Non-destructive testing system with interchangeable inspection cards
The present invention is directed to a non-destructive testing system including a tablet without modular, interchangeable inspection cards for performing inspections with different end effectors and/or performing different types of inspections with the same end effectors. The modular, interchangeable inspection cards are easily removable and attached to a external rear face of the tablet, or inserted into a port extending into the tablet.
1 . A method for non-destructive testing of materials, comprising:
a tablet, including a front display, receiving one or more commands to conduct a scan on a test object via network communication with at least one user device;
wherein the one or more commands include requirements to use a plurality of different end effectors connected to the tablet, and/or a plurality of modalities for a single end effector connected to the tablet;
at least one end effector connected to the tablet beginning a scan of the test object in accordance with the one or more commands;
a first function generator card connected with the tablet driving the at least one end effector to conduct the scan;
removing the first function generator card from the tablet and connecting a second function generator card to the tablet, wherein the second function generator card connects to the tablet via a first plurality of prongs and recesses on the tablet matingly connecting to a second plurality of prongs and recesses on the second function generator card; and
the at least one end effector continuing the scan of the test object, driven by the second function generator card;
wherein the first function generator card and/or the second function generator card include one or more pulser receivers and/or one or more eddy current signal generators.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more commands do not explicitly state which function generator cards are necessary for each part of the scan, and wherein a processor of the tablet automatically determines which function generator cards are necessary and when each of the function generator cards is necessary.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first function generator card and/or the second function generator card includes at least one unique radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip and/or at least one unique near-field communication (NFC) chip.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first function generator card and/or the second function generator card includes at least one unique visual code attached to or etched into one or more sides of the first function generator card and/or the second function generator card.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the network connection is a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a wireless personal area network (WPAN).