Automated NDE Data Alignment to Simulated Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive evaluation (NDE) data management systems face challenges in aligning and analyzing large datasets from various modalities, leading to increased costs and labor, as they often require manual tools and are not extensible for multiple data collection devices, resulting in inefficient data fusion and tracking of potential issues over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing NDE data using a processing unit and memory, which includes receiving data, determining alignment algorithms, automatically aligning data to simulated models, and generating display representations for analysis, enabling the alignment of multiple modalities and datasets across assets over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual tools are used to align NDE data to simulated models, then alignment can be performed, but labor costs and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically matching NDE data to simulated models using computational algorithms without requiring manual intervention. The computer executes alignment operations autonomously, allowing the system to serve itself in the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical alignment operations are replaced with computer-based automated alignment algorithms. The system substitutes human operators and manual tools with computational methods that automatically align NDE data to simulated models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple NDE data collection devices are used to gather comprehensive data, then data coverage improves, but device complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to universally handle multiple types of NDE data collection devices and modalities through a single integrated platform. The computer executes alignment algorithms that work across different device types, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various data sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex task of multi-modality data alignment into manageable computational steps. Each NDE data set is processed independently through the alignment algorithm, which breaks down the overall complexity into discrete, executable operations.
3Loss of information
If extensive NDE data is collected and stored for fleet-wide analysis, then tracking and analysis capability improves, but data storage and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates and maintains simulated model copies that represent the actual assets. These digital models serve as virtual replicas that can be analyzed and compared without requiring physical access to the original assets, enabling efficient data retention and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from managing only raw NDE data to managing both raw data and aligned simulated models in a multi-dimensional data structure. This allows analysis to occur across multiple dimensions including time, asset type, and data modality, improving information retrieval efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. NDE data for an asset is received and at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model associated therewith is determined. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model, a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated, and information about the aligned NDE data is exported. Additionally, second NDE data associated with the at least a portion of the asset may also be received, at least one alignment algorithm to align the data determined, and the second NDE data aligned. Respective indications associated with the first and second NDE data may be determined and visually represented on the simulated model. Moreover, a shot descriptor file may be analyzed to determine whether additional NDE data is required to complete an alignment of NDE data.