Graphical Filter for NDT Inspection Data Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inspection systems overwhelm NDT operators with excessive data, making it difficult to efficiently filter and access targeted information, particularly in complex equipment like aircraft with millions of parts.

Innovation Solution

A distributed NDT system that uses graphical filters to present inspection data, allowing mobile devices and cloud computing to communicate with NDT inspection devices, enabling enhanced data visualization, remote control, and collaborative workflows, and applying metadata to inspection data for efficient filtering and data access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional inspection systems present all inspection data, then complete information is provided, but operators are overwhelmed and cannot efficiently access targeted data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of inspection dataVSAvoidefficiency of data access
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection data is segmented by associating it with specific portions of a graphical model of the inspected object. Each portion of the model can be independently selected to filter and display only relevant data, allowing operators to access targeted information without being overwhelmed by complete datasets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A graphical model serves as an intermediary between the complete inspection data and the operator. The model provides a visual interface that mediates data access, allowing operators to select specific portions and retrieve associated data without directly interacting with the raw data repository.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If inspection data for entire fleets of complex products is gathered, then comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved, but data filtering and access becomes increasingly difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection coverageVSAvoidcomplexity of data filtering
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments fleet-wide inspection data by associating each data set with specific portions of graphical models representing different products. This segmentation allows complex fleet data to be organized and filtered through visual selection of model portions, reducing the perceived complexity despite comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a graphical visual dimension to data filtering. Instead of filtering through traditional text-based or menu-driven interfaces, operators interact with visual graphical models, selecting portions that correspond to desired data sets. This dimensional change simplifies the filtering process for complex multi-product data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2948916B1Inspection data graphical filter
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2948916B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2948916B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2948916B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is provided that includes computer-readable storage configured to store non¬ destructive testing inspection data relating to a portion of an object that has been inspected. Further, a processor presents a model associated with the object, associates the inspection data with the related portion of the object; and presents an indication of availability of the inspection data on a portion of the presented model. The portion of the presented model relates to the portion of the object associated with the inspection data.