U.S. patent application number 16/441085 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-06 for systems and methods for internationalization support.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Thomas Durkee Britton, Chen Goldberger, Bryan David Maule, Thomas Charles Ward.
Application Number | 20200042603 16/441085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53366277 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200042603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldberger; Chen ; et
al. |
February 6, 2020 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION SUPPORT
Abstract
Systems, methods, and tangible, non-transitory, computer
readable media is described herein. For example, a system includes
a portable non-destructive testing (NDT) device. The NDT device
includes a display, a user interface, a memory storing an
operations object having a first text in a first language, and a
processor. The processor is configured to present the first text on
the operations object via the display during an operation of the
portable NDT device, and wherein the processor is configured to
create a second text in a second language via the user interface of
the NDT device, and to present the second text on the operations
object as an alternative to the first text via the display during
the operation of the NDT device.
Inventors: |
Goldberger; Chen;
(Skaneateles, NY) ; Maule; Bryan David; (Camillus,
NY) ; Ward; Thomas Charles; (Auburn, NY) ;
Britton; Thomas Durkee; (Syracuse, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
53366277 |
Appl. No.: |
16/441085 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15709216 |
Sep 19, 2017 |
10325028 |
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16441085 |
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14292771 |
May 30, 2014 |
9767096 |
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15709216 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 9/451 20180201;
G06F 40/166 20200101; G06F 9/454 20180201; G06F 40/58 20200101;
G01M 99/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/28 20060101
G06F017/28; G01M 99/00 20060101 G01M099/00; G06F 17/24 20060101
G06F017/24; G06F 9/451 20060101 G06F009/451 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A system comprising: a portable non-destructive testing (NDT)
device comprising: a display; a user interface; a memory storing an
operations object and an associated first internationalization
object in a first language in a first data structure; and a
processor configured to, present the first internationalization
object in the first language via the display, receive input of a
second internationalization object in a second language via the
user interface of the portable NDT device, and present the second
internationalization object as an alternative to at least a portion
of the first internationalization object via the display.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the portable NDT device
comprises a borescope, a portable eddy current inspection device, a
transportable radiography device, a portable ultrasonic flaw
detector, a transportable pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, an NDT tablet
interface device, or a combination thereof.
23. The system of claim 21, wherein the first and second
internationalization objects are, respectively, first and second
text presented on the operations object, and wherein the operations
object comprises a menu, a combobox, a list box, a radio button, a
screen portion, a button control, a textbox control, a menu
control, a tip map control, a slider control, an arrow control, a
virtual joystick, a virtual control pad, or a grouping control, or
a combination thereof.
24. The system of claim 21, wherein the first and second
internationalization objects are, respectively, a first multimedia
in the first language and a second multimedia in the second
language.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the multimedia comprises a
video, an image, an icon, an audio, or a combination thereof,
useful in aiding the operation of the NDT device.
26. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor is configured to
receive the second internationalization object in the second
language by, copying the first data structure including the first
internationalization object in the first language, presenting the
first internationalization object in the first language via the
display, and receiving, via the user interface of the portable NDT
device, edits to the first internationalization object including
replacement of at least a portion of the first internationalization
object with the second internationalization object, wherein a
second data structure, different from the first data structure,
includes the copied first data structure and received edits to the
first internationalization object.
27. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor is configured to
receive the second internationalization object in the second
language by, presenting the first internationalization object in
the first language via the display, and receiving, via the user
interface of the portable NDT device, edits to the first
internationalization object including replacement of at least a
portion of the first internationalization object with the second
internationalization object.
28. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor is configured to
receive the second internationalization object in the second
language by, creating a second data structure configured to store
an internationalization object associated with an operations
object; presenting the operations object associated with the first
internationalization object within a list of other operations
objects via the display, receiving a selection of the operations
object associated with the first internationalization object,
receiving the second internationalization object in a second
language via the user interface of the NDT device, and storing the
received second internationalization object and an association of
the second internationalization object with the selected operations
object in the second data structure; wherein the second data
structure is different than a first data structure that stores the
first internationalization object associated with the selected
operations object.
29. The system of claim 21, wherein the portable NDT device
comprises a communications system configured to transmit data
wirelessly, to transmit data through one or more wired conduits, or
a combination thereof, and wherein the processor is configured to
transmit the second internationalization object to a second
portable NDT device, to an external system, or a combination
thereof, via the communications system.
30. The system of claim 23, wherein the processor is configured to
display the second text in a control and to visually show if the
second text fits in the control.
31. The system of claim 23, wherein the processor is configured to
translate the first text into the second text via an internal
language translation system, via an external language translation
service, or a combination thereof.
