EP4433814A1

EP4433814A1 - Display adjustment in visual representation of ultrasonic measurement

Info

Publication number: EP4433814A1
Application number: EP22896647.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Siva Sankar YADAVALLI
Original assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
Current assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2021-11-19
Filing date: 2022-11-14
Publication date: 2024-09-25
Also published as: EP4433814A4; WO2023091889A1

Abstract

A method includes receiving data characterizing an acoustic signals reflected by a defect in a target object, a thickness of the target object and an expected depth of the defect. The acoustic signal is detected by a detector located on the surface of the target object. The method also includes determining a display range based on the thickness of the target object and a display delay based on the expected depth the target object of the defect in target object. The method further includes rendering, in a graph in a graphical user interface display space, a first visual representation of the acoustic signal, the graph including a first axis indicative of distance between the defect and the detector, and a second axis indicative of amplitudes of acoustic signals detected by the detector. The first axis extends from a first distance value to a second distance value, the first distance value is set to the display delay and a difference between the second distance value and the first distance value is set to the display range. The method further includes rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a second visual representation of a first measurement gate.

Description

DISPLAY ADJUSTMENT IN VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF ULTRASONIC

MEASUREMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/281,401 entitled “DISPLAY ADJUSTMENT IN VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT,” filed on November 19, 2021. The entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a class of analytical techniques that can be used to inspect a target, without causing damage, to ensure that the inspected target meets required specifications. For this reason, NDT has found wide acceptance in industries such as aerospace, power generation, oil and gas transport or refining, and transportation, that employ structures that are not easily removed from their surroundings.

[0003] In ultrasonic testing, acoustic (sound) energy in the form of waves can be directed towards a target object (e.g., train wheel). As the ultrasonic waves contact and penetrate the train wheel, they can reflect from features such as outer surfaces and interior defects (e.g., cracks, porosity, etc.). An ultrasonic sensor can acquire ultrasonic measurements of acoustic strength as a function of time. Subsequently, these ultrasonic measurements can be analyzed to provide testing results that characterize defects present within a train wheel, such as their presence or absence, location, and/or size.

SUMMARY

[0004] Various aspects of the disclosed subject matter may provide one or more of the following capabilities.

[0005] A method includes receiving data characterizing an acoustic signals reflected by a defect in a target object, a thickness of the target object and an expected depth of the defect. The acoustic signal is detected by a detector located on the surface of the target object. The method also includes determining a display range based on the thickness of the target object and a display delay based on the expected depth the target object of the defect in target object. The method further includes rendering, in a graph in a graphical user interface display space, a first visual representation of the acoustic signal, the graph including a first axis indicative of distance between the defect and the detector, and a second axis indicative of amplitudes of acoustic signals detected by the detector. The first axis extends from a first distance value to a second distance value, the first distance value is set to the display delay and a difference between the second distance value and the first distance value is set to the display range. The method further includes rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a second visual representation of a first measurement gate

[0006] One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination.

[0007] In some implementations, the second visual representation is rendered between a third distance value and a fourth distance value on the first axis. In some implementations, a difference between the fourth distance value and the third distance value is a predetermined fraction of the display range.

[0008] In some implementations, the method further includes determining a depth of the defect relative of the surface of the target object. The depth of the defect is represented by a peak of the first visual representation. The method also includes selecting the third distance value and the fourth distance value such that the depth of the defect is between the third distance value and the fourth distance value. In some implementations, the method further includes determining the first distance value and the second distance value by a predetermined function, wherein the predetermined function is configured to receive the depth of the defect as input and provide the first distance value and the second distance value as output.

[0009] In some implementations, determining the display range is based on dividing the thickness of the target object by a speed of the acoustic signal in the target object. In some implementations, the method further includes rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a third visual representation of a second measurement gate, the third visual representation is rendered between a fifth distance value and a sixth distance value on the first axis. The first visual representation includes a second peak located between the fifth distance value and the sixth distance value.

