System and method for obtaining and utilizing maintenance information

An electronic inspection apparatus adapted to communicate with a camera to obtain an image of an object, the apparatus comprising:

• a casing;
• a computer disposed within the casing;
• a camera control unit disposed within the casing and coupled to the computer, the camera control unit being adapted to receive electronic images from the camera, reformat the electronic images into digital format and pass the digitally formatted images to the computer;
• and
• a computer readable storage medium, coupled to the computer, having an executable code stored thereon that allows the computer to execute at least two processes in a multitask fashion.

An electronic inspection apparatus adapted to communicate with a camera for obtaining an image of an object, the apparatus comprising:

• a casing;
• a computer disposed within the casing;
• a control unit disposed within the casing and coupled to the computer, the control unit being adapted to communicate with the camera;
• and
• an input device coupled to the computer and the control unit, the input device adapted to receive an input command from a user, the control unit adapted to receive the command and signal at least portions of the camera to react as commanded.

An aircraft inspection system comprising:

• a camera adapted to view a component of the aircraft;
• and
• a portable electronic apparatus communicating with the camera, the apparatus comprising:
• a casing;
• a computer disposed within the casing;
• a camera control unit coupled to the computer and disposed within the casing, the camera control unit adapted to receive an image from the camera and pass the image to the computer;
• a display coupled to the computer and adapted to display the image;
• an input device coupled to the computer and adapted to allow a user to input maintenance data relating to the component;
• and
• a storage medium communicating with the computer, the storage medium adapted to store the image and related data.

An electronic maintenance apparatus adapted to communicate with a camera to obtain an image of an object, the apparatus comprising:

• a casing;
• a computer disposed within the casing;
• and
• a storage medium communicating with the computer, the storage medium including maintenance information regarding the object being imaged.