초록 ▼

A process and system for determining the integrity of an object by analyzing its dynamic heat properties is disclosed. A properly functioning reference object is heated and an infrared camera is positioned above the object. A digital computer collects the infrared images of the object and analyzes i

A process and system for determining the integrity of an object by analyzing its dynamic heat properties is disclosed. A properly functioning reference object is heated and an infrared camera is positioned above the object. A digital computer collects the infrared images of the object and analyzes its dynamic heat properties. Only heat changes within predefined regions of the object are analyzed and the data is reduced to a peak temperature across each region for a given time. This data is stored and used for future reference. Next, a test object is sampled in the same manner. The reference and test object data is then compared by employing a complex neural network. The neural network uses confidence estimates and historical data on similar reference and test objects to determine the integrity of the object. Thermal images of objects under test are graphically displayed on a video screen. Out-of-profile regions are indicated on the thermal image by displaying the region's actual heating rate and a range of acceptable heating rates.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for analyzing an object to determine its functional status, comprising:scanning a reference object with an infrared detector to measure infrared radiation emitted from the reference object and determining its heating rate thereby;scanning a test object with an i

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for analyzing an object to determine its functional status, comprising:scanning a reference object with an infrared detector to measure infrared radiation emitted from the reference object and determining its heating rate thereby;scanning a test object with an infrared detector to measure infrared radiation emitted from the test object and determining its heating rate thereby;comparing the reference and test object heating rates to determine if the test object is functioning within specified tolerances;graphically displaying a thermal image generated from the infrared detector; andidentifying the test object if it exceeds specified tolerances.