Remote NDT Data Segmentation for Real-Time Expert Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the aerospace industry, there is a need for non-destructive testing methods that allow remote monitoring of sub-surface structures of aircraft by expert inspectors who are not physically present, as local personnel may not be qualified to perform inspections, and existing technologies lack efficient real-time and detailed data transfer capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus and method that divides inspection data into real-time and non-real-time components, allowing a remotely-located expert to monitor the inspection process in real-time with priority data transfer and facilitating detailed analysis with delayed, more processed data, using communication units and projection devices to visualize sub-surface structures and guide non-expert inspectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inspection data is transferred in full detail for remote expert analysis, then measurement precision and analysis quality are improved, but data transfer time and communication bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection data is segmented into two distinct categories: real-time data (presented immediately) and detailed data (presented later). This segmentation allows the system to provide both rapid initial assessment and comprehensive detailed analysis without compromising either speed or quality, resolving the contradiction between transfer time and data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by transferring only the most critical real-time data immediately for urgent assessment, while delaying the transfer of less time-sensitive detailed data. This selective approach ensures that time-critical decisions can be made quickly while still providing access to complete inspection information when needed.
2Loss of information
If all inspection data is transferred simultaneously, then complete information is provided to the expert, but real-time monitoring capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer process is divided into two sequential phases: real-time data transfer for immediate monitoring and detailed data transfer for comprehensive analysis. This segmentation enables the system to maintain both real-time responsiveness and information completeness by delivering different data subsets at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data processing and prioritization to identify which data should be transferred immediately versus which can be delayed. This preliminary action ensures that critical real-time information is delivered first, enabling immediate monitoring while preserving the option to transfer complete data sets later.
3Measurement precision
If detailed processing is applied to all inspection data, then analysis quality is improved, but data processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different levels of data processing are applied to different data subsets based on their specific requirements. Real-time data receives minimal processing for rapid delivery, while detailed data undergoes comprehensive processing for high-quality analysis. This local quality approach optimizes processing time for each data type while maintaining appropriate analysis quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial processing to real-time data (sufficient for immediate assessment) and excessive/detailed processing to the detailed data subset (for comprehensive analysis). This differentiated processing strategy reduces overall processing time while ensuring that each data type receives the appropriate level of analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus for enabling a remotely-located expert to monitor an inspection by a non-expert, the apparatus comprising an inspection device capable of being operated by the non-expert, which is configured to generate inspection data indicative of a condition of a test object, and a communication unit configured to: divide the inspection data into first and second data; transfer the first data for being presented to the remotely-located expert at a first time, to facilitate substantially real-time monitoring of the inspection by the expert; and transfer the second data for being presented to the remotely-located expert at a second time, which is later than the first time, to facilitate non-real time monitoring of the inspection by the expert.