QR code recognition for device settings and measurement

Abstract

A pyrometer configured to scan a code and retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the code. The pyrometer operational data being associated with a target object. The pyrometer controls a light detector according to the pyrometer operational data to measure a temperature of the target object and display the measured temperature on a display screen.

Description

QR CODE RECOGNITION FOR DEVICE SETTINGS AND MEASUREMENTFIELD

[0001] A system and method for QR code recognition for device settings and measurement.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional handheld pyrometers are utilized to measure temperatures of high- temperature target objects from a safe measurement distance. However, each target object may require the use of different pyrometer operational parameters and user instructions for accurately performing the measurement. Due to human error, sometimes the pyrometer operational parameters are incorrectly set and / or user performs the measurements incorrectly. This is especially troublesome in an industrial environment where a user utilizes the pyrometer to take measurements of multiple target objects within a facility. Thus, there is a need to avoid human error in pyrometer measurements.SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a pyrometer comprising at least one light detector, a camera operable to scan a code, a display screen, and a processor configured to retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the code, the pyrometer operational data associated with a target object, and control the pyrometer according to the retrieved pyrometer operational data, by controlling the light detector to measure a temperature of the target object and displaying the measured temperature on the display screen.

[0004] In embodiments of this aspect, the light detector is configured to detect infrared (IR) light emitted from the target object, the camera is a red-green-blue (RGB) camera, and the display screen is a touch screen.

[0005] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor is further configured to retrieve the pyrometer operational data from internal memory of the pyrometer.

[0006] In embodiments of this aspect, the pyrometer comprises a wireless transceiver, wherein the processor is further configured to utilize the wireless transceiver to retrieve the pyrometer operational data from a remote device and transmit the measured temperature to the remote device.

[0007] In embodiments of this aspect, the pyrometer operational data comprises pyrometer settings of at least one of emissivity, distance-to-spot ratio, temperature units, alarm settings, data logging, and response time.

[0008] In embodiments of this aspect, the code is a QR code.

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a pyrometer comprising a light detector, a camera operable to scan a code, a display screen, and a processor configured to retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the code, the pyrometer operational data associated with a target object and comprising user measurement instructions for instructing the user to perform the measurement of the target object, and display the user measurement instructions on the display screen.

[0010] In embodiments of this aspect, the user measurement instructions indicate a duration of the measurement.

[0011] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor is further configured to vary the user measurement instructions as the user performs the measurement of the target object.

[0012] In embodiments of this aspect, the user measurement instructions indicate when the measurement is complete.

[0013] In embodiments of this aspect, the user measurement instructions comprise target aiming instructions for instructing the user to aim the pyrometer at the target object.

[0014] In embodiments of this aspect, the code is a QR code.

[0015] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a pyrometer comprising a light detector, a camera operable to capture an image, a display screen, and a processor configured to analyze the image captured by the camera to detect a target object within the image, retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the target object, and control the pyrometer according to the retrieved pyrometer operational data, by controlling the light detector to measure a temperature of the target object, and display the measured temperature on the display screen.

[0016] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor is configured to detect the target object within the image via an image segmentation technique.

[0017] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor actuates the pyrometer to trigger the temperature measurement of the target object when the pyrometer is aimed at the detected target object.

[0018] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor actuates the pyrometer to stop the measurement when the pyrometer is not aimed at the detected target object.

[0019] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor actuates the pyrometer to perform the measurement for a set duration.

[0020] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a pyrometer comprising a light detector, a camera operable to capture one or more images, a display screen, and a processorconfigured to analyze the one or more images captured by the camera to detect a target object and an event of the target object, retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the target object within the event, control the pyrometer according to the retrieved pyrometer operational data, by controlling the light detector to measure a temperature of the target object, and display the measured temperature on the display screen.

[0021] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor is configured to detect the event via motion detection of the target object and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.

[0022] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor is configured to detect the event via a detected change in size of the target object and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.

[0023] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor is configured to detect the event via a change in shape of the target object and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.