32. A tangible, non-transitory, computer readable medium storing
executable instructions configured to: present a first
internationalization object in a first language that is associated
with an operations object via a display of a portable
non-destructive testing (NDT) device; receive input of a second
internationalization object in a second language via a user
interface of the portable NDT device; and present the second
internationalization object on the display as an alternative to the
first internationalization object.
33. The computer readable medium of claim 32, wherein the
instructions are configured to be executed by a processor included
in the portable NDT device.
34. The computer readable medium of claim 32, wherein the first and
second internationalization objects are, respectively, first and
second text presented on an operations object, and wherein the
operations object comprises a menu, a combobox, a list box, a radio
button, a screen portion, a button control, a textbox control, a
menu control, a tip map control, a slider control, an arrow
control, a virtual joystick, a virtual control pad, a grouping
control, or a combination thereof.
35. The computer readable medium of claim 32, wherein the first and
second internationalization objects are, respectively, a first
multimedia in the first language to aid in the operation of the
mobile device, and a second multimedia in the second language as an
alternative to the first multimedia to aid in the operation of the
NDT device.
36. The computer readable medium of claim 34, wherein the
instructions comprise instructions configured to translate the
first text into the second text via an internal language
translation system, via an external language translation service,
or a combination thereof.
37. The computer readable medium of claim 34, wherein the
instructions comprise instructions configured to present the second
text in a control and to visually show if the second text fits in
the control.
38. A method, comprising: presenting a first internationalization
object in a first language that is associated with an operations
object via a display of a portable non-destructive testing (NDT)
device; receiving input of a second internationalization object in
a second language via a user interface of the portable NDT device;
and presenting the second internationalization object on the
display as an alternative to the first internationalization
object.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein receiving the second
internationalization object in the second language comprises,
making a copy of a first data structure including the first
internationalization object in the first language, presenting the
first internationalization object in the first language via the
display, and receiving, via the user interface of the portable NDT
device, edits to the first internationalization object including
replacement of at least a portion of the first internationalization
object with the second internationalization object, wherein a
second data structure, different from the first data structure,
includes the copied first data structure and the received edits to
the first internationalization object.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein receiving the second
internationalization object in the second language comprises:
presenting the first internationalization object in the first
language via the display, and receiving, via the user interface of
the portable NDT device, edits to the first internationalization
object including replacement of at least a portion of the first
internationalization object with the second internationalization
object.
41. The method of claim 38, wherein receiving the second
internationalization object in the second language comprises:
creating a second data structure configured to store an
internationalization object associated with an operations object;
presenting the operations object associated with the first
internationalization object within a list of other operations
objects via the display, receiving a selection of the operations
object associated with the first internationalization object,
receiving the second internationalization object in a second
language via the user interface of the NDT device, and storing the
received second internationalization object and an association of
the second internationalization object with the selected operations
object in the second data structure; wherein the second data
structure is different than a first data structure that stores the
first internationalization object associated with the selected
operations object.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/709,216, filed Sep. 19, 2017, entitled
"Systems and Methods for Internationalization Support," which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/292,771 (now
U.S. Pat. No. 9,767,096), filed on May 30, 2014, entitled "Systems
and Methods for Internationalization Support," which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD
[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to
internationalization support, and more specifically, to
internationalization support of mobile devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Certain devices may be used to inspect a variety of systems
and facilities, such as power generation equipment and facilities,
oil and gas equipment and facilities, aircraft equipment and
facilities, manufacturing equipment and facilities, and the like.
The inspection equipment may include various non-destructive
inspection or non-destructive testing (NDT) mobile devices. For
example, video borescopes, portable eddy current inspection
devices, portable X-ray inspection devices, and the like, may be
used to observe or otherwise inspect the system and facilities
using non-destructive inspection techniques. The portable devices
may include text in one or more languages, useful in operating the
devices. For example, during equipment use, the equipment may
provide textual indications suitable for operations of the
equipment. It would be beneficial to improve the language support
of the aforementioned mobile devices.
SUMMARY
[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the
originally claimed invention are summarized below. These
embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed
invention, but rather these embodiments are intended only to
provide a brief summary of possible forms of the invention. Indeed,
the invention may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar
to or different from the embodiments set forth below.
[0005] In one embodiment, a system includes a portable
non-destructive testing (NDT) device. The NDT device includes a
display, a user interface, a memory storing an operations object
having a first text in a first language, and a processor. The
processor is configured to present the first text on the operations
object via the display during an operation of the portable NDT
device, and wherein the processor is configured to create a second
text in a second language via the user interface of the NDT device,
and to present the second text on the operations object as an
alternative to the first text via the display during the operation
of the NDT device.
