Distributed NDT System Wireless Data Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) systems face inefficiencies in data sharing and collaboration, relying on physical portable memory devices or paper, which slows down the dissemination of inspection data among personnel.

Innovation Solution

A distributed NDT system utilizing mobile devices, cloud computing, and wireless conduits to transmit device identification information, receive and manage digital content, and enable remote control and collaboration among NDT devices, enhancing data sharing and inspection processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If physical portable memory devices are used for data sharing, then data can be transferred between NDT personnel, but the data sharing speed is slow and depends on physical dispatch time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sharing speedVSAvoidtime to share data
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical portable memory device transfer with an electronic/digital system. NDT devices automatically transmit data through wireless or wired connections to a central server or directly to other devices, eliminating the need for manual physical transport of memory devices and significantly accelerating data sharing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a central server or cloud-based platform as an intermediary to facilitate data exchange between NDT devices and personnel. This intermediary system enables seamless data transmission without requiring direct physical interaction between devices or manual intervention, thereby reducing data sharing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional NDT systems are used, then inspection data can be stored locally, but collaboration and data dissemination among personnel are inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sharing efficiencyVSAvoidinspection process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data sharing platform that serves multiple functions: storing inspection data, enabling real-time collaboration, facilitating remote access, and supporting various NDT modalities. This multi-functional system improves both ease of operation and overall productivity by consolidating data management and collaboration tools into a single integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual data sharing processes with automated electronic systems. Data is automatically uploaded, stored, and distributed through digital networks, eliminating the need for physical document handling and manual data transfer, thereby improving both operational ease and inspection productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote control and collaboration features are added to NDT devices, then data sharing improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollaboration capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a central server or cloud platform as an intermediary to handle complex collaboration and data management functions. This allows NDT devices to maintain relatively simple local hardware while gaining access to advanced remote control and collaboration capabilities through the intermediary system, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex local processing requirements with remote cloud-based processing. NDT devices can perform basic functions locally while utilizing the cloud infrastructure for heavy computational tasks, data storage, and collaboration coordination, thereby achieving high versatility without significantly increasing the complexity of the physical devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2939168B1Systems and methods for synchronizing nondestructive testing devices
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2939168B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2939168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A non-transitory computer readable medium may include executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to transmit device identification information and to receive a space requirement based on a digital content. The instructions further cause the processor to compare a memory space to the space requirement, and if the memory space is greater than the space requirement, receive a digital content based on the device identification, wherein the digital content is configured to be executed by, used by, or displayed by a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, or a combination thereof.