A novel non-destructive testing training system based on wireless probe tracking (TrainNDT)

无损检测（NDT）对于确保和维护从飞机到发电站的结构和系统的完整性至关重要。NDT操作员通过在具有真实的或人工缺陷的试样上进行实践来进行培训。这些样品可能是稀有和/或昂贵的。对于在客户场所进行的培训，NDT培训人员必须携带样品到培训地点。样品的剪切体积和重量使提供培训成为一项重大的后勤工作，在某些情况下使其不切实际。本项目将开发一种新的系统，该系统使用真实的数据提供与真实的无损检测经验无差别的无损检测经验，但不需要测试样品。该系统将无线位置传感器、陀螺仪定向、相机输入和负载传感集成到手持式探头中。TrainNDT将开发一个集成的传感器平台，并根据具有一系列缺陷的定义明确的样本的真实的测试数据构建虚拟环境。软件将记录的NDT数据与实时探头位置、方向和压力相关联，以向受训者输出信号，就好像他们正在测试真实的样品一样。好处包括：能够在世界任何地方进行培训，而不需要昂贵的测试样本运输费用;可获得种类更多的虚拟测试样本;以及能够通过下载新的数据集在短时间内改变培训方案。该系统可以基于实际移动提供对受训者的探头移动的自动检查和反馈，从而为培训体验增加价值。

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is essential for ensuring and maintaining the integrity of structures and systems from aircraft to power stations. NDT operators are trained by practising on specimens with real or artificial flaws. These samples can be rare and/or expensive. For training at clients’ premises, NDT trainers must carry samples to the training location. The shear bulk and weight of the samples turns the provision of training into a major logistical exercise, and in some cases makes it impractical. This project will develop a new system which uses real data to provide an NDT experience indistinguishable from the real one, but without the need for the test sample. The system integrates wireless position sensors, gyroscopic orientation, camera input and load sensing into a hand-held probe. TrainNDT will develop an integrated sensor platform and construct the virtual environment based on real test data from well-defined samples with a range of defects. Software will relate the recorded NDT data to the real-time probe position, orientation, and pressure to output a signal to the trainee as if they were testing the real sample. Benefits include: the ability to carry out training anywhere in the world without the need for costly transportation of test specimens; availability of a much wider variety of virtual test specimens; and the ability to vary the training programme at short notice simply by downloading a new dataset. The system can provide automated checks and feedback on the trainee’s probe movements based on actual movements, adding value to the training experience.