[0006] In another embodiment, tangible, non-transitory, computer
readable medium storing executable instructions is provided. The
instructions are configured to present a first text in a first
language on an operations object via a display during an operation
of a mobile device. The instructions are additionally configured to
create a second text in a second language via a user interface of
the mobile device. The instructions are further configured to
present the second text via the operations object on the display as
an alternative to the first text during the operation of the mobile
device.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method includes presenting a
first text in a first language on an operations object via a
display during an operation of a portable non-destructive testing
(NDT) device. The method further includes creating a second text in
a second language via a user interface of the portable NDT device.
The method additionally includes presenting the second text via the
operations object on the display as an alternative to the first
text during the operation of the portable NDT device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of a plurality of
non-destructive testing (NDT) mobile systems including language
support (e.g. internationalization support), in accordance with
aspects of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a view of embodiments of a plurality of objects
that may provide for internationalization support;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process useful
in providing for internationalization support to the NDT systems of
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process useful
for creating a language in situ, by using the NDT devices of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process useful
for copying a language in situ, by using the NDT devices of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process
useful for editing a language in situ, by using the NDT devices of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a view of an embodiment of a graphical user
interface (GUI) screen that may provide for execution of the
processes of FIGS. 4-6;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a view of an embodiment of a GUI screen that may
provide for selection of one or more languages;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a view of an embodiment of a GUI screen that may
provide for editing and/or to additions of language text; and
[0018] FIG. 10 is a view of an embodiment of a GUI screen that may
provide for editing and/or to additions of media objects for
different languages.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In
an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments,
not all features of an actual implementation are described in the
specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of
any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design
project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to
achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of
design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill
having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0020] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the
present invention, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements.
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure may apply to a variety
of inspection and testing techniques, including non-destructive
testing (NDT) or inspection systems. In the NDT system, certain
systems such as borescopic inspection systems, weld inspection
systems, remote visual inspections, x-ray inspection, ultrasonic
inspection, eddy current inspection, and the like, may be used to
analyze and detect a variety of conditions, including but not
limited to corrosion, equipment wear and tear, cracking, leaks, and
so on. The NDT systems may include portable NDT systems that may be
useful in performing, for example, field testing and evaluation.
The portable NDT systems may include text and/or multimedia (e.g.,
images, video, audio) objects useful in providing menus,
instructions, button labels, and the like, suitable for operating
the system.
[0022] The text and multimedia objects, generally referred to
herein as "internationalization objects," may be presented during
operations of the portable NDT system in a variety of languages and
idioms. For example, a menu object labeled "Help" in English may be
labeled as "Ayuda" in Spanish, "Aider" in French, "Hilfe" in
German, and so on. Accordingly, an NDT user may select a language
appropriate to his or her background, and operate the portable NDT
system more efficiently. Likewise, multimedia, including images,
video, and/or audio, may provide for different presentations based
on the language or idiom selected. The techniques described herein
provide for in situ customization of the languages (text, images,
video, and audio) supported by the portable NDT systems. Indeed, a
user may edit an existing language, create a new language, or
create an existing language in the field, as described in more
detail below, to customize the language features supported. The
customizations may then be shared locally with other portable NDT
systems, e.g., through Wi-Fi, personal area networks (PANs),
Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick, Secure Digital (SD) cards,
and the like. The language customizations may also be distributed
more widely, for example, by uploading the language customizations
to a "cloud" system, a web site, an file transfer protocol (ftp)
server, and so on, suitable for then providing the language
customizations to any number of locations and user of the portable
NDT system. By enabling on-device customization of a variety of
language support features, the techniques described herein may
provide for improved operational effectiveness and user-centric
support.
[0023] By way of introduction, and turning now to FIG. 1, the
figure is a block diagram of embodiments of a variety of portable
NDT systems that may include the techniques described herein. In
the depicted embodiment, the portable NDT systems may include a
video borescope 12, an eddy current inspection device 14, a
transportable pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera 16, an ultrasonic flaw
detector 18, a portable the digital radiography device 20, and an
interface device 22. The interface device 22 may be a mobile device
(e.g., cell phone, laptop, tablet) communicatively coupled to the
aforementioned NDT systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 suitable for
providing enhanced visualization (e.g., at a larger screen
display), and for remote control and operations of the NDT systems
12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The NDT systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may
be connected to each other and/or to local servers (e.g., local
area network [LAN] servers), remote servers (e.g., wide area
network [WAN] servers), and "cloud" based devices and services. In
one embodiment, the interface device 22 may be a MENTOR.TM.
hardware device or software "app" executable via a mobile device
(e.g., cell phone, tablet) available from General Electric Company,
of Schenectady, N.Y. Likewise, the 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 devices
may also be available from General Electric Company, of
Schenectady, N.Y. It is also to be noted that, in another
embodiment, the borescope 12 may be an optical borescope (e.g.,
image only borescope).
