Wire pattern test system
First Claim
1. A testing system for a conductive pattern, said testing system comprising:
- (a) an article of manufacture comprising said conductive pattern;
(b) an electrical power source in contact with said conductive pattern, whereby electrical current may be circulated throughout at least a portion of said conductive pattern;
(c) an infrared detection device, said infrared detection device adapted to collect data from at least a portion of said conductive pattern; and
(d) a data collection device adapted to receive data from said infrared detection device.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention includes testing devices and testing systems. This invention also includes machines or electronic apparatus using these aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods and processes using these devices and systems. In a preferred embodiment, a testing device and method are described that utilize infrared imaging and computer analysis thereof in detecting and measuring continuity, uniformity, and presence of inhomogeneities of wire heating grids in automotive windshields. The computer is capable of autonomous decision making, and can signal industrial equipment such as robotic actuators to automatically remove faulty windshields from the assembly line.
24 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A testing system for a conductive pattern, said testing system comprising:
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(a) an article of manufacture comprising said conductive pattern;
(b) an electrical power source in contact with said conductive pattern, whereby electrical current may be circulated throughout at least a portion of said conductive pattern;
(c) an infrared detection device, said infrared detection device adapted to collect data from at least a portion of said conductive pattern; and
(d) a data collection device adapted to receive data from said infrared detection device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
said data collection device is adapted to store preexisting data that includes pattern coordinates of said conductive pattern; and
said data collection device is adapted to determine the performance of a respective line of said conductive pattern.
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7. A testing system according to claim 6 wherein said data collection device is adapted to automatically determine the performance of said respective line of said conductive pattern.
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8. A testing system for a glass panel comprising a conductive pattern, said testing system comprising:
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(a) an electrical power source in contact with said conductive pattern, whereby electrical current may be circulated throughout at least a portion of said conductive pattern;
(b) an infrared imaging device, said infrared imaging device adapted to collect image data from at least a portion of said conductive pattern; and
(c) a computer adapted to collect said image data from said infrared imaging device, process said image data, determine performance of at least a portion of said conductive pattern, and report the results of said performance. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
said computer is adapted to store preexisting data that includes pattern coordinates of said conductive pattern; and
said computer is adapted to determine the performance of a respective line of said conductive pattern.
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10. A testing system according to claim 9 wherein said computer is adapted to automatically determine the performance of said respective line of said conductive pattern.
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11. A method of testing a conductive pattern, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) collecting a first set of infrared data from a conductive pattern;
(b) circulating an electrical current throughout said conductive pattern;
(c) collecting a second set of infrared data from said conductive pattern;
(d) subtracting said first set of infrared data from said second set of infrared data whereby effects of pre-existing thermal non-uniformities may be removed;
(e) determining the performance of each portion of said conductive pattern; and
(f) making a decision based upon predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification