Customizing non-destructive testing devices

Abstract

A method for customizing non-destructive testing is provided, the method including receiving, by a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, a stock application. The method further includes the device executing a stock NDT function in response to execution of the stock application. The stock NDT function may include a first device operation, a first NDT data acquisition by a device sensor, a first analysis using data acquired by the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output. The method further includes the device receiving a custom application after receiving the stock application. The method also includes the device executing a custom NDT function that differs from the stock NDT function, the custom NDT function including at least one of a second device operation, a second NDT data acquisition by a device sensor, a second analysis using data acquired by the second NDT data acquisition, or a second NDT output.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 028,923, entitled "Non-Destructive Testing Device Customization," filed May 22, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Certain equipment and facilities, such as power generation equipment and facilities, oil and gas equipment and facilities, aircraft equipment and facilities, and manufacturing equipment and facilities, include interrelated systems and processes. For example, a power generation plant may include a turbine system and processes for operating and maintaining the turbine system. Similarly, an oil and gas operation may include a carbonaceous fuel recovery system and processing equipment interconnected via a pipeline. Similarly, an aircraft system may include an aircraft and a maintenance hangar useful for maintaining airworthiness and providing maintenance support. During operation of equipment, the equipment may deteriorate and undesirable conditions, such as corrosion, wear, and tear, may occur that can affect the effectiveness of the entire equipment. Certain inspection techniques, such as non-destructive inspection or non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, may be used to detect undesirable equipment conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Certain NDT devices can be used to observe the internal workings of complex machines such as turbines and oil and gas equipment. As an example, NDT devices, such as borescopes, endoscopes, etc., can be fed through these complex machines to perform maintenance inspections without disassembling the entire machine. Such NDT devices can be maneuvered through small openings in these complex machines and actuated (e.g., translated, rotated, bent, etc.) to enable inspection of these internal components. The acquired NDT inspection data, analysis of the acquired NDT inspection data, storage and / or display of the acquired and analyzed NDT inspection data can be performed by the NDT device, the display of another computing device, or a combination thereof.

[0004] The functionality of existing NDT devices is generally implemented by software (e.g., applications) and feature sets provided by manufacturers. However, the ability to customize the "stock" functionality implemented by manufacturer-provided applications may be limited or even prohibited. Thus, end users may lack the ability to customize the functionality of the NDT device to best suit their desired procedures and applications.

[0005] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that facilitate customization of NDT equipment functionality. By way of example, one or more tools (e.g., software development kits (SDKs), application programming interfaces (APIs), toolkits, etc.) may be provided to enable NDT device owners and third parties to develop applications (e.g., plug-ins) with programmatic access to the NDT-specific functionality of an NDT device. When executed, such applications may provide extended functionality for the NDT device, such as configuration, movement, data acquisition, data analysis, and data output. Such extended functionality may be different from, and may operate in addition to, or instead of, the functionality provided by "stock" applications provided by the manufacturer. By way of example, some applications may be configured to completely take over the user experience, while other applications may operate in the background or allow the extension to operate (e.g., in a user interface frame or pop-up).

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for customizing non-destructive testing is provided. The method may include receiving, by a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, a stock application. The method may further include executing, by the NDT device, one or more stock NDT functions in response to execution of the stock application. The one or more stock NDT functions may also include at least one of a first operation of the NDT device, a first NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a first analysis using data acquired by the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output. The method may further include receiving, by the NDT device, one or more customized NDT-specific applications after receiving the one or more stock applications. The method may also include executing, by the NDT device, one or more custom NDT functions in response to execution of the customized NDT-specific applications, the one or more custom NDT functions being different from the stock NDT functions and including at least one of a second operation of the NDT device, a second NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a second analysis of the first NDT, or a second NDT output.

[0007] In an embodiment, the NDT device may be a borescope.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first and second operations may be different articulations of the tip of the borescope.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second manipulation may be at least one of translating or rotating a probe driver of the borescope.

[0010] In an embodiment, the one or more custom NDT functions may include input of one or more configuration settings for a sensor that performs the second NDT data acquisition.

[0011] In an embodiment, the second operation may be a movement of the target relative to the NDT device performed by a turning tool coupled to the target.

[0012] In some embodiments, the custom NDT function may further include control of target illumination.