[0024] The depicted NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 include
respective processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and memory 36, 38, 40,
42, 44, 46. The NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may additionally
include a communications system suitable for communicating with
other NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and with external systems
such as "cloud" based systems, servers, computing devices (e.g.,
tablets, workstations, laptops, notebooks), and the like. The
memory 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may include tangible storage suitable
for storing computer code or instructions implementing various
techniques described herein and executable via the respective
processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. The devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20,
22 may also include respective displays useful in visualizing the
techniques described herein. In operations, a user 48 may utilize
the NDT systems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to inspect facilities 50,
including facilities that may have equipment such as oil and gas
equipment 52, and may include locations such as the interior of
pipes or conduits 54, underwater (or underfluid) locations 56, and
difficult to observe locations such as locations having curves or
bends 58. Other systems 60 may also be inspected, such as aircraft
systems, power generation systems (gas turbines, steam turbines,
wind turbines, hydroturbines, combustion engines, generators,
electric motors), machinery (compressors, expanders, valves,
actuators), and the like, that may include conduits 62, various
surfaces 64 and 66, and may be used to find undesired cracks 68 or
to visualize parts 70, among many other uses. Accordingly, it may
be possible to enhance the visual observation of various equipment,
such as an aircraft system 60 and facilities 50, with x-ray
observation modalities, ultrasonic observation modalities, and/or
eddy current observation modalities. For example, the interior and
the walls of pipes 54, 58, 62 may be inspected for corrosion and/or
erosion. Likewise, obstructions or undesired growth inside of the
pipes 54, 58, 62 may be detected by using the devices 12, 14, 16,
18, 20 and/or 22. Similarly, fissures or cracks 68 disposed inside
of certain ferrous or non-ferrous material 64, 66 may be observed.
Additionally, the disposition and viability of parts 70 inserted
inside of a components may be verified. Indeed, by using the
techniques described herein, inspection of facilities 50 and
equipment 60 may be improved.
[0025] In operation, the user 48 may be presented with a number of
objects, included text objects, multimedia objects, and/or audio
objects, suitable for viewing and/or controlling operations of the
devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, such as the objects (e.g.,
operations objects) 80 depicted in FIG. 2. More specifically, the
objects 80 may be provided by the manufacturer of the devices 12,
14, 16, 18, 20, 22 as part of a graphical user interface (GUI)
and/or applications useful in operating the devices. For example,
the objects 80 may include a labeled button control 82 that may be
used to activate or deactivate components (hardware or software
components) of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. A labeled
radio button 84 may be used to select or deselect components of the
NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. A labeled textbox control 86
that may be used to display any number of textual data (e.g.,
sensor data, annotations, notes, time/date, parameter settings, and
so on). A video 88 may be used to display moving images. A labeled
checkbox control 90 may be used to check or uncheck features
(hardware or software features) of the NDT 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.
A labeled menu control 92 may be used to display hierarchical data.
A label display 94 may be used to display a static text and a
graphic, as desired. A labeled tip map control 96 may be used to
display a current tip position, for example, for the borescope's 12
tip.
[0026] Likewise, a labeled slider control 98 may be used to adjust
any number of hardware or software components, parameters, and so
on by "sliding" to a desired level. An icon 100 may be used to
display static images. An audio 102 may be used to provide audio
commands, voice annotations, audio instructions, and so on. A
labeled arrow control 104 may be used to point to image or video
features displayed by the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. A
labeled joystick 106 and control pad 108 may be used to manipulate
certain components (e.g., tip of the borescope 12) to dispose the
components into a desired position.
[0027] Similarly, a labeled grouping control 110 may be used to
"lasso" or group components in order to move the components, delete
the components from a screen, and so on. Indeed, any number of
visualizations, video, and/or audio may be presented by the NDT
devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 in a variety of languages or
customized for specific geographic locales. Advantageously, the
techniques described herein enable the objects 80, which may be
displayed in a variety of screens of the GUI (or applications)
executed by the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to be customized
by creating a new language, creating a new language based on an
existing language, and editing an existing language, as described
in more detail below with respect to FIG. 3. It is noted that the
applications utilizing the objects 80 may additionally include
third-party applications downloaded into the devices 12, 14, 16,
18, 20, 22 via, for example, a "cloud" store.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart view of an embodiment of a process 120
that may be used, for example, by the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22 to provide for internationalization customization support.
