High resolution inspection device for casting defects using IR imaging

A system for high definition thermal imaging for industrial inspection applications, said system comprising:

• a single channel, uncooled thermal sensor in a camera, wherein the sensor has low noise characteristics;
• a cable connected to the camera, wherein the cable provides power to the camera and image data from the camera;
• a controller with enhanced real time image processing software connected to the camera through the cable for processing the image data from the camera;
• wherein the enhanced real time image processing software includes a plurality of preset filters that are user selectable;
• wherein the preset filters include a spatial band-pass filter and a scene based noise suppression system for removing low frequency spatial noise and high frequency spatial noise;
• and
• a unit under test that is subjected to a thermal gradient, wherein the camera produces at least one thermal gradient image of a subsurface of the unit under test, wherein the thermal gradient represents temperatures at least one of above or below ambient and the image is used to inspect the unit under test, and wherein the system operates at a working distance of less than about two feet.