[0013] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, can be configured to cause an NDT device to receive one or more stock applications. The instructions can be further configured to cause the NDT device to perform one or more stock NDT functions in response to execution of the stock applications. The one or more stock NDT functions can include at least one of a first operation of the NDT device, a first NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a first analysis using data acquired by the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output. The instructions can be configured to cause the NDT device to receive one or more customized NDT-specific applications after receiving the one or more stock applications. The instructions can be further configured to cause the NDT device to perform one or more custom NDT functions in response to execution of the customized NDT-specific applications. The one or custom NDT functions may differ from the stock NDT functions and may include at least one of a second operation of the NDT device, a second NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a second analysis using data acquired by the second NDT data acquisition, or a second NDT output.

[0014] In another embodiment, the NDT device may be a borescope.

[0015] In another embodiment, the first and second operations may be different articulations of the tip of the borescope.

[0016] In another embodiment, the second manipulation may be at least one of translating or rotating a probe driver of the borescope.

[0017] In another embodiment, the one or more custom NDT functions may include input of one or more configuration settings for a sensor that performs the second NDT data acquisition.

[0018] In another embodiment, the second operation may be a movement of the target relative to the NDT device performed by a turning tool coupled to the target.

[0019] In another embodiment, the custom NDT function may further include control of target illumination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an operating environment including a customizable non-destructive testing (NDT) device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a customizable NDT device in the form of a borescope. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information flow for distribution of a customized application of the NDT device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a method for customizing the functionality of an NDT device. Note that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Non-destructive testing (NDT) devices are used to inspect equipment and facilities, such as power generation equipment and facilities, oil and gas equipment and facilities, aircraft equipment and facilities, and manufacturing equipment and facilities. NDT devices may include stock applications created by NDT device manufacturers that, when executed, provide operations for the NDT device, acquisition of data by the NDT device, analysis of data acquired by the NDT device, a graphical user interface, and display of the acquired and analyzed data. However, given the wide variety of NDT devices, potential equipment for inspection, and planned analyses of data acquired during NDT inspections, it may be difficult for stock applications to cover all possible use cases. Furthermore, customers may desire to maintain specific NDT test procedures and / or analyses as proprietary and private. Accordingly, systems and methods are provided for customizing the above-described functionality of NDT devices, such as borescopes. As an example, customized NDT-specific applications can be installed over existing stock applications, allowing for modifications or updates to the functionality of the NDT device. Beneficially, such modifications can improve ease of NDT inspection, increase NDT test throughput, and / or reduce NDT inspection costs.

[0022] Although embodiments of sensing systems and corresponding methods for customizing the functionality of NDT devices are discussed herein with specific reference to borescopes, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to customize the functionality of any NDT device without limitation.

[0023] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an operating environment 100 including a customizable non-destructive testing (NDT) device 102 configured to perform non-destructive testing of a target 104. The NDT device 102 can communicate with a user computing device 106 and a distribution source 110 either directly or via a network 112. Examples of the target 104 may include, but are not limited to, turbomachinery, equipment, pipes, conduits, underwater locations, curves, bends, inside and outside aircraft systems, etc. As shown, the NDT device 102 may include an articulation system A, one or more sensors S, one or more processors P, and one or more memories M.

[0024] The NDT device 102 may be any device suitable for visible or non-visual non-destructive testing. Examples of NDT devices 102 for visible NDT inspection may include borescopes and cameras (e.g., pan-zoom-tilt (PZT) cameras) and corresponding illumination devices. Examples of NDT devices 102 for non-visual NDT inspection may include x-ray devices, eddy current devices, and ultrasonic devices. Thus, the one or more sensors S may be any sensor suitable for emitting and / or sensing a signal (e.g., electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, x-ray), ultrasonic waves, etc.). It should be understood that this list of NDT devices 102 is not exhaustive and other types of NDT devices may be used without limitation.

[0025] The user computing device 106 may be a desktop or a mobile computing device. Examples of mobile computing devices may include a tablet, a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a laptop, etc. The user computing device 106 may be communicatively coupled to the NDT device 102 via wired or wireless communication, either directly or via a network 112. Beneficially, communication between the user computing device 106 and the NDT device 102 via the network 112 can facilitate operation of the NDT device 102 from any geographic location, including a geographic location remote from the physical location where the test is to be taken.