The process 120 may be implemented as computer code or instructions
executable via the processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and stored in
memories 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. In the depicted embodiment, the
process 120 may first enable the user 48 to select (block 122) an
internationalization customization. For example, the process 120
may present, in a configuration GUI screen of the NDT devices 12,
14, 16, 18, 20, 22 an option to customize the international support
provided by the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.
[0029] Once the user 48 may selects (block 122) customization of
the international support, the process 120 may then enable the user
to create (block 124) a new language, create (block 126) a new
language based on an existing language, and/or edit (block 128) an
existing language. To create (block 124) the new language (e.g., to
create text as new), the process 120 may provide a list of the
objects 80 having blank text or blank multimedia so as to enable
the user 48 to add the missing text and multimedia in situ in the
new language, as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4.
Likewise, to create (block 126) the new language based on an
existing language, the process 120 may first create a language copy
based on an existing language, and then provide the language copy
to the user 48 to edit on a display of the NDT device 12, 14, 16,
18, 20, 22 as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5.
Similarly, to edit (block 128) an existing language, the process
120 may provide for a list of the objects 80 to enable the user to
modify the objects 80, as desired, to customize an existing
language, as described in more detail below with respect to FIG.
6.
[0030] The process 120 may then distribute (block 130) the new
language and/or edited languages, to interested entities. In one
embodiment, one of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may
communicatively couple with another of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16,
18, 20, 22 and transmit the new language or language
customizations, for example, via wireless techniques such as Wi-Fi
(e.g., IEEE 802.11x), Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, a personal area
network, a mesh network, a wired Ethernet network, and the like.
Additionally or alternatively, the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20,
22 may include a USB port and/or a SD card port suitable for the
insertion of a Flash drive or SD card, which may be used to first
store the new language or language customizations, and then to
distribute to other NDT devices 12 also via the USB port and/or SD
card port. Similarly, a USB cable, serial cable, Ethernet cable,
and the like may be used to connect two NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22 together to transfer the new language and/or language
customizations. The NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may also
transmit the new language and/or language customizations to LAN
servers, WAN servers, and "cloud" devices and services, for further
storage and distribution.
[0031] It is to be noted that certain distribution (block 130)
techniques including wireless and/or wired techniques may use
minimal or no outside infrastructure (e.g., servers, routers,
switches and the like) other than the infrastructure included in
the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 themselves. In other
embodiments, the new language and/or language customizations may be
uploaded to a "cloud" storage, external server, and the like, and
used for further distribution to other NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22 disposed in various locations. By providing for a variety of
distribution techniques (block 130), including techniques that use
minimal or no outside infrastructure, the disclosed embodiments may
enable a more efficient work environment providing for custom or
new languages created in the field and distributed to a wide
variety of interested parties.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing further details of an
embodiment of the process 124 (shown in FIG. 3) that may be used,
for example, by the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to create a
new language suitable for use-in a new location. The process 124
may be implemented as computer code or instructions executable via
the processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and stored in memories 36,
38, 40, 42, 44, 46. In the depicted embodiment, the process 124 may
begin by creating (block 142) a new language data structure. The
new language data structure may include an XML file, a relational
database, a binary file, or combinations thereof, suitable for
storing language text labels and/or multimedia associated with the
objects 80 (shown with FIG. 2). Accordingly, the process 124 may
then present (block 144) a list of objects 80. In one embodiment,
the presentation (block 144) may be provided by screens or views
displayable via the GUI of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.
That is, in one embodiment, a set of screens may be displayed one
screen at a time, each screen corresponding to an operation of the
NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Each screen may include one or
more objects 80, with each object 80 displayed as blank (e.g.,
missing labels or associated missing multimedia). In another
embodiment, an alphabetical list objects 80 or a list of objects 80
ordered by any suitable ordering key, such as by object type, by
the order in which objects 80 are presented to the user during
operations of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and so on may
be provided.
[0033] The user 48 may then use the GUI to add (block 146) text to
the objects 80 in the new language. The process 124 may thus enable
the user 48 to type in or otherwise add text or textural
description associated with objects 80 in the new language.
Likewise, the process 124 may present (block 148) a list of
multimedia objects 80, such as videos 88, graphics or icons 100,
and/or audio 102. In one embodiment, the NDT devices 12, 14, 16,
18, 20, 22 may include multimedia capture devices such as a camera,
video camera, microphone, and the like, and these multimedia
capture devices may be used to capture video 88, images 100, and/or
audio 102, to create or add (block 150) multimedia associated with
the new language created. In another embodiment, an external camera
or media capturing device may be used, and the media transferred to
the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.
