Method of automating a thermographic inspection process

Abstract

A process for using a hand-held infrared inspection system incorporating on-board training, on-board validation, on-board operator certification, on-board reporting information, or on-board survey instructions. Improved methods for automating area surveys are provided through exception-driven surveillance practices. Imbedded information enables less experienced operators to use more sophisticateddevices more effectively. Validation or certification assures operator knowledge or ability. Multilevel classification of anomalies aids in automated analysis and report generation.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to inspection of humans, animals, areas, facilities, machinery, and equipment for diagnosis and treatment in the case of humans and animals, surveillance in the case of areas, and inspection repair and preventive maintenance in the case of machinery and equipment field. More particularly, the present invention relates to infrared cameras and other camera inspection systems for these purposes. Background technique [0002] Visual inspection of humans, animals, machinery, and equipment, as well as general surveillance of areas and facilities, are sometimes accomplished through the use of cameras that detect the infrared spectrum and provide a visual image of the field of view. Some of these cameras provide more detailed thermal information and are known as thermographic imaging systems. Many such cameras are hand-held and contain microprocessors with built-in digital memory to capture and record images. The camera often h...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Inappropriate camera settings, failure to inspect important mechanical features, and errors in documenting inspection results occur so often that they create serious problems when implementing current technology

Images