METHOD FOR INFRARED IMAGING OF SUBSTRATES THROUGH COATINGS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for imaging a substrate through a coating on the substrate, comprising:
- an infrared camera to receive infrared radiation from the substrate at different focal planes, wherein the infrared camera converts the infrared radiation to an image at each focal plane;
means for combining the images at the different focal planes into a merged image; and
a device for conveying the merged image.
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Abstract
A system for visual inspection of coated substrates is disclosed. Painted substrates can be inspected for environmental and physical damage such as corrosion and cracks without removing the paint through the use of infrared imaging. The present invention provides the ability to view abnormalities or defects in the substrate at an increased depth of field. This is accomplished by taking multiple images of the substrate at different focal planes then using computer software to merge the images. The merged image is in focus across the different focal planes and may also be viewed in three-dimensions.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for imaging a substrate through a coating on the substrate, comprising:
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an infrared camera to receive infrared radiation from the substrate at different focal planes, wherein the infrared camera converts the infrared radiation to an image at each focal plane; means for combining the images at the different focal planes into a merged image; and a device for conveying the merged image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for imaging a transmissive non-metallic material, comprising:
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an infrared camera to receive infrared radiation from the material at different focal planes within the material, wherein the infrared camera converts the infrared radiation to an image at each focal plane; means for combining the images at the different focal planes into a merged image; and a device for conveying the merged image.
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14. A method for imaging a substrate through a coating on the substrate, comprising:
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receiving infrared radiation from the substrate into an infrared camera; focusing the camera on a first focal plane of the substrate; recording a first image at the first focal plane; focusing the camera on a second focal plane of the substrate; recording a second image at the second focal plane; and merging the first and second images together to form a focused image. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for imaging a coating on the substrate, comprising:
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receiving infrared radiation from the substrate into an infrared camera; adjusting the distance between the camera and the substrate to focus the camera on a first focal plane of the substrate; recording an image at the first focal plane; adjusting the distance between the camera and the substrate to focus the camera on a second focal plane of the substrate; recording an image at the second focal plane; and merging the images of the first and the second focal planes together to form a focused image.
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Specification