[0034] The multimedia objects may then be presented by the process
124 by listing the multimedia (block 148) according to the screen
presentations as mentioned above, or by any other ordering desired,
such as the order in which the multimedia is presented to the user
during operations of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Once
all desired multimedia is added (block 150), the process 124 may
then save (block 152) the new language in the data structure that
was created at block 142. By providing for in situ creation of the
new language, the process 124 may enable a more customized
presentation of a variety of operation of objects 80 in a variety
of geographical locales.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 5, the figure is a flowchart showing
further details of an embodiment of the process 126 (shown in FIG.
3) suitable for creating a new language based on an existing
language. As mentioned above, the process 126 may be implemented as
computer code or instruction executable via the processors 24, 26,
28, 30, 32, 34 and stored in memories 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. In
the depicted embodiment, the process 126 may first create a new
copy of an existing language data structure (block 156). As
mentioned earlier, the new copy data structure may include XML
files, XAML files, relational database tables, binary files, and
other data structures suitable for storing text and/or other
multimedia. The process 126 may then present (block 158) a list of
the copied text found in the original language used to create the
copy. The list of text and associated objects 80 may be presented
for example by enabling the user to navigate through a list of
screens, such as the screens that comprise the GUI of the NDT
devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and/or 22. The list of text may be
presented alphabetically, or in any other ordering. The process 126
may then enable the user 48 to edit (block 160) the presented
text.
[0036] The text may be edited, for example, by providing a virtual
keyboard on the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or a physical
keyboard so that the user may make any modification or changes to
the language. For example the user may add a new word to a phrase
in the desired language to translate the copied language. The
process 126 may then present (block 162) a list of multimedia that
was copied from the previous language. The multimedia may include,
for example, video 88, images or icons 100, and/or audio 102. The
list of copied multimedia may be presented (block 162) for example
by navigating through a list of screens that comprise the GUI of
the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 sequential as a list of
multimedia objects, or by any other ordering mechanism.
[0037] The process 126 may then enable the editing (block 164) of
the presented multimedia. For example, a multimedia editor such a
video editor, an image or graphical editor, and/or an audio editor
may be provided, executable via the processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32,
34 and suitable for making modification of the presented
multimedia. The multimedia editor(s) may additionally provide for
downloads of additional multiple media to further customize the
language that has been copied. The process 126 may then save (block
166) the copied language as a new language. The language may be
saved as a XML file, a relational database set of tables, binary
files, or any other storage data structure, suitable for storing
textual and/or multimedia objects. By providing for capabilities to
copy an existing language and to edit the copy, the techniques
described herewith may enable a quicker customization of existing
languages, for example allowing the creation of a variety of idioms
based on an existing language at field locations. For example, a
Standard English language may be copied and subsequently edited to
derive an American English, a British English, and so on.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing further details of an
embodiment of the process 128 (shown in FIG. 3) that may be used to
provide for editing of the language objects 80. The process 128 may
be implemented as computer code or instruction executable via the
processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and stored in memories 36, 38,
40, 42, 44, 46. In the depicted embodiment, the process 128 may
present (block 168) a list of text of the language that has been
selected to edit. The list of text may be present by navigating
through a series of screens that comprise the GUI of the NDT
devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or by presenting in a single screen
the text that makes up the language to be edited, ordered, for
example, alphabetically or by any other ordering system.
[0039] The process 128 may then enable the user 48 to edit (block
170) the text, for example, by providing a virtual or physical
keyboard suitable for manipulating the text on the NDT devices 12,
14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The text may be edited (block 170), for example
by modifying words, adding words, deleting words and so on.
[0040] Once the text has been edited (block 170) as desired, the
process 128 may then present (block 172) a list of multimedia to
edit. The list of multimedia may be presented, for example, by
listing the multimedia in a series of screens that comprise the GUI
of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The list of multimedia
may be presented in a single screen or in a plurality of screens,
and ordered, for example by alphabetical label order, by order of
presentation in the GUI of the multimedia, or by any other desired
ordering. The process 128 may then enable the user 48 to edit
(block 174) the presented multimedia. For example, as mentioned
earlier, one or more multimedia editors, such as video editors,
image editors, audio editors, and the like, may be provided,
executable by the processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. Accordingly,
the user 48 may edit the multimedia on the NDT devices 12, 14, 16,
18, 20, 22 to more easily customize the multimedia associated with
the language undergoing editing. Advantageously, the multimedia may
be edited, for example, to better adhere to culture norms of the
locale of use of the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The
process 128 may then save the changes (block 176) and thus provide
the user 48 with enhanced customizations of a preexisting language
to more efficiently operate in a different geographical locale.