[0024] In embodiments of this aspect, the processor is configured to analyze motion of machinery operating on the target object, to detect the event, and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to example embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only example embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective example embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a handheld pyrometer, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of internal components of the handheld pyrometer, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the hardware components of the handheld pyrometer, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the handheld pyrometer capturing an image of a QR code, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of the handheld pyrometer capturing an image of a target object and measuring the temperature of the target object, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a screenshot of the handheld pyrometer screen capturing an image of a target object and measuring the temperature of the target object, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows various screenshots of the handheld pyrometer screen capturing an image of a target object, measuring the temperature of the target object, and displaying settings and user instructions, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the handheld pyrometer in communication with a smart device and a backend server, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 9A shows a flowchart of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and utilizing operational data to perform a measurement based on the scanned QR code, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 9B shows a flowchart of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and displaying operational data including measurement instructions based on the scanned QR code, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 9C shows a flowchart of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based a detected image of the target object, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9D shows a flowchart of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based a detected event within an image of the target object, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 9E shows a diagram of the handheld pyrometer capturing sequential images of a gob a glass being formed, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram of a user using the handheld pyrometer to take sequential measurements of various target objects in a facility, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the user using the handheld pyrometer to take sequential measurements of various target objects in a facility, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of the components and steps, the numerical expressions, and the numerical values set forth in these example embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless it is specifically stated otherwise. The following description of at least one example embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or its uses. Techniques, methods and apparatus as known by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail but are intended to be part of the specification where appropriate. In all the examples illustrated and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted to be illustrative and non-limiting. Thus, other example embodiments could have different values. Notice that similar reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and thus once an item is defined in one figure, it is possible that it need not be further discussed for the following figures. Below, the example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0042] Handheld pyrometers are utilized by users (e.g., technicians) to measure temperatures of high-temperature target objects from a safe measurement distance. Each target object, however, is unique, and may require the use of different pyrometer operational parameters (e.g., target emissivity, distance-to-spot ratio, temperature units, alarm settings, data logging, response time, measurement statistics, etc.) and user instructions (e.g., instructions on how and where to aim the pyrometer, when to take the measurements, how long to take the measurements, history of previous measurements taken at this location, etc.). A goal of the disclosure is to provide a handheld pyrometer automatically adjusts pyrometer operational parameters and / or displays user instructions for accurately measuring the temperature of a corresponding target object.

[0043] The disclosure herein provides various benefits including but not limited minimizing or eliminating human error and reducing user burden by automatically adjusting pyrometer operational parameters and / or displaying user instructions to ensure that the user is accurately handling the pyrometer, and that the pyrometer is accurately measuring the temperature of the target object. In one example, these goals may be achieved by a handheld pyrometer that captures an image of a code (e.g., QR code) associated with a target object and automatically operates certain features of the pyrometer based on data associated with the QR code. For example, a QR code may be placed in proximity to the target object, and the pyrometer may use an integrated camera to capture an image of the QR code. The pyrometer may thenretrieve operational parameters associated with the QR code. These operational parameters may include operational parameters of the pyrometer, user instructions for performing the measurement, and more. In other words, the pyrometer is able to retrieve and utilize operational parameters associated with the QR code to adjust the operation of the pyrometer and to instruct the user on how to accurately perform the measurement for a given target object. In one example, each target object would have a unique QR code and unique operational parameters that are retrievable by the pyrometer upon scanning the QR code.

[0044] For clarity, it will be appreciated, by persons of ordinary skill in the art, that embodiments of the handheld pyrometer disclosed herein encompass capturing an image of a code associated with a target object and then automatically actuating operating features of the pyrometer based on data associated with the code. The "code" refers to any representation of data in visual machine-readable form that can be scanned by optical scanners. Some examples include ID and 2D barcodes or matrix codes. For efficiency purposes, throughout the specification, reference will be made to a QR code as an example of one embodiment of a "code". However, it will be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the specification shall not be limited to that one embodiment.