[0026] During operation, the processor P of the NDT device 102 may execute one or more applications stored in the memory M to implement NDT functions, including, but not limited to, operation of the NDT device 102, NDT acquisition using one or more sensors S, analysis using NDT data acquired by the NDT data acquisition, or NDT output (e.g., storage and / or display) of the acquired NDT data and / or analysis.

[0027] As discussed in more detail below, tools (e.g., software development kits (SDKs), application programming interfaces (APIs)), and other toolkits for developing customized NDT-specific applications may be provided by the manufacturer of the NDT device 102 for customers or third parties to develop customized NDT-specific applications. A customized NDT-specific application has programmatic access to one or more features of the NDT device 102 and can provide additional NDT functionality that differs from the NDT functionality provided by a stock application. Customizable NDT functionality may include, but is not limited to, NDT operation, NDT configuration, NDT data acquisition, analysis of data acquired by one or more sensors S, or output of acquired NDT data and analysis using the acquired NDT data. A customized NDT-specific application may further modify and / or replace one or more graphical user interfaces generated by a stock application. In this manner, the manner in which an NDT test is performed (e.g., user interaction with the NDT device 102, acquisition of NDT data, analysis of data), and NDT output can be customized to suit the customer's needs. Such customization can simplify NDT evaluations, minimize human error, reduce the time required for NDT evaluations, improve results, and result in cost savings.

[0028] To facilitate distribution, the customized NDT-specific application may further be stored by one or more distribution sources 110. The distribution sources 110 may be accessible via a private or public network, as appropriate. Such networks may be hosted by any one of the manufacturer of the NDT device 102, the customer of the NDT device 102, and a third party. As discussed in more detail below, distribution via a public network may be used to facilitate widespread distribution, while a private network may be used to limit distribution of the customized NDT-specific application to authorized parties.

[0029] The customized configuration of an NDT inspection by the customized NDT-specific application may include input of one or more parameters to be used by the sensor S during the NDT inspection. By way of example, if the NDT device 102 is used for visual inspection, the configuration parameters may be camera settings, external lighting level, external lighting pattern, etc. Similarly, if the NDT device 102 is used for non-visual inspection, the configuration parameters may be parameters appropriate for the non-visual sensor S (e.g., x-ray, eddy current, and ultrasonic devices). Additionally, if one or more of the sensors S are digital devices, the NDT configuration may include file parameters such as file format, quality, file naming convention, file size, file output location, etc.

[0030] The customized operation by the customized NDT-specific application may include movement of the NDT device 102 relative to the target 104, movement of the target 104 relative to the NDT device 102, and combinations thereof. As discussed in more detail below, one or more movements of the NDT device 102 relative to the target 104 may be controlled by a motor. Such motor-controlled movements may be controlled by the customized NDT-specific application.

[0031] In further embodiments, movement of the target 104 relative to the NDT device may be performed by a turning tool 114 coupled to the target 104. The turning tool 114 may communicate with the NDT device 102 and / or the user computing device 106 via the network 112. During an NDT inspection, a customized NDT-specific application may be used to command the turning tool 114 to move the target 104 to a specific location. In certain embodiments, the movement of the target 104 and the NDT device 102 may be partially or fully automated, thereby reducing the time required to perform an inspection.

[0032] Customized NDT acquisition can include the acquisition of any data by a sensor. Examples can include photo capture, video capture, and measurements.

[0033] Customized NDT output by the customized NDT-specific application may include the selection and output of any information generated during the NDT examination and the location of such output. Examples of generated information include one or more of the acquired NDT data itself, the results of any analysis performed using the acquired NDT data, and capture of any input (e.g., keylogging) provided to the device (e.g., NDT device 102 and / or user computing device 106) running the customized NDT-specific application. Such input may include keylogging, user notes, etc.

[0034] In further embodiments, one or more graphical user interfaces generated by the stock applications may be modified and / or replaced by customized NDT-specific applications, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, soft keys, pop-up windows, menu options, etc. for controlling the NDT device 102.

[0035] 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the NDT device 102 in the form of a borescope 200. The borescope 200 includes a control unit 202, a conduit portion 204, a bendable articulation portion 206, and a head portion 208.

