Remote Weld Inspection Data Management via Digital Copying

Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-destructive inspection methods for weld defects, such as radiographic inspection using films or computed radiography, are inefficient and burdensome, particularly in environments with numerous weld points, as they require physical media management and on-site judgment, leading to reduced workability and increased costs for judges and clients.

Innovation Solution

A non-destructive inspection judgment data management system that includes a first database for image data registration, a second database for judge information, and an access control module allowing contractors to access image data via the Internet based on established contracts, enabling remote judgment tasks and improving workability and reducing client burdens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a judge performs visual inspection of weld points using physical films or computed radiography at a welding site, then the judgment task can be completed, but the workability of the judge deteriorates and the cost of securing and stationing the judge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkability of judgeVSAvoidtime for securing and stationing judge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the radiographic image data and stores it in a database, allowing the judge to view and inspect weld points remotely through a terminal device without needing to physically travel to the welding site. This digital copying eliminates the need for on-site presence while maintaining inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a database and communication network as intermediaries between the radiographic inspection device and the judge. The database stores image data and the communication network enables remote access, allowing the judge to perform inspection tasks from a remote location without direct physical connection to the welding site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the judge is stationed at the welding site to perform judgment tasks, then the judgment task can be performed, but the cost of securing and stationing the judge becomes heavy burden on the client

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejudgment task completionVSAvoidcost of securing and stationing judge

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the radiographic image data and stores it in a database, allowing the judge to view and inspect weld points remotely through a terminal device without needing to physically travel to the welding site. This digital copying eliminates the need for on-site presence while maintaining inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical film handling and on-site judgment with a digital system. The radiographic image data is converted to digital format, stored in a database, and accessed through communication networks, eliminating the need for physical transportation and stationing of judges at the welding site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If physical media such as films are used for radiographic inspection, then the inspection can be performed, but management tasks including development, transfer, storage, and recording become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidmanagement task complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the radiographic image data and stores it in a database, allowing the judge to view and inspect weld points remotely through a terminal device without needing to physically travel to the welding site. This digital copying eliminates the need for on-site presence while maintaining inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical film handling and on-site judgment with a digital system. The radiographic image data is converted to digital format, stored in a database, and accessed through communication networks, eliminating the need for physical transportation and stationing of judges at the welding site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240152838A1Nondestructive test evaluation data management device and nondestructive test evaluation data management method

Publication Date: 2024.05.09 JGC CORP

AI summary

To provide a non-destructive inspection judgment data management device with which the workability of a judge is improved and a burden on a client of a judgment task is reduced, the device includes: a first database registration module which registers image data of a weld point in a first database; a second database registration module which registers judge information on a judge undertaking a judgment task of judging whether a weld defect is present at the weld point based on the image data, in a second database; and an access control module which allows, based on contract information indicating a contract for the judgment task has been established with the judge selected as a contractor of the judgment task among the judges registered in the second database, the contractor to access the image data related to the judgment task in the image data registered in the first database via Internet.