[0045] It is further clarified that in some embodiments, the operational parameters of the pyrometer may be captured via a wireless technology standard used for short or long-range communication or via radio waves. Some examples may include WiFi communication, Bluetooth connectivity, or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to name a few. For efficiency purposes, throughout the specification, reference is made to capturing the operational parameters via optical scanners as an example of one embodiment of capturing the operational parameters. However, it will be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the specification shall not be limited to that one embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a handheld pyrometer 100, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Pyrometer 100 is a handled device having a hard body made from molded materials such as plastic. Specifically, pyrometer 100 includes a measurement head 102 including temperature sensor 104, camera 106 and display screen 107, handle 110 including trigger 108 and battery 112. During operation, the user (e.g., technician) holds pyrometer 100 by handle 110 and aims camera 106 towards a code (e.g., QR code). Camera 106 captures an image of the QR code either automatically or in response to an action from the user such as a user tapping the screen. For example, the user may aim the camera at the QR code and tap the QR code displayed on screen 107 to initiate the capturing of the image. In another example, the user could pull trigger 108 to capture theimage of the QR code. For example, the pyrometer could analyze objects in the field of view (FOV) of the camera to determine if a QR code is present the FOV. In response to determining that a QR code is present in the FOV, the pyrometer may allow trigger 108 to initiate capturing of an image of the QR code. An internal processor (not shown) within the pyrometer controls pyrometer operation and determines the code associated with the QR code and uses the code to retrieve operational parameters of the pyrometer. These operational parameters may be stored local to the pyrometer or may be wirelessly retrieved from remote devices (e.g., smartphone, PC, server, etc.). In other words, operational parameters for the target object may be pre-stored in conjunction with the corresponding QR code. In either case, once the operational parameters are retrieved, the pyrometer may adjust the appropriate operational parameters and / or display measurement instructions to the user via a screen 107. When measuring the temperature of the target object, the user aims temperature sensor 104 towards the target object and pulls trigger 108. During this time, screen 107 may display instructions to the user (e.g., aiming instructions, measurement duration instructions, etc.). Although not shown, pyrometer 100 may also include a laser for aiding the user in aiming the pyrometer at the target object. Once complete, the measurement information may be stored locally within pyrometer memory (not shown) and / or may be wirelessly transmitted to remote devices (e.g., smartphone, PC, server, etc.).

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional diagram 200 of the internal components of the handheld pyrometer, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The head of the pyrometer includes a pyrometer module 204, a camera 206, trigger 207 and batteries 208 and a processor 214. The pyrometer module 204 includes a lens 205 and a light detector 216. The light detector 216 may take the form of a Si detector, InGaAs detector, or the like for detecting temperature of target objects. The lens 205 may serve to focus the light (e.g., infrared) emitted by the target object toward the detector 216. The camera 206 is useful for capturing images of QR codes and / or images of the target objects, and the processor 214 for controlling the overall operation of the pyrometer. It will be appreciated that the pyrometer may include a memory embedded within the pyrometer device and / or a remote memory storage communicatively coupled to the pyrometer device. The handle of the pyrometer includes trigger mechanism 207 communicatively coupled to processor 214, and batteries 208 which may or may not be rechargeable and / or removable from the pyrometer. For example, a power cord may electrically connect to a power port (not shown) in the pyrometer body for supplying electrical power to batteries 208. Alternatively, batteries 208 may be physically removed from the pyrometer, charged in an external charging station (notshown), and then reinserted into the pyrometer. In either case, during operation, when trigger mechanism 207 is pulled by the user, processor 214 (e.g., trigger sensor) detect the trigger pull and controls the camera 206 to capture images of the QR codes and / or target objects and then controls the temperature sensor 204 to capture temperature measurements and / or images of the target object. Control of the camera 206 and temperature sensor 204 may be sequential and / or simultaneous. In other words, the camera 206 may be used to capture images prior to the sensor 204 measuring temperature, or the camera 206 may capture images at the same time the sensor 204 is measuring temperature.

[0048] Although FIG. 2 shows example hardware of the pyrometer, FIG. 3 also shows a block diagram of the hardware components 300 of the handheld pyrometer, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, the pyrometer includes various hardware components. These components may include processor 302 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), etc.), display screen 304 (e.g., light emitting diode (LED) screen), wireless transceiver 306 (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), feedback devices 308 (e.g., speaker, tactile vibration motor, etc.), battery 310 (e.g., rechargeable lithium-ion) for powering the pyrometer components, camera 312 (e.g., red-green-blue (RGB) camera), detector 314 (e.g., optical detector) and input devices 316 (e.g., trigger, buttons, etc.).

