Apparatus for visual comparison of infrared images
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An infrared imaging apparatus for capturing comparative thermal images of two separated viewing areas, comprising:
- a single infrared camera;
a visual display apparatus; and
one or more infrared image reflectors for redirecting infrared images of at least two separated viewing areas to said camera for transmission to said visual display apparatus for side-by-side presentation of the two or more areas viewed to permit comparison of the thermal images of the two or more areas.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for visually observing thermal disparities between like vehicular components that are spatially separated. The invention uses only one infrared camera and one or more surfaces to reflect the thermal image of spatially separated components into the camera. The image generated by the infrared camera can be sent directly to a viewing apparatus or to a computer capable of controlling internal camera functions as well and providing video processing and analysis capabilities.
35 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An infrared imaging apparatus for capturing comparative thermal images of two separated viewing areas, comprising:
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a single infrared camera;
a visual display apparatus; and
one or more infrared image reflectors for redirecting infrared images of at least two separated viewing areas to said camera for transmission to said visual display apparatus for side-by-side presentation of the two or more areas viewed to permit comparison of the thermal images of the two or more areas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for comparative viewing of an undercarriage of a vehicle to detect defects or anomalies in components thereof comprising:
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an infrared camera mounted in an enclosure positioned beneath a vehicle undercarriage for capturing thermal images of selected portions of said undercarriage within the field of view of said camera;
one or more infrared image reflectors mounted in said camera field-of-view so disposed as to permit said camera to capture two spaced apart thermal images for transmission to said viewing apparatus; and
a viewing apparatus disposed remotely from said enclosure for visually displaying side-by-side thermal infrared images to permit comparison of said images of undercarriage components within the field-of-view of said camera.
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- 14. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said viewing apparatus comprises a computer.
- 15. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said computer controls selected functions of said camera.
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20. A method for detecting defects or anomalies in the running gear of a vehicle comprising the steps of:
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positioning an infrared camera at a location so that a vehicle can pass over the camera;
positioning one or more infrared image reflectors within the field-of-view of the camera so as to enable the camera to capture the thermal image of two spaced apart vehicular components;
adjusting the field-of-view of the one or more infrared image reflectors and camera so as to encompass left and right side running gear;
transmitting the thermal images to a viewing apparatus; and
simultaneously displaying the thermal images from each side running gear so as to permit comparison of the heat characteristics thereof.
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- 22. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of providing a computer.
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23. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of performing thermal image processing with the computer.
- 25. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of controlling selected functions of the camera with the computer.
Specification