[0036] In one embodiment, sections 204, 206, and 208 may have different lengths and may be integral with one another or may be detachable from one another depending on the particular application. For example, to lengthen conduit section 204, a shorter conduit section 204 may be removed and a longer conduit section 204 may be attached to control unit 202. As shown, conduit section 204 is suitable for insertion into a variety of targets 104, such as inside turbomachinery, equipment, pipes, conduits, underwater locations, curves, bends, inside and outside aircraft systems, etc.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the borescope 200 may include a probe driver 209 coupled to the conduit portion 204. The probe driver 209 may include a motor (not shown) configured to translate and / or rotate one or more of the portions 204, 206, 208 to facilitate insertion of the probe head 208 into the target 104.

[0038] The control unit 202 may include a control unit housing 210, a controller 212, a directional input 214, and a screen 216. The controller 212 may include a processor 218 and a readable memory 220 that includes computer-readable instructions that may be executed by the processor 218 to operate the borescope 200.

[0039] The controller 212 may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 202 via one or more signals 221. The controller 212 may be located within the control unit housing 210 or may be located outside the control unit housing 210. The directional input 214 may be configured to receive user input (e.g., directional control) to the control unit 202 to operate the borescope 200. The screen 216 may display visual information received by an optical sensor located on the head portion 208, thereby allowing a user to better guide the borescope 200 using the directional input 214. The directional input 214 and the screen 216 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 212 via one or more signals 221, which may be a wired connection or a wireless signal such as WI-FI™ or Bluetooth™.

[0040] Conduit portion 204 may include a tubular housing 222 including a proximal end 224 and a distal end 226. Tubular housing 222 may be a flexible member along its entire length or may be rigid at proximal end 224 and become more flexible moving further down the length of conduit portion 204 toward distal end 226. In certain embodiments, tubular housing 222 may be formed from a non-porous material to prevent contaminants from entering borescope 200 through conduit portion 204.

[0041] The control unit 202 may be disposed at the proximal end 224 of the tubular housing 222, and the bendable articulation section 206 may be disposed at the distal end of the tubular housing 222. The bendable articulation section 206 may include a bendable neck 228 and a washer 230. The bendable neck 228 may be disposed at the distal end 226 of the tubular housing 222 and may be capable of 360° of movement in the YZ plane. In one embodiment, the washer 230 may be a swing washer, allowing the washers 230 to slide relative to each other and maintain the shape of the bendable articulation section 206 as the bendable neck 228 is articulated. The washer 230 may be copper or some other suitable rigid material and may have an angled surface that allows for articulation of the bendable neck 228. The bendable neck 228 may be encased in a non-porous material to prevent contaminants from entering the borescope 200 through the bendable articulation section 206 (e.g., between the washer 230 during articulation of the bendable neck 228).

[0042] Head portion 208 may include a head assembly 232. Head assembly 232 may include one or more lights 234 (e.g., LEDs or fiber optic bundles with lights at their proximal ends), a camera 236, and one or more sensors 238 configured to collect data about the surrounding environment (e.g., lights 234, camera 236, etc.).

[0043] The camera 236 of the borescope 200 can provide images and videos suitable for inspection to the screen 216 of the control unit 202. The light 234 can be used to provide illumination when the head 208 is disposed in a location with low or no light. The sensor 238 can record data such as temperature data, distance data, separation data (e.g., the distance between a rotating element and a stationary element), and flow rate data. In certain embodiments, the borescope 200 includes multiple interchangeable head assemblies 232. For example, the head assemblies 232 can include retrieval tips such as snares, magnetic tips, and gripper tips. The head assemblies 232 can additionally include cleaning and obstruction removal tools such as wire brushes and wire cutters. The head assemblies 232 can further include tips with different optical characteristics, such as focal lengths, stereoscopic views, three-dimensional (3D) phase views, and shadow views. Additionally or alternatively, head 208 may comprise a removable and replaceable portion of head 108. As such, multiple heads 208, bendable necks 228, and conduits 204 may be provided in a variety of diameters, ranging from about 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters or more.

[0044] During use, the bendable articulation section 206 and the probe driver 209 may be controlled by control inputs (e.g., relative control gestures, physical manipulation devices) from, for example, a directional input 214. The directional input may be a joystick, D-pad, touchpad, trackball, optical sensor, or a touchscreen on the screen 216. The directional input 214 may also be a similar device located outside the control unit housing 210 and connected by wired or wireless means. In particular, a set of control inputs may be used to control the bendable articulation section 206 and / or the probe driver 209. The bendable articulation section 206 may be steered, or "bent," in various dimensions, and the conduit section 204 may be translated and / or rotated using any combination of actuators and wires located within the control unit 202 to adjust the orientation (e.g., positioning) of the head section 208. The actuators may be electrically, pneumatically, or ultrasonically operated motors or solenoids, shaped alloys, electroactive polymers, dielectric elastomers, polymer muscle materials, or other materials. For example, the bendable articulation section 206 and probe driver 209 may enable movement of the head section 208 in the XY, XZ, and / or YZ planes. Indeed, the directional input 214 may be used to execute control operations suitable for positioning the head section 208 at various angles, such as the angle α shown. In this manner, the head section 208 may be positioned for visual inspection of a desired location.

