Method and apparatus for automating an inspection process with training
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An inspection camera for conducting an equipment inspection process comprising:
- a housing;
a lens mounted in an opening in the housing;
a focal plane array mounted in the housing in a position to receive radiation from the lens;
a microprocessor mounted in the housing and connected to the focal play array for receiving image data from the focal plane array;
an input device operatively connected to the microprocessor to accept input data from an operator;
a data storage memory operatively connected to the microprocessor, the data storage memory for storing operator proficiency application software to provide instruction to a camera operator in preparation for the equipment inspection process, for recording image data received by the microprocessor from the focal plane array, for storing image data from the microprocessor, for storing input from the input device, and for collecting operator validation information to assess an operator'"'"'s qualifications to perform at least one aspect of an inspection process including at least one validation question associated with the at least one aspect of the inspection process and requiring at least one correct answer to the at least one validation question to confirm that the operator is sufficiently knowledgeable about the at least one aspect of the inspection process; and
a display operatively connected to the microprocessor for displaying the image data, and the input data to the operator;
a power distribution system; and
a microprocessor operating system installed in the microprocessor for managing flow of data between the microprocessor and (a) the focal plane array, and (b) the data storage memory, and (c) the display, and (d) the input device under direction of the operator proficiency application software.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
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.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. An inspection camera for conducting an equipment inspection process comprising:
-
a housing; a lens mounted in an opening in the housing; a focal plane array mounted in the housing in a position to receive radiation from the lens; a microprocessor mounted in the housing and connected to the focal play array for receiving image data from the focal plane array; an input device operatively connected to the microprocessor to accept input data from an operator; a data storage memory operatively connected to the microprocessor, the data storage memory for storing operator proficiency application software to provide instruction to a camera operator in preparation for the equipment inspection process, for recording image data received by the microprocessor from the focal plane array, for storing image data from the microprocessor, for storing input from the input device, and for collecting operator validation information to assess an operator'"'"'s qualifications to perform at least one aspect of an inspection process including at least one validation question associated with the at least one aspect of the inspection process and requiring at least one correct answer to the at least one validation question to confirm that the operator is sufficiently knowledgeable about the at least one aspect of the inspection process; and a display operatively connected to the microprocessor for displaying the image data, and the input data to the operator; a power distribution system; and a microprocessor operating system installed in the microprocessor for managing flow of data between the microprocessor and (a) the focal plane array, and (b) the data storage memory, and (c) the display, and (d) the input device under direction of the operator proficiency application software. - View Dependent Claims (2)
-
-
3. A method for directing an equipment inspection process using a programmable camera, the method comprising:
-
(a) loading the programmable camera with an operator proficiency application software routine to provide instruction to a camera operator in preparation for the equipment inspection process, where the operator proficiency application software routine describes equipment normal and abnormal thermal signatures; (b) running the operator proficiency application software routine using media on-board the programmable camera to instruct the camera operator how to distinguish between normal and abnormal thermal signatures after entering a new survey location; and (c) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process including capturing and recording images related to the normal and abnormal thermal signatures. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method for directing an equipment inspection process using a programmable camera, the method comprising:
-
(a) loading the programmable camera with an operator proficiency application software routine to provide instruction to a camera operator in preparation for the equipment inspection process, wherein the operator proficiency application software routine comprises procedural instructions regarding how to set an operational mode of a piece of equipment for a thermal profile inspection; (b) running the operator proficiency application software routine using media on-board the programmable camera to provide the procedural instructions to the camera operator; and (c) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process including capturing and recording images according to the procedural instructions. - View Dependent Claims (14)
-
-
15. A method for directing an equipment inspection process using a programmable camera, the method comprising:
-
(a) loading the programmable camera with an operator proficiency application software routine to provide instruction to a camera operator in preparation for the equipment inspection process, wherein the operator proficiency application software routine comprises information for distinguishing between failure, operation, and design indicators; (b) running the operator proficiency application software routine using media on-board the programmable camera to provide the information to the camera operator for distinguishing between equipment failure, operation and design indicators; and (c) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process including capturing and recording images related to the failure, operation and design indicators. - View Dependent Claims (16)
-
Specification