[0049] During operation, processor 302 controls the overall operation of the pyrometer hardware components. For example, when the user pulls the trigger, input device 316 sends a signal to processor 302. This signal triggers processor 302 to control the camera 312 to capture images of the QR code and / or target object, control detector 314 to measure temperature of the target object, and control display screen 304 to display images of the QR code and / or the target object along with other data to be viewed by the user. Audio or tactile feedback may also be provided to the user via feedback devices 308. The audio or tactile feedback, for example, may notify the user to start or stop measurements or aid the user in aiming the pyrometer at the target object or QR code.

[0050] It is noted that temperature detector 314 may be an optical detector including various components (not shown) such as a lightguide for collecting the light radiating from the hot object, a wavelength selected filter for blocking unwanted wavelengths of light and passing desirable wavelengths of light correlating with heat intensity (e.g., infrared (IR), near infrared, etc.), and a photo detector (e.g., solid state detector) for generating an electrical signal in response to the light passing through the filter. The electrical output from the photo detector may be sent to an amplifier and then to an analog-to-digital converter before being input to processor 302 for analysis. The processor may process the digitized photo detectorsignal to determine the intensity of the heat which may correlate to the intensity of the received light (i.e., amplitude of the digitized signal). The analysis, for example, may include the average amplitude of the digitized signal over a period of time, and may or may not take into account amplitude spikes during the measurement duration.

[0051] FIGS. 4 and 5 below describe an example sequence of events performed by the user holding the pyrometer. In FIG. 4, the user utilizes the pyrometer to capture an image of QR code 404 associated with a target object. The QR code 404 may be located in the vicinity (e.g., on a wall 408 or stand) of the target object (e.g., blast furnace 406). After the QR code 404 is captured, the pyrometer retrieves operational parameters, and in FIG. 5, the user utilizes the pyrometer based on the retrieved operational parameters to measure the temperature of the target object.

[0052] Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a diagram 400 of the handheld pyrometer capturing an image 407 of a QR code, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Pyrometer 402 may include a display screen 402A (e.g., touch screen), trigger 402B and power button 402C. During operation, the user powers ON the pyrometer via power button 402C and aims the camera (not shown) at QR code 404 such that the QR code 404 is in the camera FOV 402D. As mentioned above, the QR code 404 may be in physical vicinity of the target object. For example, if the target object is a blast furnace 406, the QR code 404 can be located on a wall 408 or stand nearby the blast furnace 406 which makes it more intuitive for the end user (i.e., the user knows to scan the QR code 404 before taking the measurement). The camera may automatically capture an image 407 of QR code 404 or may be triggered to capture an image 407 of QR code 404 by the user pulling trigger 402B, pushing another tactile button or by touching a region (e.g., soft button) on touch screen 402A. In either case, the processor controls the camera to capture an image 407 of QR code 404, analyzes the image 407 to determine the QR code 404 and then retrieves operational parameters associated with the QR code 404.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a diagram 500 of the handheld pyrometer capturing an image 503 of a target object 504 and measuring the temperature of the target object 504, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, once the operational parameters are retrieved in FIG. 4, the user may then begin temperature measurements of the target object 504. In one example, the pyrometer may include targeting lasers 502 for aiding the user in properly aiming the temperature detector towards the target object 504 which is shown as blast furnace in FIG. 5. For example, the user aims the lasers 502 towards the blast furnace 504 and views an image 503 of the blast furnace and resultant temperature reading ontouch screen 402A. User instructions (not shown) may also be displayed on touch screen 402A. These user instructions may be part of the operational parameters retrieved in FIG. 4. In either case, the pyrometer utilizes the operational parameters retrieved in FIG. 4 to capture the temperature measurements of the blast furnace 504 in FIG. 5.

[0054] FIGS. 6 and 7 show some examples of information that is displayed on the pyrometer touch screen. This information may include images, user instructions, settings, temperature data, battery life, and more.

[0055] For example, FIG. 6 shows a screenshot 600 of the handheld pyrometer screen capturing an image 503 of a target object 504 and measuring the temperature of the target object 504, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The touch screen may display various pieces of information including an image 503 or video of the target object 504 (e.g., blast furnace) in real-time as the user is aiming the pyrometer, a reticle 612 for aiding the user in properly aiming the pyrometer towards the target object 504, current temperature reading 602, and historical temperature readings 604. Other information such as settings icon 606, operational mode indicator 608, emissivity setting 610, battery level indicator 614, Bluetooth indicator 616 and Wi-fi indicator 618 may also be displayed. Of course, the information displayed on the screen is not limited to these pieces of information, but may include any information (e.g., measurement instructions) that is relevant to the user in operating the pyrometer.

[0056] Some examples of other information for display are described with respect to FIG. 7 which shows various screenshots 700 of the handheld pyrometer screen capturing an image 503 of a target object 504, measuring the temperature of the target object 504, and displaying settings and user instructions according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In one example, display screen 702A displays a settings icon (e.g., soft button) that when touched by the user triggers the display of presets and settings options as shown in display screen 702B. In another example, display screen 704A displays a mode icon (e.g., soft button) that when touched by the user triggers the display of operating modes as shown in display screen 704B. In a further example, display screen 706A displays an emissivity icon (e.g., soft button) that when touched by the user triggers the display of emissivity options as shown in display screen 706B. In yet another example, display screen 708A displays an image 503 of the target object 504, and then automatically displays user instructions (e.g., text instructions, aim correction icon, etc.) as shown on display screen 708B. In other words, the display screen provides various graphics and interactive soft buttons allowing the user toaccess various pieces of information pertaining to the operation of the pyrometer and the temperature measurements.

[0057] As mentioned above, the pyrometer may wirelessly communicate with other devices. FIG. 8 shows a block diagram 800 of the handheld pyrometer in communication with a smart device 804 and a backend server 806, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, pyrometer 802 may wirelessly communicate with smart devices 804 via direct wireless communications (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) or via network 808. Pyrometer 802 may also communicate with the server 806 via network 808.

[0058] Pyrometer 802, for example, may scan the QR code 404 for an object and retrieve the corresponding operational parameters from internal memory, from smartphone 804 or from server 806. In other words, the QR code 404 is known to correspond to certain operational parameters stored either on the pyrometer or on a remote device. In either case, upon retrieving the operational parameters, pyrometer 802 may measure the temperature of the target object 504 based on the operational parameters. Once the temperature measurements are completed, the measurements along with other information may be internally stored int the pyrometer or sent from pyrometer 802 to smartphone 804 and / or server 806. This allows the user or the user’s employer to retrieve, view and store information related to the temperature measurements (e.g., temperature data, duration of measurement, captured images, etc.) These communication links also allow smartphone 804 and / or server 806 to send other information to pyrometer 802 including firmware updates.

[0059] The pyrometer may operate in various operational modes. Some of these modes include but are not limited to automatically retrieving and utilizing operational data based on the scanned QR code, automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based on the scanned QR code, automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based a detected image (e.g., shape) of the target object 504, and automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based a detected event (e.g., movement) within an image 503 of the target object 504. Examples of each of these modes are described in detail with respect to FIGS. 9A-9D.

[0060] FIG. 9A shows a flowchart 900 of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and utilizing operational data based on the scanned QR code, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 902, the pyrometer scans the QR code 404 using the pyrometer camera. For example, the user aims the pyrometer camera at the QR code 404 at which point the pyrometer captures and analyzes an image 407 of the QR code 404. In step 904, the pyrometer automatically retrieves theoperational parameters associated with the QR code 404. These operational parameters may be retrieved from internal pyrometer memory or may be retrieved wirelessly from a remote device. In step 906, the pyrometer automatically adjusts the pyrometer operation based on the retrieved operational parameters. As mentioned above, the pyrometer operational parameters may include but are not limited to target emissivity, distance-to-spot ratio, temperature units, alarm settings, data logging, response time and measurement statistics. In step 908, the pyrometer measures temperature of the target object 504 using the optical detector according to the adjusted pyrometer operation (e.g., detects temperature using specific settings / parameters).

[0061] FIG. 9B shows a flowchart 920 of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based on the scanned QR code, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 922, the pyrometer scans the QR code 404 using the pyrometer camera. As mentioned above, the user aims the pyrometer camera at the QR code 404 at which point the pyrometer captures and analyzes an image 407 of the QR code 404. In step 924, the pyrometer automatically retrieves the operational parameters associated with the QR code 404. As mentioned above, these operational parameters may be retrieved from internal pyrometer memory or may be retrieved wirelessly from a remote device. In step 926, the pyrometer automatically displays the pyrometer operational data including measurement instructions to the user. As mentioned above, the measurement instructions may include but are not limited to instructions on how and where to aim the pyrometer, when to take the measurements, how long to take the measurements, history of previous measurements taken at this location. The measurement instructions may instruct the user to measure the temperature of the target object 504 in a specific manner (e.g., aim the pyrometer at a specific location of the target, take a measurement for a set duration, when to start / stop the measurement, etc.).

[0062] FIG. 9C shows a flowchart 940 of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based on a detected image 503 of the target object 504, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 942, the pyrometer captures an image 503 of the target object 504 using the pyrometer camera. For example, the user aims the pyrometer camera at the target object 504 at which point the pyrometer captures images 503 or video of the target object 504. In step 944, the pyrometer automatically analyzes the image 503 or video to detect the target object 504 within the image 503. In other words, the pyrometer may perform object recognition using techniques such as image segmentation and the like. In step 946, the pyrometer automaticallyretrieves the operational data corresponding to the target object 504. For example, the target object 504 may be identified in the image 503 using object recognition. The identity of the target object 504 may then be used to retrieve operational parameters associated with the target object 504. In other words, rather than scanning a QR code 404 to identify the operational parameters, the pyrometer may perform object recognition to identify the object and then determine the operational parameters based on the identity of the object. For example, the operational parameters of specific objects may be pre-stored in the pyrometer or remote device and may be accessed after the pyrometer identifies the object. In step 948, the pyrometer then automatically controls the optical detector to measure the temperature of the target object 504 according to the retrieved operational parameters. It is noted that in another example, the pyrometer may scan a QR code 404 to identify and retrieve the operational parameters which may include instructions that object detection should be performed to trigger the temperature measurements when a certain object is detected.

[0063] FIG. 9D shows a flowchart 960 of an operation of the handheld pyrometer automatically retrieving and displaying operational data based on a detected event within an image 503 of the target object 504, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 962, the pyrometer captures sequential images (e.g., video) of the target object 504 using the pyrometer camera. For example, the user aims the pyrometer camera at the target object 504 at which point the pyrometer captures sequential images of the target object 504. In step 964, the pyrometer automatically analyzes the images to detect the target object 504 within the image 503 and an event of the target object 504. The event may be movement of the target object 504 or a change in shape or size of the target object 504 over time as captured in successive images. In step 966, the pyrometer automatically retrieves the operational data corresponding to the target object 504 experiencing the event. For example, the target object event may be identified in the image 503 using object recognition and object position tracking over successive images. The identity of the target object event may then be used to retrieve operational parameters associated with the target object 504. In other words, rather than scanning a QR code 404 to identify the operational parameters, the pyrometer performs object recognition to identify the object experiencing the event and then determines the operational parameters based on the combination of the object within the event. In step 968, the pyrometer then automatically controls the optical detector to measure the temperature of the target object 504 according to the operational parameters. This may be beneficial to control timing of the measurement based on the motion and / or shape of the target object 504. For example, in glass production, a measurement may be triggered whenthe heated glass forms a gob, a spinner or a stream. In other words, the size / shape and motion of the gob 984C may trigger a measurement. For example, as shown in sequential view 980 of FIG. 9E, the handheld pyrometer may capture sequential images of a target object (gob of glass 984A / 984B / 984C) being formed. At Time 1, handheld pyrometer 986 captures an image of partial gob 984A as it begins to exit the furnace 982. At Time 2, handheld pyrometer 986 captures another image of partial gob 984B as it continues to exit the furnace 982. At Time 3, handheld pyrometer 986 captures yet another image of completed gob 984B as it has fully exited the furnace 982 and begins to fall into a collection area (not shown). In practice, more than three sequential images are captured (e.g., a video is captured over a period of time) as the gob exits furnace 982. Each of these sequential images may be analyzed to identify the gob as being the target object. The pyrometer may capture one or more temperature measurements as the gob is exiting the furnace 982. For example, a temperature measurement may be taken once the gob 984C has fully exited the furnace 982. It is noted that in another example, the pyrometer may scan a QR code 404 to identify and retrieve the operational parameters which may include instructions that object / event detection should be performed to trigger the temperature measurements. In one embodiment, the QR code 404 may include the specific object and / or event information needed to automatically calibrate the pyrometer to perform the object and / or event detection.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram 1000 of a user using the handheld pyrometer to take sequential measurements of various target objects in a facility, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In general, a glass product manufacturing facility may house industrial equipment for performing multiple stages of glass product manufacturing. The equipment may include forehearths that receive molten glass from a furnace and channel the molten glass to the next stage in production while ensuring that the molten glass is maintained at the correct temperature. The molten glass that exits the forehearth is referred to as a “stream” which is then cut into individual pieces referred to as “gobs”. The gobs are then inserted into molds which use compressed air or mechanical force to shape the gobs into their final shape (i.e., shape of the product). Molten glass may also be spun into glass fibers by forcing the gobs through small holes using centrifugal force.

[0065] An example of a glass product manufacturing facility is shown in FIG. 10 where user (e.g., technician) 1002 is tasked with capturing temperature measurements at the various stages (e.g., forehearth, stream, gob, mold, etc.) of glass manufacturing. In such a scenario, user 1002 may carry pyrometer 1004 as they navigate through the various stages of the manufacturing process. For example, user 1002 may use pyrometer 1004 to capture one ormore temperature readings at forehearth location 1, stream location 2, gob location 3, mold location 4, mold location 5, forehearth 6 and spinner 7. Each of the 7 locations described above may have a unique QR code 404 mounted to the wall, stand or machinery adjacent to the respective location. This allows the user to scan the QR code 404 using pyrometer 1004 which then retrieves operational parameters associated with the temperature measurement at that respective location. The operational parameters for measuring temperature of the forehearth, stream, gob, mold and spinner stages may be different in terms of pyrometer settings (e.g., emissivity, etc.), user instructions (e.g., aiming instructions, duration instructions, etc.), pyrometer measurement triggering (e.g., triggering temperature measurements based on movement, shapes, etc.) and more. In either case, user 1002 does not have to remember specialized instructions for measurements at the various stages, because pyrometer 1004 automatically controls various parameters and provides user instructions based on the scanned QR code 404. The user can simply walk around the facility, scan the QR codes and take the temperature readings with little burden on the user to remember specific measurement settings or procedures. The measurement results may be stored by the pyrometer and uploaded at a later time via wired connection or may be uploaded at any desired time in embodiments where the pyrometer has wireless capabilities.

[0066] It is also noted that QR codes may not be needed in examples where the pyrometer performs object recognition. For example, the camera may be used to detect objects (e.g., gobs). Upon detection of the gob, the pyrometer retrieves the appropriate pyrometer settings and captures the temperature measurements.

[0067] Although measurements with respect to equipment in a glass product manufacturing facility are described above, it is noted that the pyrometer may be used in any setting that would require various temperature measurements. For example, pyrometer 1004 may be used in metal manufacturing facilities, brick manufacturing facilities and more.

[0068] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart 1100 of the user using the handheld pyrometer to take sequential measurements of various target objects in a facility (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10), according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 1102, the user moves to a measurement location (e.g., user walks to the forehearth location). In step 1104, the user aims the pyrometer at the QR code 404 (located near the forehearth) and scans the QR code 404 using the pyrometer camera. In step 1106, the pyrometer automatically retrieves operational data based on the QR code 404 and adjusts pyrometer operation based on the retrieved operational data. In step 1108, the user then aims the pyrometer at the target object and pulls the trigger to take a temperature measurement using the optical detector based onthe operational parameters extracted from the QR code scan. If the measurement is complete in step 1110, the process is repeated. As mentioned above, these operational parameters may include specific pyrometer settings and / or user instructions for taking accurate temperature measurement. These operational parameters may be different for each measurement location.

[0069] It is noted that the operational parameters described above and associated with the QR code 404 may be set by the pyrometer manufacturer or by the entity using the pyrometer. For example, if a glass product manufacturing facility purchases a pyrometer, the operators of the glass product manufacturing facility may be provided with a set of QR codes (e.g., QR code stickers). A technician at the glass product manufacturing facility may use the pyrometer buttons and touch screen to control the pyrometer to enter a programming mode. While in the programming mode the user is able to scan the QR code 404 and then set operational parameters that are to be associated with the QR code 404. In another example, the technician may be provided with electronic versions of the QR codes and a software application that is executed on a personal computer. The technician may then select and save operational parameters that are to be associated with each QR code 404. The QR codes and operational parameters may then be downloaded to the pyrometer or uploaded to a server accessible by the pyrometer. In either case, the operational parameters may be selected by the technician based on experience, industry standards, or based in part on suggestions from the pyrometer software. Once the operational parameters are associated with the QR codes, physical copies of the QR codes are placed in desired locations of the manufacturing facility.