[0041] It is to be noted that the techniques described herein may
provide for voice input and voice output (e.g., text-to-speech
output). For example, the processes 120, 124, 126, and/or 128 may
receive voice commands and voice data as input and, for example,
translate the data into text. Accordingly, a user may speak into
the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 rather than or as an
alternative to typing input data. Similarly, NDT devices 12, 14,
16, 18, 20, 22 may provide voice as output, useful in situations
where the user may be more engaged visually in inspecting
activities.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a view of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 180
that may be included in the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
showing further details of a GUI 182 that may be used by the user
48 to provide the techniques described herein. While the figure
depicts the LCD panel 180, it is to be understood that other panels
and/or displays may be used, such as organic light-emitting
displays (OLED), eyeglass mounted displays, cathode ray tube (CRT)
displays, and so on. The GUI 182 includes a screen 184 having a
status bar 186 and buttons 188, 190, 192, 194. The GUI 182 may be
executed by the processors 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and stored in the
memories 36, 38, 40, 42, 40, 46. In operations, the GUI 182 may
present in status bar 186 a label, such as a label displaying
"internationalization options" to inform the user of configurations
available related to the internationalization of NDT devices 12,
14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Accordingly, the button 188 may be activated to
create a new language, for example by executing the process 124 as
described above with respect to FIGS. 3, 4. Likewise the button 190
may be activated to execute the process 126, suitable for creating
a new language based on an existing language as described above in
more detail with respect to FIG. 3, 5.
[0043] Similarly, the button 192 may be activated to execute the
process 128, suitable for editing an existing language, as
described above in more detail above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 6.
The button 194 may be activated to exit or otherwise cancel
operations of the screen 184. The buttons 188, 190, 192, 194, may
be, for example virtual buttons disposed on a touch screen that may
be activated based on a user's finger touch. Other activation
techniques may be used, additional or alternative to the buttons
188, 190, 192, 194, such as menus, voice control, mouse
activations, and so on. Additionally, other buttons may include
`Save` buttons in any of the screens described herein, useful in
saving a draft of current work.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 8, the figure depicts an embodiment of
the LCD panel 180 where the GUI 182 is displaying a screen 195. In
the depicted embodiment, the screen 195 displays a selection box
196 and a list of languages 198, 200, 202, and 204 in a screen
portion 206. The user 48 may select, for example, by touching a
touch screen, by manipulating a physical (or virtual) joystick, or
by any other techniques, any one of the languages 198, 200, 202,
204. Once a language is selected, the screen 195 may display the
selected language in selection box 196. Also depicted is an
instructional text 210 that provides the user 48 with instructions
related to the use of the screen 195.
[0045] In the depicted embodiment, a button 212 is provided,
suitable for executing the editing process 128 that enables the
selected language to be edited. Likewise, a button 214 is provided,
suitable for executing the copying process 126 for the selected
language. A cancel button 216 is additionally provided, suitable
for canceling operations of the screen 195. As mentioned above, the
buttons 212, 214, 216 may be virtual buttons but other activation
techniques may additionally or alternatively be used. By providing
the screen 195, a variety of languages may be more easily and
efficiently customized in the field via the NDT devices 12, 14, 16,
18, 20, 22.
[0046] FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the LCD panel 180 where the
GUI 182 is displaying a screen 220 that may be used to edit and/or
to add language text. In the depicted embodiment, a string editor
222 is provided. In one embodiment, the string editor 222 may
include techniques such as auto completion, where the user 48 may
only type a portion of text and the editor may present various
options to finish typing the remaining text. Auto translate may
also be used, where the user 48 types text and the editor 222 may
automatically translates the text to a desired language, for
example, via local databases (e.g., databases included in a local
language translation system executable by processors 24, 26, 28,
30, 32, 34 and stored in the memory 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) or
remote services (e.g., "cloud" translation services).
[0047] Text controls 224 and 226 may be sized to fit in certain
portions of various screens of the GUI 182. Accordingly, the
techniques described herein enable a user to edit text respecting
size constraints so as to not overhang or over fit desired areas.
For example a text 228 in French is presented inside of the button
224, based on an English text 230. As the user types the text 228,
the screen 220 inserts the text into the button 224. Additional
text may result in the text not fitting within the area of the
button 224. In such event, screen 220 may stop entering text or may
warn the user 48. For example, a pop-up dialog box or a visual (or
audio) indication that the text 228 no longer fits may be
provided.
[0048] Likewise, the depicted embodiment shows an English text 231
and an equivalent French text 232. The text 232 being disposed
inside of the control 226 (e.g., a text label box 226). As the user
48 translates the text 231 into the text 232 and types the text 232
inside the control 226, the user can visually track the amount of
text that may comfortably fit inside of the control 226.