[0045] Once head 208 is in the desired position, camera 236 may operate, for example, to capture still or continuous visual images, which may be displayed on screen 216 of control unit 202 and recorded by borescope 200. In some embodiments, screen 216 may be a multi-touch touchscreen that uses capacitive, resistive, infrared grid, or the like technology to detect the touch of a stylus and / or one or more human fingers. Additionally or alternatively, the captured visual images may be transmitted to a separate storage device for later reference.

[0046] Prior to installation of one or more customized applications on borescope 200 (e.g., controller 212), the above-described functionality of borescope 200 (e.g., NDT configuration, NDT operation, NDT acquisition, NDT analysis, and / or NDT output) may be implemented by execution by borescope 200 of one or more stock applications stored in memory 220 and executed by processor 218. After installation of one or more customized applications on borescope 200, at least one of the stock functionality may be modified and / or replaced upon execution of the customized NDT-specific application.

[0047] The modified or replaced functionality can facilitate NDT inspections. Given the wide variety of NDT devices, target candidates, and planned analyses of data acquired during NDT inspections, it can be difficult for stock applications to cover all possible use cases. Additionally, customers may desire to keep certain NDT test procedures and / or analyses proprietary and private. Thus, the ability to customize the functionality of an NDT device 102, such as borescope 200, through the use of customizable applications can significantly improve the ease of NDT inspections, increase throughput, and / or reduce NDT inspection costs.

[0048] A variety of different functions of the NDT device 102 (e.g., borescope 200) can be customized in this manner. Examples may include, but are not limited to: · Performing 2D and 3D NDT measurement acquisition and analysis routines (e.g., steering control [translation, rotation, bending of conduit head 208], triggering measurements, interacting with turning tools) · Control of scene lighting (e.g., via one or more lights 234). Receiving NDT-specific control inputs (e.g., joystick, knob, borescope tip IMU) from outside the NDT device 102 (e.g., user computing device 106). Access to on-board computing resources (e.g., processor 218, memory 220) for machine vision purposes (e.g., DNN model training, inference, other NDT measurement transformations). -Fixes to stock graphical user interface. o Addition of soft keys for control of the NDT device 102 (e.g., articulation, lighting, NDT data acquisition). Access and display NDT measurements and analyses. o Execution of proprietary software and display via a stock graphical user interface. o Activating customized functionality by selecting a user interface object (e.g., a button) within an otherwise stock graphical user interface. o Displaying one or more overlays on live video. Enable network access: o To output user input (e.g., touchscreen input, keystrokes) at the NDT device 102 to the user computing device 106 and / or other external computing devices. o To output video to the user computing device 106 and / or other external computing devices. Enabling access to file systems stored and managed by the NDT device 102.

[0049] The customized NDT-specific application has been described above as being stored on and executed by the NDT device 102. However, in alternative embodiments, the customized NDT-specific application may be stored on and executed by the user computing device 106, alone or in combination with the NDT device 102. Thus, the user computing device 106 may be used alone or in combination with the NDT device 102 to control one or more of the NDT configuration, NDT acquisition, NDT analysis, NDT output (e.g., transmission and / or display), and its graphical user interface.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an operating environment 300 configured to implement a customized NDT-specific application. As illustrated, development tools for creating the customized NDT-specific application may be stored in a distribution source 302. The development tools may be created by the manufacturer of the NDT device 102. A first user computing device 304 may retrieve the development tools from the distribution source 302 and create the customized NDT-specific application. By way of example, the first user computing device 304 may be operated by a customer of the NDT device 102 or a third party. The created customized NDT-specific application may be further transmitted to the distribution source 302 or another network-accessible computing device for further distribution. By way of example, in one embodiment, the customized NDT-specific application may be received by the NDT device 102 directly from the distribution source 302 or indirectly via a second user computing device 306 (e.g., the user computing device 106). Once retrieved by the second user computing device 306 and / or the NDT device 102, the customized NDT-specific application may be executed.