[0010] Non-transitory computer program products (i.e., physically embodied computer program products) are also described that store instructions, which when executed by one or more data processors of one or more computing systems, causes at least one data processor to perform operations herein. Similarly, computer systems are also described that may include one or more data processors and memory coupled to the one or more data processors. The memory may temporarily or permanently store instructions that cause at least one processor to perform one or more of the operations described herein. In addition, methods can be implemented by one or more data processors either within a single computing system or distributed among two or more computing systems. Such computing systems can be connected and can exchange data and/or commands or other instructions or the like via one or more connections, including a connection over a network (e.g. the Internet, a wireless wide area network, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired network, or the like), via a direct connection between one or more of the multiple computing systems, etc.

[0011] These and other capabilities of the disclosed subject matter will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for adjusting the visual representation of ultrasonic measurement;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an acoustic detection system that can detect defects in the target object;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary GUI display space that includes a graph with plots of a first acoustic signals detected by the acoustic detection system of FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the exemplary implementation of GUI display space of FIG. 3 that includes a display delay; and

[0017] FIGS 5-9 illustrate various exemplary GUIs that include plots of the acoustic signal detected by the detection system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Objects in industrial processes can develop defects, such as cracks and damages, over time during use. The defects can increase in size over a period of time (e.g., leading to down time, injury, etc.), which can be undesirable. This can be avoided by periodic inspection. In some cases, the defects can be located beneath the surface of the object (or target object) and may not be visible. Such defects can be detected using ultrasonic testing. In ultrasonic testing, ultrasonic probes can be positioned on the surface of the target object which can transmit acoustic signal (or ultrasonic waves) in the target object and detect a portion of the transmitted acoustic signal reflected by the defect (also referred to as “echo”). Echo can be indicative of various properties of the defect (e.g., location of the defect, size of the defect, etc.). In addition to the defect, echo can also be generated by the surfaces of the target object. For example, echo can be generated when the acoustic signal impinges on the proximal surface of the target object (e.g., the surface on which the ultrasonic probe is placed), by a distal surface of the target object, etc. A visual representation of the information associated with the various echoes can be rendered in a graphical user interface (GUI) display space. This visual representation is referred to as defect detection plot or “A-scan” plot. For example, the amplitude of the echo(s) can be plotted as a function of the distance traveled by the acoustic signal in the target object (or the range of the A-scan plot).

[0019] The generation of an echo in the target object (e.g., by a defect in the target object, by a surface of the target object, etc.) can be represented by a peak in the A-scan plot. In some implementations, the acoustic signal can be reflected each time the acoustic signal impinges on a surface the target object. This can result in the acoustic signal traveling back and forth in the target object (e.g., between two surfaces of the target object), and generation of a peak in the acoustic signal corresponding to the interaction of the acoustic signal with the target object surfaces I defect in the target object. The resulting A-scan plot can have a large range representative of the distance travelled by the acoustic signal in the target object (e.g., resulting from multiple roundtrips of the acoustic signal in the target object). A-scan plot with a large range may not be desirable as the user may not be able to easily identify I retrieve information associated with a desired peak of the A-scan plot (e.g., a peak that corresponds to the defect in the target object).

[0020] In some implementations, a gate can be used to identify the peak values of the A-scan plots. For example, a translucent graphical object representative of the gate (or gate graphical object) can be superimposed on the A-scan plot. A user can move the gate graphical object and/or vary the size of the gate graphical object such that various A-scan peaks are superimposed by the gate graphical object and information associated with the superimposed A-scan peaks are displayed (e.g., in a data box displayed over the graph). The displayed information can include, for example, x-axis values (e.g., indicative of the distance between the defect I surface and the detector when the corresponding A-scan peak is measured) and the y-axis values (e.g., indicative of the peak amplitude of the A-scan measured by the detector) of the peaks of the A-scan plot. However, if the range of the A-scan plot is large, the gate graphical object may not be visible or may not be large enough for the user to discern properties of the A-scan peaks (e.g., the A-scan peak corresponding to the defect).