Accordingly, the GUI 182 may provide visual indications suitable
for determining whether certain translations would fit inside a
certain portions of the GUI 182. Additionally or alternatively, the
GUI 182 may stop enabling the entering of additionally text 232
once the text 228 or 232 reaches a certain size.
[0049] Also depicted are fonts controls, such as the font sizing
controls 234 and 236. In use, the user 48 may select, for example,
the text 228 and/or the text 232, and then activate the button 234
to reduce font size, for example, to enable longer strings to fit
within the controls 224 and/or 226. Likewise, the user may select
the text 228 and/or 232 and then subsequently activate button 236
to enlarge the text. Other controls not shown may be provided, such
as controls that provide for changing properties of the text 228,
226, such as font type, font color, the use of bolding, the use of
italics, the use of various font types (e.g., Verdana, Times New
Roman, as well as Unicode fonts such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese,
and so on). Indeed, a wide variety of properties for the text 228,
232 may be changed via the GUI 182 to provide for enhanced user
customization of the edited or created language.
[0050] The GUI 182 may additionally include certain techniques
useful in translating and manipulating text. For example, a button
238 is depicted, suitable for enabling machine translation. In use,
the text 230 and/or 231 may be selected and the button 238 may then
be activated. The user may additionally or alternatively type text
in a first language in the controls 224, 232, and then activate the
button 238 to convert the typed text into a second language. By
activating the button 238, a translation of the text may be
provided, for example through an internal database or through an
external translation service, such as "cloud" services (e.g.,
Google Translate, Babelfish, Bing Translator). The activation of
the button 238 may additionally interface with a human translator
to provided translation services. Additionally, a button 240 is
provided, suitable for performing spell checking and/or grammar
checking of the text 230, 232. For example the spell check may
provided by accessing an internal spell check of the NDT devices
12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 that includes support for a variety of
languages. Additionally or alternatively, the spell check 240 may
be provided by accessing an external service or database that may
perform, for example, an automatic spell check and/or grammar check
of text provided. In this manner, the user more efficiently
translates the text 230, 231, into the text 228, 232 thus
minimizing an amount of translation effort.
[0051] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the LCD panel 180 where the
GUI 182 is displaying a screen 250. The screen 250 may be used to
edit or replace (e.g., replacing by creating as new), multimedia of
various types. The multimedia, as described above, may include
video 88, images or icons 100, and/or audio 102. During operations
the user 48 may select one more of the media 88, 100, 102 for
example, by checking the appropriate check box 252, 254, 256. In
use, an edit button 258 may be activated, which may then launch a
media editor suitable for editing the appropriate media based on
media type. The media editor may include a video editor, an audio
editor, an image editor, or a combination thereof. The media editor
may be executed by respective processors in the NDT device 12, 14,
16, 18, 20, and 22 and may thus be launched by the GUI 182 to edit
the appropriate media type. In another embodiment, the edit button
258 may activate an external editor, such as an editor provided via
a cloud system suitable for editing the appropriate media type.
[0052] Should the user 48 desire to replace the depicted media 88,
100, 102 the user 48 may activate a replace button 260, which may
then provide for a facility to either upload a new replacement
media, for example by connecting to an external or internal media
library, or, may provide for a facility to replace the media by
creating a new media. For example, the NDT devices 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, and 22 may include a camera, a microphone, and/or a touch
screen media creation software, such as an image creation program,
which may enable the user 48 to capture and create replace various
media. A cancel button 262 is also provided, which may be used to
exit the screen 250 once the user 48 is done performing any tasks
associated with the screen 250. By providing for a variety of
techniques to edit, replace, and/or create a variety of media
types, the disclosure described herein enables a more efficient
customization of languages that may provide for a more efficient
and user focused language customization in a variety of geographic
locales.
[0053] It is also to be noted that, in one embodiment, a first user
may view one or more operations objects 80 in a first language in a
first screen, and also view one or more operations objects 80 in a
second language in a second screen. In another embodiment, the
first user may view one or more operations objects 80 in the first
language in a first screen, and a second user may view one or more
operations objects 80 the second screen. Indeed, the NDT devices
12, 14, 16, 18, 22 may display more than one language each language
in a different screen, or multiple languages in the same screen,
with portions of the screen displaying different languages.
[0054] Technical effects of the invention include providing for an
NDT system useful in increasing customization support of a variety
of languages in situ. Once customized, the languages may be
provided to a variety of interested entities, both local and
remote, thus increasing collaboration between parties, including
but not limited to asset owners, inspection solution providers,
regulatory entities, asset OEMs, asset inspection providers, and
application developers.
[0055] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *