FIFTH CANADIAN CONFERENCE ON NONDESTRUCTIVE ... - IAEA

2.4 Data Processing Subsystem
2.4.1 General Design
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The data processing subsystem is the heart of the R'Eddy Record system. It
provides user friendly operation of the overall system by means of an
interactive menu which leads the operator through the entire inspection.
The major functions of the data processing subsystem are:
i) Scanning and display parameter set generation through the interactive
nenu. Up to 16 distinct parameter sets can be created and stored in
memory.
ii) Storage and retrieval of scanning and display parameters on digital
cassette for quick recall.
iii) Transfer of scan pattern to probe drive controller,
iv) Data acquisition,
v) On-line graphic display of data,
vi) Automatic hardcopy at the end of each scan,
vii) Tubesheet signal pattern recognition to allow the scan to end at the
far tubesheet. This allows tubes of varying length to be scanned
without the probe exiting the far end of the tube and getting caught
on retraction,
viii) The generation of record identifiers and distance encoding for both
strip chart and FM analog recordings,
ix) The automatic control of FM analog recorders,
x) Voice synthesis of the tube number (as keyed in by the operator) and
scan status on scan completion. This voice synthesis can be broadcast
over a speaker and on the voice channel of the analog recorder,
xi) Automatic playback of tape records incorporating high speed search for
tube or print numbers,
xii) Overall system coordination.
The data processing subsystem is modular and structured; operator interaction
is centered around the menu. A main menu page gives the operator a number of
tasks which the system will execute and which the operator invokes by
number. Tasks that do not lead directly to scanning automatically return to
the main menu page with the task listing. Tasks that lead directly to tube
scanning allow the analyst the option to return to the menu before scanning
commences. During scanning, allowed operator inputs are displayed on a two
line display on the operator terminal. The operator can exit the scanning
sequence back to the menu by single key operation at selected points.
Data acquisition is based on an interrupt driven data acquisition format that
ensures a minimum of one point (X,Y) of data is collected for every 0.4 mm of
probe travel. As data is collected, it is displayed as separated features on
a monochrome monitor.