[0021] In existing GUIs that present the A-scan plot, a user may have to manually vary the range of A-scan plot (e.g., by varying the limits of the range to be displayed in the A-scan plot). For example, the user may have to manually determine the starting value (referred to as display delay) and the final value of the range of the plot. This can be cumbersome and undesirable. In some implementations of the current subject matter a method of adjusting the display of the A-scan plot is described (e.g., by automatic adjustment of the range of the A- scan plot) that can allow the user to focus on the relevant peak(s) of the A-scan plot. In some implementations, the graphical object associated with the gate is automatically placed over the peak that can allow the reader to obtain information associated with the peak.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for adjusting the visual representation of ultrasonic measurement. At 102, data characterizing an acoustic signals reflected by a defect in a target object, and a thickness of the target object is received. In some implementations, an expected depth of the defect can also be received. The thickness of the target object I expected depth of the defect may be provided by a user, retrieved from a database, etc. The acoustic signal can be detected by a detector located on the surface of the target object.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an acoustic detection system 200 that can detect defects in the target object 250. The target object can include a proximal surface 230, and a distal surface 232. The proximal and the distal surface can be separated by a thickness 240 of the target object. The detection system 200 can include a detector 202 configured to transmit an acoustic signal into the target object 250 and detect a reflection (or echo) of the transmitted acoustic signal from defects (e.g., defect 222, defect 224, etc.), the proximal surface 230, the distal surface 232, etc., in the target object 250. The detector 202 can be configured to move along (e.g., above) the first surface 230 of the target object 250. For example, the detector 202 can move along the direction 220 to a location A I location B on the first surface 230 and can perform one or more defect detection in the target object 250 by emission of an acoustic signal and detection of an echo of the acoustic signal. For example, the detector 202 can be positioned at location “A” and configured to transmit an acoustic signal into the target object 250. The, proximal surface 230, defect 222 located at a depth 212 (relative to the proximal surface 230), the distal surface 232 can reflect portions of the acoustic signal which can be detected by the detector 202. Alternately, the detector 202 can be positioned at location “B” and configured to transmit an acoustic signal into the target object 250. The, proximal surface 230, defect 224 located at a depth 214 (relative to the proximal surface 230), the distal surface 232 can reflect portions of the acoustic signal which can be detected by the detector 202.

[0024] The target object 250 can include defects of different sizes and can be located at different depths. The detector can determine the size and depth of the defect based on the amplitude (or intensity) of the detected signal (or echo) and the time between the transmission of acoustic signal and detection of the echo. For example, the time between the transmission of acoustic signal and detection of the corresponding echo (“travel time”) can be indicative of defect depth (e.g., depth 212 of defect 222). Defect depth can be determined by multiplying the speed of acoustic signal in the target object with the travel time. The amplitude of the echo can be related to the size of the defect and the defect depth. The echo amplitude can be directly proportional to the size of the defect and inversely proportional to the defect depth. In other words, for a given depth, the echo amplitude increases as the size of the defect increases. On the other hand, for a given size of the defect, the echo amplitude decreases as the defect depth increases.

