors 816, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or some other sensor. The machine 800 may include an output controller 828, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate with or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.).

[0053] The mass storage device 808 may include a machine-readable medium 822 on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 824 (e.g., software) that implement or are utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 824 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 804, within the static memory 806, or within the hardware processor 802 during execution of the instructions 824 by the machine 800. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 802, the main memory 804, the static memory 806, or the mass storage device 808 includes a machine-readable medium.

[0054] Specific examples of machine-readable media include one or more of the following: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM or EEPROM) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; RAM; or optical media, such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Although the machine-readable medium is illustrated as a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) configured to store one or more instructions 824.

[0055] The apparatus of the machine 800 includes one or more of the following: a hardware processor 802 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, a sensor 816, a network interface device 820, an antenna, a display device 810, an input device 812, a UI navigation device 814, a mass storage device 808, instructions 824, a signal generating device 818, or an output controller 828. The apparatus may be configured to perform one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0056] The term "machine-readable medium" includes, for example, any of the following media: the medium is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions executed by machine 00 and causing machine 800 to perform any one or more of the technologies of the present disclosure or causing another device or system to perform any one or more of the technologies, or is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by such instructions or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media include solid-state memory, optical media, or magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; random access memory (RAM); or optical media, such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. In some examples, the machine-readable medium includes non-transitory machine-readable media. In some examples, the machine-readable medium includes machine-readable media that are not transient propagation signals.

[0057] The instructions 824 may be sent or received over a communication network 826 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 820, for example, using any of a number of transmission protocols (e.g., frame relay, Internet Protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a mobile telephone network (e.g., a cellular network), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, and a wireless data network (e.g., a wireless network known as a wireless network). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G or 5G family of standards, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, satellite communication networks, etc.

[0058] In an example, the network interface device 820 includes one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet jacks, coaxial jacks, or other interconnect jacks) or one or more antennas for accessing the communication network 826. In an example, the network interface device 820 includes one or more antennas to wirelessly communicate using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) technology. In some examples, the network interface device 820 uses multi-user MIMO technology for wireless communication. The term "transmission medium" should be taken to include any intangible medium that can store, encode, or carry instructions for execution by the machine 800, and the term "transmission medium" includes digital communication signals or analog communication signals or other intangible media to facilitate the communication of such software.

[0059] Various annotations

[0060] Each of the above non-limiting aspects may stand alone or may be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other aspects or other subject matter described in this document.

[0061] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings show specific embodiments in which the present invention can be put into practice by way of illustration. These embodiments are also generally referred to as "examples". Such examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or arrangement of those elements (or one or more aspects of those elements) shown or described with respect to a specific example (or one or more aspects of a specific example) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects of other examples) shown or described herein.

[0062] In the event of an inconsistency in usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0063] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the term "one" or "a kind of" is used to include one or more than one, regardless of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to represent a non-exclusive or, so that "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A" and "A and B". In this document, the terms "including" and "in..." are used as the plain English equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, systems, devices, articles, combinations, formulations or processes that include elements other than those listed after such terms in the claims are still considered to fall within the scope of the claim. In addition, in the appended claims, the terms "first", "second", and "third" and the like are used only as markers, and are not intended to specify numerical requirements for their objects.

[0064] The method examples described herein may be implemented at least in part by a machine or computer. Some examples may include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform a method as described in the above example. The implementation of such a method may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, higher-level language code, etc. Such code may include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form a part of a computer program product. For example, such instructions may be read and executed by one or more processors to enable the execution of operations including methods. The instructions are in any suitable form, such as but not limited to source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. In addition, in the example, such as during execution or at other times, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transient or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), cassettes, memory cards or memory sticks, random access memories (RAM), read-only memories (ROM), etc.

[0065] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art may use other embodiments after consulting the above description. An abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the disclosure of the present technology. The abstract is submitted based on the following understanding that the abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above specific embodiments, various features may be combined together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as meaning that the disclosed features that are not claimed for protection are necessary for any claim. Instead, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of a specific disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the attached claims are incorporated into the specific embodiments as examples or embodiments herein, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment, and it is envisioned that such embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A nondestructive testing device comprising: A scanner assembly, the scanner assembly comprising: a carriage including at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a first direction, the carriage configured to mechanically guide the transducer probe assembly; a first encoder configured to generate a first signal representative of displacement of the carriage in the first direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the first direction; and an operator interface including a user input device and a display, the operator interface comprising a modular assembly removably mated with the bracket, the operator interface being configured to: receiving input at the user input device to control a mode of operation associated with nondestructive inspection; and A status indication associated with a scanning operation of the nondestructive examination is presented.

2. The nondestructive testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The operator interface is configured to present, using the display, a status indication indicating at least one of: scanning along said first direction should be initiated or should be continued; or The scan should be terminated.

3. The nondestructive testing device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: the operator interface being configured to receive input at the user input device to select the operating mode as a scanning operating mode; and In response, the operator interface is configured to present a status indication using the display to indicate that scanning in the first direction should be initiated.

4. The nondestructive testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The scanner assembly comprises: at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and A second encoder is configured to generate a second signal representative of displacement of the carriage in a second direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction.

5. The nondestructive testing device according to claim 4, wherein: The second direction includes an axial index direction along the object to be measured.

6. The nondestructive testing device according to claim 4, wherein: The operator interface is configured to receive input at the user input device to select an operating mode from a scanning operating mode and an indexing operating mode; and In response, the operator interface is configured to present a status indication using the display showing whether the scanning mode of operation or the indexing mode of operation is activated.

7. The nondestructive testing device according to claim 6, wherein: In the indexing mode of operation, the operator interface is configured to present, using the display, a status indication using displacement data acquired using the second encoder, the status indication being used to indicate at least one of: Movement in the index direction should be initiated or should be continued to reach the specified index position; or Movement along the index direction should be terminated.

8. The nondestructive testing device according to claim 7, wherein: In the indexing mode of operation, the operator interface is configured to present, using the display, a status indication indicating that movement along the indexing direction has exceeded the designated index position.

9. The nondestructive testing device according to claim 8, wherein: In the indexing mode of operation, the operator interface is configured to present, using the display, a status indication indicating that movement in the indexing direction should be in a reverse direction.

10. The non-destructive testing device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein: At least one of the first encoder or the second encoder is included as part of the modular assembly, which is removably matable with the bracket.

11. The non-destructive testing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10, comprising a stowage control device configured to lower or raise the at least one wheel configured to rotate in the second direction to engage or disengage with the at least one wheel configured to rotate in the second direction, respectively.

12. The non-destructive testing device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein: The at least one wheel configured to rotate in the second direction includes a chamfered edge.

13. The non-destructive testing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 12, comprising a resistance adjuster configured to adjust a rotational resistance of the at least one wheel configured to rotate in the second direction.

14. The non-destructive testing device according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein: The at least one wheel configured to rotate in the first direction is configured to rotate only in the first direction; or wherein the at least one wheel configured to rotate in the second direction is configured to rotate only in the second direction; or Therein, both wheels are configured to rotate only in their respective first and second directions.

15. The non-destructive testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first direction includes a circumferential scanning direction along the object to be measured.

16. The nondestructive testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising the transducer probe assembly; and in, The transducer probe assembly includes a spacer configured to retain a couplant in a region between a surface of the object under test and an active surface of the transducer probe assembly; and Wherein, the transducer probe assembly comprises an acoustic transducer probe assembly.

17. The nondestructive testing device according to claim 16, wherein: The shim or a corresponding shim protector includes a chamfered or rounded edge configured to inhibit sticking or extrusion of the shim when the transducer probe assembly is moved along the measured object.

18. The non-destructive testing device according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein: The operator interface is configured to provide a status indication of a couplant condition corresponding to an interface between the acoustic transducer probe assembly and an object under test.

19. The non-destructive testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a non-destructive acquisition instrument, the non-destructive acquisition instrument comprising a second display and being configured to start or terminate acquisition of non-destructive inspection data associated with a scanning operation of the non-destructive inspection in response to an input received at the user input device and using a signal representing a displacement of the carriage in the first direction.

20. A method for facilitating non-destructive testing (NDT), the method comprising: receiving input at a user input device of an operator interface to control an operating mode associated with nondestructive testing; In response, initiating the collection of nondestructive examination data associated with a scanning operation of the nondestructive examination; as well as presenting, using a display of the operator interface, a status indication associated with the scanning operation of the nondestructive examination using displacement data acquired using a first encoder; wherein the user input device and the display are included as part of an operator interface on a scanner assembly, the scanner assembly comprising: a carriage including at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a first direction, the carriage configured to mechanically guide the transducer probe assembly; the first encoder configured to generate a first signal representative of displacement of the carriage in the first direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the first direction; and The operator interface includes the user input device and the display.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising presenting, using the display, a status indication indicating at least one of: A scan along said first direction should be initiated or should be performed; or The scan should be terminated.

22. A method according to any one of claims 20 or 21, comprising receiving an input at the user input device to select the operating mode as a scanning operating mode; and In response, a status indication is presented using the display to indicate that scanning in the first direction should be initiated.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: The scanner assembly comprises: at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and A second encoder is configured to generate a second signal representative of displacement of the carriage in a second direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The second direction includes an index direction along the object under test; and wherein the operator interface is configured to receive input at the user input device to select an operating mode from a scanning operating mode and an indexing operating mode; and In response, the operator interface is configured to present a status indication using the display showing whether the scanning mode of operation or the indexing mode of operation is activated.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: In the indexing mode of operation, the operator interface uses the display to present a status indication indicating at least one of: Movement along said index direction should be initiated or should be continued to reach a specified index position; or Movement along the index direction should be terminated.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein: In the indexing mode of operation, the operator interface presents, using the display, a status indication indicating that movement along the indexing direction has exceeded the designated index position.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: In the indexing mode of operation, the operator interface presents, using the display, a status indication indicating that movement in the indexing direction should be in the opposite direction.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein: The operator interface is configured to receive input at the user input device to select an operating mode from the scanning mode of operation, the indexing mode of operation, or a freehand mode of operation in which encoding is performed simultaneously in both the indexing direction and the scanning direction.

29. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein: The first direction includes a circumferential scanning direction along the object to be measured.

30. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein: The transducer probe assembly comprises an acoustic transducer probe assembly; and wherein the method comprises providing, at the operator interface, a status indication of a couplant condition corresponding to an interface between the acoustic transducer probe assembly and an object under test.

31. The method of any one of claims 20 to 30, comprising acquiring non-destructive examination data associated with the scanning operation of the non-destructive examination using a separate non-destructive acquisition instrument in response to input received at the user input and using a signal representing the displacement of the bracket in the first direction.

32. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor circuit, cause a non-destructive testing system to perform the method of any one of claims 20 to 30.

33. A non-destructive testing device comprising: A scanner assembly configured to encode motion in at least two directions, the scanner assembly comprising: a carriage including respective wheels oriented to rotate in a first direction including a circumferential scanning direction, the carriage guiding the transducer probe assembly; a first encoder configured to generate a first signal representative of a displacement of the carriage in the first direction; at least one wheel oriented to rotate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the second direction comprising an index direction along the object being measured; a second encoder configured to generate a second signal representative of displacement of the carriage in a second direction in response to rotation of the at least one wheel oriented to rotate in the second direction; An operator interface, the operator interface comprising a user input device and a display, the operator interface being configured to: receiving input at the user input device to control a mode of operation associated with nondestructive inspection; and Depending on the operating mode, a status indication is presented using the display and utilizing displacement data acquired using either the first encoder or the second encoder.

34. The non-destructive testing apparatus of claim 33, wherein: The user input device comprises a button; and wherein the display includes corresponding indicators; and wherein the input received at the user input device comprises one of a single click of the button, a double click of the button, or continuous pressing of the button for a specified duration; and In response, wherein the operator interface is configured to indicate an operating mode in response to whether the user input comprises a single click, a double click, or a continuous press of the button.

35. The non-destructive testing apparatus of claim 34, wherein: The respective indicators include respective light emitters or respective display elements to indicate whether the carriage is moving in the first direction, the second direction, or both directions.

36. The non-destructive testing apparatus according to any one of claims 34 or 35, wherein: The corresponding indicator includes a light emitter or a display element that changes at least one of brightness or color depending on the distance traveled by the carriage in the first direction or the second direction.

37. Non-destructive testing apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein: The display includes a light emitter or display element that indicates the condition of the couplant.

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