Method of automating a thermographic inspection process
First Claim
1. A method for directing an inspection process using a programmable infrared camera, the method comprising(a) loading the programmable infrared camera with a survey template application software routine where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process,(b) running the survey template application software routine to instruct an operator to inspect the vicinity of an area and to guide the operator through the at least one aspect of the inspection process,(c) where loading the camera with a survey template application software routine comprises uploading at least a portion of the survey template application software routine from a software repository, and(d) where using a programmable infrared camera comprises using a programmable infrared camera with a wireless communication link and further comprises wirelessly uploading at least a portion of the survey template application software routine using the wireless communication link.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A process for using a hand-held infrared inspection system incorporating on-board training, on-board validation, on-board operator certification, on-board reporting information, or on-board survey instructions. Improved methods for automating area surveys are provided through exception-driven surveillance practices. Imbedded information enables less experienced operators to use more sophisticated devices more effectively. Validation or certification assures operator knowledge or ability. Multilevel classification of anomalies aids in automated analysis and report generation.
52 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method for directing an inspection process using a programmable infrared camera, the method comprising
(a) loading the programmable infrared camera with a survey template application software routine where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process, (b) running the survey template application software routine to instruct an operator to inspect the vicinity of an area and to guide the operator through the at least one aspect of the inspection process, (c) where loading the camera with a survey template application software routine comprises uploading at least a portion of the survey template application software routine from a software repository, and (d) where using a programmable infrared camera comprises using a programmable infrared camera with a wireless communication link and further comprises wirelessly uploading at least a portion of the survey template application software routine using the wireless communication link.
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2. A method for directing an inspection process using a programmable infrared camera, the method comprising
(a) loading the programmable infrared camera with a survey template application software routine where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process, (b) running the survey template application software routine to instruct an operator to inspect the vicinity of an area and to guide the operator through the at least one aspect of the inspection process, and (c) identifying a location within the vicinity of the area using a global positioning system.
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3. A method for directing an inspection process using a programmable infrared camera, the method comprising
(a) loading the programmable infrared camera with a survey template application software routine where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process, and (b) running the survey template application software routine to instruct an operator to inspect the vicinity of an area and to guide the operator through the at least one aspect of the inspection process, wherein the running step further comprises running the survey template application software routine to display a checklist.
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4. A method for directing an inspection process using a programmable infrared camera, the method comprising
(a) loading the programmable infrared camera with a survey template application software routine where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process, (b) running the survey template application software routine to instruct an operator to inspect the vicinity of an area and to guide the operator through the at least one aspect of the inspection process, and (c) uploading historical information to the programmable infrared camera.
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5. A method for directing an inspection process using a programmable infrared camera, the method comprising
(a) loading the programmable infrared camera with a survey template application software routine where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process, (b) running the survey template application software routine to instruct an operator to inspect the vicinity of an area and to guide the operator through the at least one aspect of the inspection process, (c) running the survey template application software routine to prompt the operator to perform steps in an infrared survey, and (d) creating a record of that survey.
Specification
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- Resources
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Current AssigneeComputational Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
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Original AssigneeCSI Technology Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
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InventorsGarvey, Raymond E.
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Primary Examiner(s)Chawan; Sheela C
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Application NumberUS10/872,041Publication NumberTime in Patent Office1,614 DaysField of Search382/135, 382/141, 382/168, 382/143, 382/149, 382/152, 348/135, 348/84, 348/E5.09, 348/125, 348/E7.086, 348/E5.029, 348/E5.047, 348/86, 351/206, 156/64, 156/73.1, 356/237.1, 356/256, 700/108, 700/95, 700/212, 374/5, 374/10, 374/120, 374/121, 374/124, 250/330, 250/332, 250/358.1, 250/341.6, 250/339.02, 250/339.14, 250/341.1, 209/577US Class Current382/141CPC Class CodesG01N 25/72 Investigating presence of f...