[0025] The difference between the travel times of acoustic signal reflections from the proximal signal 230 and distal surface 232 can be indicative of the thickness 240 of the target object. For example, the thickness 240 can be obtained by multiplying the travel time difference with the speed of the acoustic signal in the target object. In some implementations, the range of depths at which the defects are likely to be located may be known. For example, it may be known that the defects in the target object 250 are located in the depth range 242 located at an expected depth 244 below the proximal surface 230. [0026] The detection system 200 can also include a computing device 204 communicatively coupled to the detector 202. The computing device 204 can receive data characterizing the acoustic signal (e.g., echo amplitude, travel time, defect depth etc.) detected by the detector 202. In some implementations, the computing device 204 can receive data characterizing multiple echo detections. For example, the detector 202 can be moved to the new location “B” and configured to transmit an acoustic signal into the target object 250. The defect 224 located at a depth 214 (relative to the first surface 230) can reflect a corresponding second echo which can be detected by the detector 202. The computing device 204 can receive data characterizing the second echo (e.g., echo amplitude, travel time, defect depth etc.) associated with the defect 224 and detected by the detector 202.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary GUI display space 300 that includes a graph 302 with plots of various reflections of acoustic signal (or echo) received by the detector 202. The graph 302 includes a first axis 320 indicative of a distance traveled by the acoustic signal, and a second axis 322 indicative of the amplitude of the acoustic signal detected by the detector. The graph 302 can include a first peak 304 associated with the reflection of the proximal surface 230 which is located at a distance 314 from the detector 202 (e.g., distance 314 between the acoustic source in the detector 202 and the proximal surface); a second peak 306 associated with the reflection from a defect (e.g., defect 222, defect 224, etc.) which is located at a distance 316 from the detector 202 (e.g., distance 316 between the acoustic source in the detector 202 and the defect); a third peak 308 associated with reflection from the distal surface 232 which is located at a distance 318 from the detector 202 (e.g., distance 318 between the acoustic source in the detector 202 and the distal surface 232), etc. The graph 302 may include additional peaks (e.g., fourth peak 309) associated with multiple reflections (e.g., a second reflection from the defect, distal surface 232, etc.).

[0028] Returning back to FIG. 1, at step 104, a display range based on the thickness of the target object and a display delay based on the expected depth the target object of the defect in target object can be determined. In some implementations, the first axis 320 can extend from a first distance value 342 to a second distance value 344. The difference between the second distance value 344 and the first distance value 342 is the display range of the graph 302. In some implementations, the display range of the graph 302 can be set to the thickness 240 of the target object 250. In some implementations, the thickness 240 may be determined based on distance between a first peak in the A-scan plot associated with reflection from the proximal surface 230 and a second peak in the A-scan plot associated with reflection from the proximal surface 232. In some implementations, the display range can be set to a multiple of the thickness 240 (e.g., by multiplying the thickness 240 with a predetermined factor).

[0029] In some implementations, the display delay can be based on the first expected depth 244 of the depth range 242 of the defects in the target object 250. In some implementations, a first sum of the first expected depth 244 and a distance of the sensor in the detector 202 and the proximal surface 230 can be calculated. The first distance value 342 can be calculated by multiplying the speed of acoustic signal in the target object 250 with an expected depth factor. The expected depth factor can be determined by multiplying the first sum with a second predetermined factor (e.g., a value less than or equal to 1). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first distance value 342 is set to zero on the x-axis. In other words, the display delay has been set to a zero. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the GUI display space 300. In this implementation, the first distance value 342 is set to the display delay (e.g., which can be calculated based on the expected depth 244 (e.g., sum of the expected depth 244 and a distance of the sensor in the detector 202 and the proximal surface 230)

[0030] At step 106, a first visual representation of the acoustic signal can be rendered in a graph (e.g., graph 302) in a graphical user interface display space (e.g., GUI display space 300). As described above, the graph 302 can include the first axis 320 indicative of a distance between the defect and the detector (e.g., distance 212 between the detector 202 and the defect 222 located at location A), and a second axis (e.g., axis 322) indicative of amplitudes of acoustic signals detected by the detector. The first axis extends from a first distance value 342 to a second distance value 344. The first distance value 342 is set to the display delay (e.g., obtained by multiplying the speed of acoustic signal in the target object 250 with an expected depth factor). A difference between the second distance value 344 and the first distance value 342 is set to the display range.

[0031] At step 108 a second visual representation of a first measurement gate can be rendered in the graphical user interface display space. For example, a gate graphical object 310 can be rendered (e.g., by the computing device 204) in the graph 302. The size and location of the gate graphical object 310 can be based on the defect-detector distance, defect depth, input from a user (e.g., from a user computing device 206), or a combination thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the graphical object 310 extends from a third distance value 326 to a fourth distance value 328 on the first axis 320. In some implementations, the first distance value 326 and the second distance value 328 can be determined by a predetermined function. For example, the predetermined function can determine the extent of the graphical object 310 along the first axis 320 (e.g., difference between the fourth distance value 328 and the third distance value 326). The predetermined function may calculate the location of the graphical object 310 (e.g., based on location of the third distance value 326 and the fourth distance value 328).

[0032] In some implementations, it can be desirable to place the graphical object 310 over one or more peaks in the graph 302 (e.g., peak 306 associated with reflection of the acoustic signal from a defect in the target object 250). By placing the graphical object 310 over a peak, various properties of the peak can be illustrated in the GUI display space 300. For example, location of the peak on the first axis 320 (e.g., distance 316 of the peak 306), peak value associated with the peak (e.g., value of a maximum of the peak 306 along the second axis 326), etc., can be displayed.

[0033] The predetermined function can be configured to receive (or identify) a target distance (e.g., distance 316 of the second peak 306) and determine the third distance value 326 and the fourth distance value 328 (or the gate range) based on the target distance. In some implementations, the predetermined function can set the gate range to a predetermined fraction of the display range (e.g., product of a predetermined fraction and the range 340). In some implementations, the third distance value 326 (the fourth distance value 328) can be determined from the distance 316 of the second peak 306. For example, the third distance value 326 (fourth distance value 328) can be calculated by subtracting (adding) a predetermined value from (to) the distance value. In some implementations, the fourth distance value 328 (the third distance value 326) can be calculated by adding (subtracting) the gate range to (from) the third distance value 326 (fourth distance value 328). As a result, the distance 316 of the second peak can be located between the third distance value 326 and the fourth distance value 328. In some implementations, the third distance value 326 and the fourth distance value 328 can be determined based on a first and a second user input, respectively. For example, a user can click and drag the left boundary and the right boundary of the gate graphical object 310.

[0034] In some implementations, peak values associated with one or more acoustic signals (e.g., acoustic signal of the plurality of acoustic signals whose data is received at step 102) whose peaks overlap with the gate graphical object 310 can be displayed. For example, the gate graphical object 310 can be moved in the graph 302 (e.g., by dragging and dropping by a user) such that one or more peaks of the various acoustic signals (e.g., first acoustic signal 304, second acoustic signal 306, etc.) are located between the first location value 326 and the second location value 328 (along the first axis 320) and between the first acoustic amplitude value 330 and the second acoustic amplitude value 332. In some implementations, if the gate graphical object 310 overlaps with the peak of an acoustic signal, a dialog box can be displayed on graph 302 that include the x- and y-coordinates values (e.g., corresponding to the defect-detector distance value and the acoustic signal amplitude value, respectively). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the gate graphical object 310 overlaps with the peaks of the first acoustic signal 304, and the second acoustic signal 306, a first dialog box 334 and a second dialog box 336 are displayed.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary GUI display space 500 that includes a graph with a large display range. Due to the large display range, the peaks of the A-scan plot and the gate graphical object are not clearly visible. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary GUI display space 600 that includes a graph with a large display range where the peaks of the A-scan plot are not visible but the gate graphical object is visible. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary GUI display space 700 that includes a graph where the gate graphical object is located outside the range of the A-scan plot. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary GUI display space 800 that includes a graph with a large display range. The display delay is set to zero and the gate graphical objects are located within the range of the A-scan plot. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary GUI display space that includes a graph where the display delay has been applied and the gate graphical object is located outside the range the A-scan plot.

[0036] Other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter. For example, the monitoring system described in this application can be used in facilities that have complex machines with multiple operational parameters that need to be altered to change the performance of the machines (e.g., power generating turbines). Usage of the word “optimize” I “optimizing” in this application can imply “improve” I “improving.”

[0037] Certain exemplary embodiments are described herein to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.