[0070] While the foregoing is directed to example embodiments described herein, other and further example embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. One example embodiment described herein may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system. The program(s) of the program product define functions of the example embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be contained on a variety of computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) devices within a computer, such as CD-ROM disks readably by a CD-ROM drive, flash memory, ROM chips, or any type of solid-state non-volatile memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid state random-access memory) on which alterable information is stored. Such computer-readable storage media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that directthe functions of the disclosed example embodiments, are example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the preceding examples are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that all permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims include all such modifications, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of these teachings.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A pyrometer comprising: at least one light detector; a camera operable to scan a code; a display screen; and a processor configured to: retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the code, the pyrometer operational data associated with a target object, and control the pyrometer according to the retrieved pyrometer operational data, by controlling the light detector to measure a temperature of the target object and displaying the measured temperature on the display screen.

2. The pyrometer of claim 1, wherein the light detector is configured to detect infrared (IR) light emitted from the target object, the camera is a red-green-blue (RGB) camera, and the display screen is a touch screen.

3. The pyrometer of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to retrieve the pyrometer operational data from internal memory of the pyrometer.

4. The pyrometer of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless transceiver, wherein the processor is further configured to utilize the wireless transceiver to retrieve the pyrometer operational data from a remote device and transmit the measured temperature to the remote device.

5. The pyrometer of claim 1, wherein the pyrometer operational data comprises pyrometer settings of at least one of emissivity, distance-to-spot ratio, temperature units, alarm settings, data logging, and response time.

6. The pyrometer of claim 1,wherein the code is a QR code.

7. A pyrometer comprising: a light detector; a camera operable to scan a code; a display screen; and a processor configured to: retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the code, the pyrometer operational data associated with a target object and comprising user measurement instructions for instructing the user to perform the measurement of the target object, and display the user measurement instructions on the display screen.

8. The pyrometer of claim 7, wherein the user measurement instructions indicate a duration of the measurement.

9. The pyrometer of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to vary the user measurement instructions as the user performs the measurement of the target object.

10. The pyrometer of claim 7, wherein the user measurement instructions indicate when the measurement is complete.

11. The pyrometer of claim 7, wherein the user measurement instructions comprise target aiming instructions for instructing the user to aim the pyrometer at the target object.

12. The pyrometer of claim 7, wherein the code is a QR code.

13. A pyrometer comprising: a light detector; a camera operable to capture an image;a display screen; and a processor configured to: analyze the image captured by the camera to detect a target object within the image, retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the target object, and control the pyrometer according to the retrieved pyrometer operational data, by controlling the light detector to measure a temperature of the target object, and display the measured temperature on the display screen.

14. The pyrometer of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to detect the target object within the image via an image segmentation technique.

15. The pyrometer of claim 13, wherein the processor actuates the pyrometer to trigger the temperature measurement of the target object when the pyrometer is aimed at the detected target object.

16. The pyrometer of claim 13, wherein the processor actuates the pyrometer to stop the measurement when the pyrometer is not aimed at the detected target object.

17. The pyrometer of claim 13, wherein the processor actuates the pyrometer to perform the measurement for a set duration.

18. A pyrometer comprising: a light detector; a camera operable to capture one or more images; a display screen; and a processor configured to: analyze the one or more images captured by the camera to detect a target object and an event of the target object, retrieve pyrometer operational data corresponding to the target object within the event,control the pyrometer according to the retrieved pyrometer operational data, by controlling the light detector to measure a temperature of the target object, and display the measured temperature on the display screen.

19. The pyrometer of claim 18, wherein the processor is configured to detect the event via motion detection of the target object and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.

20. The pyrometer of claim 18, wherein the processor is configured to detect the event via a detected change in size of the target object and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.

21. The pyrometer of claim 18, wherein the processor is configured to detect the event via a change in shape of the target object and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.

22. The pyrometer of claim 18, wherein the processor is configured to analyze motion of machinery operating on the target object, to detect the event, and automatically measure the temperature of the target object upon detecting the event.

Images