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US 2010/0165097 A1Published application
Method and Apparatus for Automating an Inspection Process with Training
AssigneeCSI Technology, Inc.
InventorRaymond E. Garvey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims37
-45. (canceled)
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 at least one aspect of the equipment inspection process;
- (b) running the operator proficiency application software routine using media on-board the programmable camera to provide instruction to a camera operator in preparation for the equipment inspection process regarding how to perform the at least one aspect of the equipment inspection process;
- and
- (c) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process, including capturing and recording images related to the at least one aspect of the equipment process.
1 more element
An inspection camera for conducting an equipment inspection process comprising:
- a housing;
- a lens mounted in an opening in the housing;
- an 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, and for storing input from the input device;
- 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 the 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 the direction of the operator proficiency application software.
8 more elements
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;
- (b) uploading historical information to the programmable camera;
- (c) running the operator proficiency application software using media on-board the programmable camera to provide the instruction to the camera operator in preparation for the equipment inspection process and to provide the historical information to the camera operator;
- and
- (d) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process including capturing and recording images related to the historical information.
2 more elements
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;
- 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.
1 more element
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 equipment information selected from at least one of the categories of information consisting of equipment location and equipment identification;
- (b) running the operator proficiency application software routine using media on-board the programmable camera to provide the equipment information to the camera operator;
- and
- (c) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process including capturing and recording images related to the equipment information.
1 more element
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 regarding setting up a camera;
- (b) running the operator proficiency application software routine using media on-board the programmable camera to provide camera setup information to the camera operator;
- and
- (c) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process including capturing and recording images using the camera setup information.
1 more element
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.
1 more element
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 a safety class;
- (b) running the operator proficiency application software routine using media on-board the programmable camera to provide the safety class for the camera operator;
- and
- (c) using the programmable camera to perform the equipment inspection process including capturing and recording images according to information from the safety class.
1 more element
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 for distinguishing between failure, operation and design indicators to the camera operator;
- 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.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.