[0051] The distribution source 302 may operate on a public or private basis. In one embodiment, the public distribution source may allow any party to load the development tools and / or customized NDT-specific applications, either free of charge or in exchange for a fee, similar to an app store on a smartphone. As an example, a manufacturer of NDT devices 102 may benefit from operating the distribution source 302 for loading the development tools and / or customized applications on a public basis in order to promote sales and provide after-sales support for the NDT devices 102.

[0052] In another embodiment, the private distribution source may limit the reading of the development tools and / or customized NDT-specific applications to authorized parties only, either free of charge or in exchange for a fee. As an example, it may be beneficial for a customer who owns an NDT device 102 to operate the distribution source 302 for reading customized NDT-specific applications that use proprietary knowledge (e.g., NDT measurement analysis) on a private basis in order to keep such customized NDT-specific applications private.

[0053] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 400 for providing customized functionality to an NDT device 102, as described with reference to FIGS. 1-2. As shown, method 400 includes operations 402-410. However, in alternative embodiments, the method may include more or fewer operations than those shown in FIG. 4, and the operations may be performed in a different order than that shown in FIG. 4.

[0054] In operation 402, a stock application is received by the NDT device 102. As an example, the stock application may be installed by the manufacturer of the NDT device 102.

[0055] In operation 404, the NDT device 102 may perform one or more stock NDT functions in response to execution of the stock application. The one or more stock NDT functions may include at least one of a first operation of the NDT device, a first NDT data acquisition by one of the sensors S of the NDT device 102, a first analysis using data acquired by the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output.

[0056] In operation 406, the NDT device 102 may receive one or more customized NDT-specific applications after receiving the one or more stock applications. As an example, the customized NDT-specific applications may be received directly or indirectly from a distribution source 302 via a user computing device 106.

[0057] In operation 410, the NDT device 102 may execute one or more custom NDT functions in response to execution of the customized NDT-specific application. The one or more custom NDT functions may differ from the stock NDT functions and may include at least one of a second operation of the NDT device 102, a second NDT data acquisition by one of the sensors S of the NDT device, a second analysis using data acquired in the second NDT data acquisition, or a second NDT output.

[0058] Exemplary technical effects of the methods, systems, and devices described herein include, by way of non-limiting example, customization of NDT-specific functionality of an NDT device. In one aspect, customers and third parties can develop applications that implement unique NDT measurement processes, analyses, and / or displays. The functionality provided by such applications can be integrated with existing “stock” applications to any desired degree, ranging from a simple combination of stock and customized features to a complete replacement of stock features with customized features. In another further aspect, such applications can be easily distributed through one or more centralized data sources (e.g., application stores). Such distribution can be kept private, allowing the application to remain exclusive to the developer. Alternatively, such distribution can be public, allowing for broader availability to any interested party. Furthermore, applications initially developed in-house by a given party can subsequently be resold to a wider audience.

[0059] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods expressly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in this disclosure, like-named components of embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, each feature of each like-named component in a particular embodiment has not necessarily been described in full detail.

[0060] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuitry, digital electronic circuitry, and / or computer software, firmware, or hardware, or combinations thereof, including the structural means disclosed herein and their structural equivalents. The subject matter described herein can also be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device) or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by or to control the operation of a data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, such as as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored as a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer, on multiple computers at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0061] The processes and logic flows described herein, including method steps of the subject matter described herein, may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0062] Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-access memory, or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer also includes one or more mass storage devices, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, for storing data, or is operatively coupled to receive data from, transfer data to, or both. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices), magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks), magneto-optical disks, and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks). The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0063] To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user, as well as a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) that the user can use to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user. For example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0064] The techniques described herein may be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. However, at a minimum, a module should not be interpreted as software not implemented on hardware, firmware, or a non-transitory processor-readable, recordable storage medium (i.e., the module is not software itself). Indeed, a “module” should always be interpreted to include at least some physical non-transitory hardware, such as a processor or part of a computer. Two different modules may share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules may use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and / or replicated to support various applications. Also, functionality described herein as being performed by a particular module may be performed by one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices instead of, or in addition to, the functionality performed by the particular module. Furthermore, modules may be implemented across multiple devices and / or other components, local or remote from each other. Additionally, modules can be moved from one device and added to another device and / or incorporated into both devices.

