Abstract: An alternating current (AC) mitigation system reduces undesired AC current induced in a pipe section by the electromagnet field of a nearby electrical utility power line. An active feedback system processes samples of the undesired AC signal from a current sensor located at the pipe section. A feedback controller generates a current compensation signal that is applied to the pipe section at a current coupler to cancel out the undesired AC signal. Corrosion of the pipe section caused by the undesired AC current may be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products for automated visual inspection of regions of interest of a product utilizing an automated visual inspection device having a constrained viewing area are provided according to the present invention. Particularly, inspection of regions of interest on a product utilizing a constrained viewing area characterized as a view minimization problem is minimized by translating the view minimization problem into a set-covering problem and a traveling salesman problem. Known heuristics are applied to the set-covering problem and the traveling salesman problem to minimize the number of views required to view the regions of interest and to minimize the distance of travel between the views. Apparatus and computer programs products are also provided which minimize inspection time in a like manner.