State-Based GUI Buttons Overlaying NDT Imaging Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-destructive testing (NDT) devices have complex and cumbersome user interfaces, making them time-consuming and difficult for users to navigate effectively during inspections of various systems and facilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a state-based graphical user interface (GUI) with user-selectable buttons that overlay imaging data, allowing users to activate monitoring functions based on specific inspection states, such as live video, freeze-frame, and recall modes, with customizable button arrangements for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional user interface is used in NDT devices, then comprehensive monitoring functions can be provided, but the interface becomes complex and cumbersome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple customizable pages, each dedicated to specific monitoring functions (e.g., video monitoring page, audio monitoring page, system configuration page). This allows comprehensive functionality to be divided into manageable sections, reducing the complexity users face at any given moment while maintaining access to all features through navigation between pages.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adapts based on the operational state of the NDT device. Different monitoring states (live video, freeze-frame, recall modes) trigger相应 changes in the displayed interface elements, showing only relevant controls and information for the current state. This dynamic behavior simplifies the interface at each moment while providing comprehensive functionality across all states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive monitoring functions are included in the NDT device, then the device becomes more versatile, but the user interface becomes more complex and time-consuming to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides default interface configurations and preset monitoring parameters that are pre-configured for common inspection scenarios. Users can start inspections immediately with these pre-set configurations, avoiding the time-consuming task of configuring every parameter from scratch. Customization options remain available when needed, but the preliminary setup enables rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
A single unified interface framework handles multiple monitoring functions (video, audio, system control, configuration) through consistent interaction patterns and navigation mechanisms. This universal interface design allows users to perform diverse monitoring tasks using the same basic skills and interface elements, reducing the time required to learn and navigate different functions compared to separate specialized interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If a simple user interface is provided, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to provide comprehensive monitoring functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface utilizes multiple dimensions including temporal dimension (time-based navigation through inspection history and recall modes), spatial dimension (different display areas for video, controls, and information), and hierarchical dimension (levels of detail from summary views to detailed configuration). This multi-dimensional approach allows a simple surface interface to access comprehensive monitoring functions through organized navigation rather than overwhelming users with all controls simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface employs nested structures where main monitoring functions contain sub-functions and configuration options. For example, the video monitoring page nests playback controls, image capture options, and video quality settings within a unified video control interface. This nesting allows users to access detailed functions by drilling down from simple main controls, maintaining interface simplicity at each level while providing comprehensive functionality overall.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a portable non-destructive testing (NDT) device. The NDT device includes a processor configured to receive imaging data captured via a sensor of the NDT device, cause a display of the NDT device to display an image to be analyzed based on the imaging data, and cause the display to display a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI includes a first plurality of user-selectable objects. Each of the first plurality of user-selectable objects is configured to activate one or more monitoring functions of the NDT device. The processor is also configured to cause the display to display at least a first set of the first plurality of user-selectable objects. The first set of the first plurality of user-selectable objects is configured to substantially overlay the image. The first set of the first plurality of user-selectable objects is displayed based at least in part on an inspection state of the NDT device.