[0065] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes back-end components (e.g., data servers), middleware components (e.g., application servers), or front-end components (e.g., client computers having a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), e.g., the Internet.

[0066] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximation language may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that can be permissibly varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," is not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Herein, throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein, unless the context or language dictates otherwise.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the present invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. 1. A method for customizing non-destructive testing, comprising: receiving a stock application over a network from a distribution source by a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, the non-destructive testing (NDT) device being a borescope; executing, by the NDT device, one or more stock NDT functions in response to execution of the stock application, the one or more stock NDT functions including at least one of a first operation of the NDT device, a first NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a first analysis using data acquired by the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output; obtaining, by a first computing device, development tools for developing a customized NDT-specific application from the distribution source via a network, and creating the customized NDT-specific application using the development tools; transmitting, by the first computing device, the customized NDT-specific application to the distribution source; receiving, by the NDT device, the customized NDT-specific application from the distribution source or a second computing device that stores the customized NDT-specific application transmitted from the distribution source over a network after receiving the stock application; executing, by the NDT device, one or more custom NDT functions in response to execution of the customized NDT-specific application, the one or more custom NDT functions being different from stock NDT functions and including at least one of a second operation of the NDT device, a second NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a second analysis using data acquired by the second NDT data acquisition, or a second NDT output; A method in which the customized NDT-specific application is configured such that at least one of the stock NDT functions is replaced with one or more custom NDT functions, or such that one or more custom NDT functions different from the stock NDT functions are added.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second manipulations are different articulations of the tip of the borescope.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second operation includes at least one of translating or rotating a probe driver of the borescope.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more custom NDT functions include inputting one or more configuration settings for the sensor that performs the second NDT data acquisition.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second operation comprises a movement of the target relative to the NDT device performed by a turning tool coupled to the target.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the custom NDT functionality further includes controlling target illumination.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first computing device or the NDT device is configured to receive at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application via a public network that allows any party to obtain at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application.

8. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first computing device or the NDT device is configured to receive at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application via a private network that restricts acquisition of at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application to authorized parties.

9. A method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the customized NDT-specific application is configured to modify or replace at least one stock graphical user interface of at least one of the stock NDT functions.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by at least one computer, receiving one or more stock applications over a network from a distribution source by an NDT device, the NDT device being a borescope; executing, by the NDT device, one or more stock NDT functions in response to execution of the stock application, the one or more stock NDT functions including at least one of a first operation of the NDT device, a first NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a first analysis using data acquired in the first NDT data acquisition, or a first NDT output; obtaining, by a first computing device, development tools for developing customized NDT-specific applications from the distribution source over a network, and creating one or more customized NDT-specific applications using the development tools; transmitting, by the first computing device, the customized NDT-specific application to the distribution source; receiving, by the NDT device, the one or more customized NDT-specific applications from the distribution source or a second computing device that stores the customized NDT-specific applications transmitted from the distribution source over a network after receiving the one or more stock applications; and executing, by the NDT device, one or more custom NDT functions in response to execution of the customized NDT-specific application, the one or more custom NDT functions being different from the stock NDT functions and including at least one of a second operation of the NDT device, a second NDT data acquisition by a sensor of the NDT device, a second analysis using data acquired by the second NDT data acquisition, or a second NDT output; A non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein the customized NDT-specific application is configured such that at least one of the stock NDT functions is replaced with one or more custom NDT functions, or such that one or more custom NDT functions that are different from the stock NDT functions are added.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the first manipulation and the second manipulation are different articulations of a tip of the borescope.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10 or 11, wherein the second operation includes at least one of translating or rotating a probe driver of the borescope.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the one or more custom NDT functions include inputting one or more configuration settings of the sensor that performs the second NDT data acquisition.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the second operation comprises a movement of the target relative to the NDT device performed by a turning tool coupled to the target.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the custom NDT functionality further includes controlling illumination of a target.

16. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium as described in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the first computing device or the NDT device to perform a step of receiving at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application via a public network that allows any party to obtain at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application.

17. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the first computing device or the NDT device to perform a step of receiving at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application via a private network that restricts acquisition of at least one of the development tool and the customized NDT-specific application to authorized parties.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium as described in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the customized NDT-specific application is configured to modify or replace at least one stock graphical user interface of the stock NDT functionality.

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