US 8,464,951 B2 · Method and apparatus for monitoring an exit window of a scanner

Abstract

A method, system, and apparatus for monitoring an exit window of a scanner using a plurality of imaging devices. The method includes capturing a first image through the exit window using a first imaging device, capturing a second image through the exit window using a second different imaging device, and detecting at least one of a plurality of features in both the first and second images. The method further includes matching the plurality of features detected in both the first and the second images, determining whether the at least one matched feature is present on the plane of the exit window, and monitoring a physical condition of the exit window based on the at least one feature.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method for monitoring an exit window of a scanner using a plurality of imaging devices located within the scanner, wherein position of the plurality of imaging devices and a plane of the exit window are known, the method comprising:

capturing a first image of the exit window using a first imaging device;
capturing a second image of the exit window using a second different imaging device;
detecting at least one of a plurality of features adversely affecting the performance of the scanner, in both the first and second images;
monitoring a physical condition of the exit window based on the at least one detected feature;
matching the features detected in both the first and the second images;
determining whether at least one matched feature is present on the exit window, wherein the at least one matched feature is present on the exit window when the distance between the at least one matched feature and the exit window is essentially zero;
and
sending an indication based on the determination.

5 more elements

A system for monitoring an exit window of a scanner using a plurality of imaging devices located within the scanner, wherein location of the plurality of imaging devices and a plane of the exit window are known, the system comprising:

a scanner;
a plurality of imaging devices, wherein a first imaging device captures a first image of the exit window and a second different imaging device captures a second image of the exit window;
a processor coupled to the plurality of imaging devices, wherein the processor is configured to,
detect at least one of a plurality of features adversely affecting the performance of the scanner, in both the first and second images and monitor a physical condition of the exit window based on the at least one detected feature;
and
match the features detected in both the first and the second images;
and
determine whether at least one matched feature is present on the exit window, wherein the at least one matched feature is present on the exit window when the distance between the at least one matched feature and the exit window is essentially zero;
and
send an indication based on the determination.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for monitoring an exit window of a scanner

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for monitoring an exit window of a scanner

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11