Virtual Joystick Control for Remote NDT Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) systems face inefficiencies in data sharing and remote control capabilities, leading to delays in equipment inspection and maintenance, particularly in complex systems like power generation, oil and gas, and aircraft facilities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a distributed NDT system using mobile devices, such as tablets and cloud computing, which enables remote control through virtual joysticks, control pads, and gesture controls, allowing for enhanced data visualization, analysis, and collaboration by communicatively coupling NDT devices to mobile devices and cloud systems via wireless conduits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If data is shared using portable memory devices or physical media, then data can be transferred between NDT personnel, but the data sharing speed is limited by physical dispatch time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sharing efficiencyVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical data transfer (portable memory devices, paper) with an electronic/digital communication system. The NDT system connects to remote devices via wireless or wired networks, allowing instantaneous electronic transmission of inspection data, images, and control signals, thereby eliminating the time delay inherent in physical media dispatch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If NDT operators are located at remote or geographically distant locations, then equipment can be inspected across distributed facilities, but real-time control and collaboration become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeographic distribution capabilityVSAvoidremote control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces communication networks and remote interface devices as intermediaries between the NDT system and operators at geographically distant locations. These intermediaries transmit control signals from remote operators to the NDT device and relay inspection data back to operators, enabling real-time collaboration and control across distributed facilities without direct physical presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional data sharing methods are used, then equipment can be inspected, but collaboration between NDT personnel is delayed and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidcollaboration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous real-time data transmission and collaboration between NDT personnel throughout the inspection process. Instead of discrete, delayed data sharing via physical media, the system maintains continuous electronic communication channels, allowing multiple operators to access and collaborate on inspection data in real-time, thereby eliminating idle time and improving overall inspection productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9489124B2Systems and methods for virtual control of a non-destructive testing system

Publication Date: 2016.11.08 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A non-transitory computer readable medium may comprise instructions configured to display a virtual joystick, a virtual control pad, or a combination thereof and to derive control data based on a manipulation of the virtual joystick, the virtual control pad, or the combination thereof. The instructions may be further configured to communicate the control data to control a component of a non-destructive testing (NDT) device.