[0038] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, or in combinations of them. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device), or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0039] The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). [0040] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a Read-Only Memory or a Random Access Memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0041] To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, (e.g., a mouse or a trackball), by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0042] The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and/or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, modules are not to be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor readable recordable storage medium (i.e., modules are not software per se). Indeed “module” is to be interpreted to always include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware such as a part of a processor or computer. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules can use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and/or duplicated to support various applications. Also, a function described herein as being performed at a particular module can be performed at one or more other modules and/or by one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the function performed at the particular module. Further, the modules can be implemented across multiple devices and/or other components local or remote to one another. Additionally, the modules can be moved from one device and added to another device, and/or can be included in both devices.

[0043] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web interface through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.

[0044] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: receiving data characterizing an acoustic signals reflected by a defect in a target object, a thickness of the target object and an expected depth of the defect, wherein the acoustic signal is detected by a detector located on the surface of the target object; determining a display range based on the thickness of the target object and a display delay based on the expected depth the target object of the defect in target object; rendering, in a graph in a graphical user interface display space, a first visual representation of the acoustic signal, the graph including a first axis indicative of distance between the defect and the detector, and a second axis indicative of amplitudes of acoustic signals detected by the detector, wherein the first axis extends from a first distance value to a second distance value, the first distance value is set to the display delay and a difference between the second distance value and the first distance value is set to the display range; and rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a second visual representation of a first measurement gate.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second visual representation is rendered between a third distance value and a fourth distance value on the first axis.

3. The method of claim 2, where a difference between the fourth distance value and the third distance value is a predetermined fraction of the display range.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining a depth of the defect relative of the surface of the target object, wherein the depth of the defect is represented by a peak of the first visual representation; and selecting the third distance value and the fourth distance value such that the depth of the defect is between the third distance value and the fourth distance value.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising determining the third distance value and the fourth distance value by a predetermined function, wherein the predetermined function is configured to receive the depth of the defect as input and provide the third distance value and the fourth distance value as output.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the display range is based on multiplying the thickness of the target object by a speed of the acoustic signal in the target object.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the display delay is based on multiplying the expected depth by a speed of the acoustic signal in the target object.

8. The method of claim 2, further comprising rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a third visual representation of a second measurement gate, the third visual representation is rendered between a fifth distance value and a sixth distance value on the first axis, wherein the first visual representation includes a second peak located between the fifth distance value and the sixth distance value.

9. A system comprising: at least one data processor; memory coupled to the at least one data processor, the memory storing instructions to cause the at least one data processor to perform operations comprising: receiving data characterizing an acoustic signals reflected by a defect in a target object, a thickness of the target object and an expected depth of the defect, wherein the acoustic signal is detected by a detector located on the surface of the target object; determining a display range based on the thickness of the target object and a display delay based on the expected depth the target object of the defect in target object; rendering, in a graph in a graphical user interface display space, a first visual representation of the acoustic signal, the graph including a first axis indicative of distance between the defect and the detector, and a second axis indicative of amplitudes of acoustic signals detected by the detector, wherein the first axis extends from a first distance value to a second distance value, the first distance value is set to the display delay and a difference between the second distance value and the first distance value is set to the display range; and rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a second visual representation of a first measurement gate.

10. A computer program product comprising a machine-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one programmable processor, cause the at least one programmable processor to perform operations comprising: receiving data characterizing an acoustic signals reflected by a defect in a target object, a thickness of the target object and an expected depth of the defect, wherein the acoustic signal is detected by a detector located on the surface of the target object; determining a display range based on the thickness of the target object and a display delay based on the expected depth the target object of the defect in target object; rendering, in a graph in a graphical user interface display space, a first visual representation of the acoustic signal, the graph including a first axis indicative of distance between the defect and the detector, and a second axis indicative of amplitudes of acoustic signals detected by the detector, wherein the first axis extends from a first distance value to a second distance value, the first distance value is set to the display delay and a difference between the second distance value and the first distance value is set to the display range; and rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a second visual representation of a first measurement gate.

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