Abstract: A process is disclosed in which a computing device reads electronic data from an ultrasonic scanning probe and processes that data in real time to determine if any potential weld defects are encountered as the probe head moves along scanning the weld. The method receives weld scan data in the form of scanning slices and determines if any of the encountered indications match a predetermined criterion. The process utilizes a moving scan data window of scan slices and processes each window for indications of weld defects. The processing of the data window is optimized using a rule-based, indications counting set so that any found defect indications triggers the issuance of a signal to an operator, in various forms, such as activating a marking module, issuing an alert signal, or printing a report.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to extract meta-data held in a weld scan data file and from such data determine whether the testing data is acceptable for review. A series of configuration parameters held in the scan data file are analyzed for inconsistencies and a select set of parameters are reviewed for codes and industry accepted standards compliance with recorded scan data. Additional qualitative tests may be implemented on the scan test file and unacceptable results may also provide guidance to the weld inspector as to whether continued review of the scan data file is worthwhile. Such consistency testing avoids wasteful activities reviewing a flawed weld scan data file and provides signals to operators to avoid the processing of such a file by weld scan analysis software when such processing will not result in successful assistance to a weld inspector.

Abstract: A method of monetization of the processing of a collection of ultrasonic data files is disclosed. The process accesses each scan data file and reads meta-data held by that scan data file. Responsive to the extant meta-data, a pricing model is applied, and a processing cost calculated for the processing of each data file. That pricing information is then associated with a customer account and invoiced at a time of choosing of the processing company. Various pricing models may be applied responsive to the characteristics of the data file processed, and responsive to the timeliness and priority of such processing.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which a computing device reads electronic data from an ultrasonic scanning probe and processes that data in real time to determine if any potential weld defects are encountered as the probe head moves along scanning the weld. The method receives weld scan data in the form of scanning slices and determines if any of the encountered indications match a predetermined criterion. The process utilizes a moving scan data window of scan slices and processes each window for indications of weld defects. The processing of the data window is optimized using a rule-based, indications counting set so that any found defect indications triggers the issuance of a signal to an operator, in various forms, such as activating a marking module, issuing an alert signal, or printing a report.

Abstract: A system provides for the calculation of the penetration depth of a weld in an orthotropic steel decking system. Weld scan section data is accessed and each scan section along the weld seam is processed to find the amount of penetration as a percentage of the thickness of the rib leg metal at the weld location. The amount of penetration is calculated by finding ultrasonic reflections recorded as voxels that have the greatest magnitude within an area of contiguous magnitudes and then determining the location of those voxels relative to the weld geometry and distance along the thickness of the rib leg steel. A report for each section scan and the entire weld seam may be generated for review by a weld inspector that allows for spot inspections of specified areas along the weld seam for possible weld remediation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed provide a method of collecting a group of scan data files and organizing those files for batch data processing to produce a weld indications table for each scan data file in a prioritized manner. The invention also provides a procedure for controlling the pre-processing of each file by extracting meta-data held in an ultrasonic data file and from such data determine whether the testing data is valid for review. A series of rules may be used by a selection engine to control a batch list of files for data processing and for review after data processing so that time by a weld inspector may be optimized for each construction project.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that increases the efficiency of a weld inspector by reducing the amount of weld data that needs to be examined for any non-destructive (“NDT”) phased array and time-of-flight, diffraction ultrasonic testing of welds. The system reads ultrasonic testing data from an NDT scan of a series of metal welds and creates a table of target weld indications ranked by a series of filters representative of predetermined exclusion and significance criteria. The invention acts as a weld analysis concentrator by focusing the attention of an inspector on potential weld flaws that merit their attention, thereby increasing the efficiency of the inspector. The process typically reduces 95% to 98% of the ultrasonic weld testing data that must be reviewed by the inspector, while retaining flaw indications necessary for an inspector's competent review in conformity with various code requirements and regulations.

Abstract: A method of monetization of the processing of a collection of ultrasonic data files is disclosed. The process accesses each scan data file and reads meta-data held by that scan data file. Responsive to the extant meta-data, a pricing model is applied, and a processing cost calculated for the processing of each data file. That pricing information is then associated with a customer account and invoiced at a time of choosing of the processing company. Various pricing models may be applied responsive to the characteristics of the data file processed, and responsive to the timeliness and priority of such processing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed provide a method of collecting a group of scan data files and organizing those files for batch data processing to produce a weld indications table for each scan data file in a prioritized manner. The invention also provides a procedure for controlling the pre-processing of each file by extracting meta-data held in an ultrasonic data file and from such data determine whether the testing data is valid for review. A series of rules may be used by a selection engine to control a batch list of files for data processing and for review after data processing so that time by a weld inspector may be optimized for each construction project.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to extract meta-data held in a weld scan data file and from such data determine whether the testing data is acceptable for review. A series of configuration parameters held in the scan data file are analyzed for inconsistencies and a select set of parameters are reviewed for codes and industry accepted standards compliance with recorded scan data. Additional qualitative tests may be implemented on the scan test file and unacceptable results may also provide guidance to the weld inspector as to whether continued review of the scan data file is worthwhile. Such consistency testing avoids wasteful activities reviewing a flawed weld scan data file and provides signals to operators to avoid the processing of such a file by weld scan analysis software when such processing will not result in successful assistance to a weld inspector.

Abstract: A system provides for the calculation of the penetration depth of a weld in an orthotropic steel decking system. Weld scan section data is accessed and each scan section along the weld seam is processed to find the amount of penetration as a percentage of the thickness of the rib leg metal at the weld location. The amount of penetration is calculated by finding ultrasonic reflections recorded as voxels that have the greatest magnitude within an area of contiguous magnitudes and then determining the location of those voxels relative to the weld geometry and distance along the thickness of the rib leg steel. A report for each section scan and the entire weld seam may be generated for review by a weld inspector that allows for spot inspections of specified areas along the weld seam for possible weld remediation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that increases the efficiency of a weld inspector by reducing the amount of weld data that needs to be examined for any non-destructive (“NDT”) phased array and time-of-flight, diffraction ultrasonic testing of welds. The system reads ultrasonic testing data from an NDT scan of a series of metal welds and creates a table of target weld indications ranked by a series of filters representative of predetermined exclusion and significance criteria. The invention acts as a weld analysis concentrator by focusing the attention of an inspector on potential weld flaws that merit their attention, thereby increasing the efficiency of the inspector. The process typically reduces 95% to 98% of the ultrasonic weld testing data that must be reviewed by the inspector, while retaining flaw indications necessary for an inspector's competent review in conformity with various code requirements and regulations.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for providing a capability to transfer money directly between two U.S. bank accounts or other financial institution that is substantially instantaneous, that is relatively low-cost, that requires no prior account setup specific to each pair of accounts involved, that substantially reduces the risk of transaction denial due to insufficient funds, and that substantially reduces the risk of charge-backs after the transaction has been completed. The funds transfers enabled by the method and system can be cleared substantially instantaneously because no money actually enters or leaves either a sender's bank or a recipient's bank, involving only transfers of funds between accounts within the sender's bank, and between accounts within the recipient's bank. Account rebalancing among accounts needed to enable the method and system is performed as needed so as to substantially minimize interest costs incurred.