Asset Inspection Image Comparison for Reliable Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional asset inspection methods in industrial environments are prone to human error due to manual monitoring, which can lead to unreliable temperature monitoring of temperature-sensitive assets.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for image classification and comparison using a camera to capture and compare current and previous images of assets, determining a health status based on thermal and visible light imaging, with guided image capture and annotation to ensure accurate alignment and classification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual inspection methods are used to monitor asset temperature, then operational flexibility is maintained, but reliability of temperature monitoring deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated optical imaging system that uses cameras to capture thermal and visible light images of assets. This substitution eliminates human error in temperature monitoring while maintaining operational flexibility through software-configurable inspection parameters and classification rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables assets to be self-monitored through automated image capture and analysis. The inspection system automatically captures images, compares them against reference images, classifies temperature conditions, and generates reports without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving reliability through consistent automated monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automated image-based inspection systems are implemented, then reliability of asset monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidinspection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: image capture module (camera), image processing module (comparison and classification algorithms), and output module (reports and alerts). This modular segmentation manages complexity by allowing each component to be independently optimized and maintained while working together to provide reliable automated monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If detailed image comparison and classification is performed, then measurement precision of asset condition is improved, but loss of time in processing images increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset condition detection precisionVSAvoidimage processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial image comparison by focusing on specific regions of interest (ROIs) and key inspection points rather than analyzing entire images. The classification process uses predetermined thresholds and rules to quickly determine asset condition, providing sufficient precision for monitoring purposes without requiring exhaustive analysis of all image data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Reference images are captured and stored in advance under known good conditions. During inspection, current images are compared against these pre-established references using automated algorithms that quickly identify deviations. This preliminary preparation enables rapid comparison and classification without requiring complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates reliable and efficient asset inspection by reducing human error, enabling quick identification of critical issues and trends through image-based classification and comparison, ensuring assets operate within specified temperature tolerances.

Implementation Method 1

capturing, by a camera, a current image of an asset under inspection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

thermal and visible light imaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250232433A1Image classification and comparison for asset inspection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 FLIR SYST AB

AI summary

Systems and methods directed to image classification using image comparison are provided. In one example, a method includes capturing, by a camera, a current image of an asset under inspection, wherein the current image includes at least one inspection point of the asset. The method further includes presenting the current image relative to a previous image of the asset for comparison, wherein the previous image includes the at least one inspection point of the asset. The method further includes receiving a classification of the current image based on a comparison between the current image and the previous image. Additional methods and systems are also provided.