Camera Monitoring Systems And Methods For Electromagnetic Dryer Applicators

A method of monitoring the drying of greenware via microwave or radio-frequency electromagnetic (EM) radiation in an applicator having a housing that defines an applicator interior, the method comprising:

• forming an illuminated region in the applicator interior by passing illumination from outside the applicator housing through at least one EM-reflecting window of the applicator housing;
• arranging a camera unit having an image sensor and a camera lens outside of the applicator and adjacent an opening in the applicator housing so that the camera unit is in optical communication with the illuminated region through an EM-blocking structure that substantially prevents EM radiation from reaching the camera lens;
• passing the greenware through the illuminated region;
• and
• capturing and displaying electronic images of the greenware as they pass through the illuminated region, said electronic images having a resolution capable of resolving at least one greenware drying defect.

A camera monitoring system for monitoring the drying of greenware via microwave or radio-frequency electromagnetic (EM) radiation in an applicator having a housing with a side, a top and an interior, the method comprising:

• side and top illuminators respectively arranged adjacent the applicator housing side and top and respectively operatively configured to provide illumination to the applicator interior through respective EM-reflective side and top windows to form an interior illuminated region through which the greenware pass while being exposed to the EM radiation;
• a camera unit arranged adjacent the side illuminator and aligned with an opening formed in the housing, the camera unit positioned and adapted to capture electronic images of the greenware as they pass through the interior illuminated region, said electronic images having sufficient resolution to resolve at least one greenware drying defect;
• and
• at least one display operably connected to the camera unit and configured to display one or more of the electronic images.