Abstract: Provided as a system and method for providing monitoring of hazardous materials, including collecting environmental data via one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the environmental data including one or more environmentally detectable reference points; comparing the environmental data to current ambient conditions, the environmental data detectable in a reference frame by the sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the reference frame including at least one of the one or more environmentally detectable reference points; performing an alert determination according to the comparison of the environmental data to the set of ambient conditions; and transmitting the alert determination to an existing fault detection system for the hazardous material source to enable the existing fault detection system to override a status rating of the hazardous materials source. Also included is a sensing system including modules operating on a processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging the interior of a hot dip melt pot snout of a hot dip steel coating apparatus through the snout thereof. The system provided for high visual contrast and high resolution imaging, without the need for external illumination. The inventive apparatus and method image the interior of the hot dip melt pot snout at infrared wavelengths, and preferably in a wavelength range of 0.7 to 3 microns. The inventive apparatus and method provide valuable information about the condition of the hot dip melt pot snout and steel coating process which may be used to improve the quality of the produced coated steel.

Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically connected to the flexible cable to display image date from the image sensor. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body.

Abstract: A cable apparatus is provided and includes a cable to assume discrete positions, an actuator operably coupled to the cable and including a power source and a cable unit, which, when activated, causes the cable to translate and draws power from the power source and, when deactivated, draws no power and permits cable translation and a housing operably disposed along the cable and including a first element that rotates and translates with respect to the cable and a second element fixed to the cable, the first element being configured to cause the second element to rotate.

Abstract: A cylinder stroke system with a laser proximity detector including a pressure containing tube. The pressure containing tube can include a first tube end and a second tube end. A cylinder rod can be movably disposed within the pressure containing tube. The system can also include a piston disposed on the cylinder rod first end; a first fluid port formed in the pressure containing tube; a second fluid disposed within the pressure containing tube; a blind end cap and mount; a laser secured to the pressure containing tube; at least one optic guide; a lens separating the at least one optic guide from the second fluid. The cylinder stroke system can also include a camera in communication with a main controller. The camera can receive the reflection from the piston and convert the reflection into a reflection signal.

Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a housing with a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion, a flexible cable having a first end coupled to the housing and a second end, a camera assembly coupled to the second end of the flexible cable and operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable, and a display movably coupled to the support portion of the housing and operable to present an image derived from the image data.

Abstract: A ball that provides normalized images of a ground-based target subject captured over the course of the arc of its airborne trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a spatial area, in particular for safeguarding a hazardous area of an automatically operated installation, comprises an illumination device which at least temporarily emits light signals into the spatial area. A first image recording unit records a first image of the spatial area. The first image recording unit comprises an image sensor having a plurality of pixels. An evaluation unit determines a distance value for at least one spatial area point, which is located in the spatial area and is imaged on at least one pixel, by means of a propagation type measurement. The propagation type measurement suffers from a limited unambiguity range. Therefore, a test device is designed to check the distance value by means of a reference distance value determined from a second image of said spatial area.

Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The body defines a cavity. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor and a light source. The image sensor is operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically coupled to the flexible cable to display images captured by the image sensor. The device also includes a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body.

Abstract: A remote vision analysis system for a vessel containing a process liquid having gas bubbles or particles floating therein. A probe extends into the vessel and enables in-situ observation of the process liquid, gas bubbles or particles, and/or surfaces within the vessel. The probe has a proximal end that includes a camera for recording still or motion images of the process liquid, gas bubbles or particles, and/or surfaces within the vessel. An elongate distal end of the probe extends within an interior of the vessel and is housed within a hermetically sealed protective shroud having a lens, or window, through which images are recorded by the camera. The probe is modular and includes interchangeable parts.

Abstract: An imaging system for on-line imaging of a component in a gas turbine engine. The imaging system includes a flexible imaging bundle formed by a plurality of optical elements. An imaging end of the optical elements images a component in a hot gas path of the engine during operation of the engine and a viewing end provides an image of the component at a location displaced from the hot gas path. The optical elements are surrounded by a flexible metal sheath that is permeable to air to provide cooling air the optical elements from an air source surrounding the flexible imaging bundle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining a color of marking material dispensed by a marking device onto a surface to mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area that is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. In some embodiments, one or more camera systems (e.g., digital video cameras) are mounted on a marking device to capture information (e.g., one or more of image information, color information, motion information and light level information) relating to the surface being marked. The camera system(s) may be mounted near a nozzle of a marking material dispenser, so as to capture information relating to freshly dispensed marking material on the surface being marked. The captured information may be analyzed to determine a color of the freshly dispensed marking material, which may then be correlated with a type of facilities being marked.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring, in real time, a gap between a rotating portion and a stationary portion of a machine. The monitoring system includes an imaging device for forming a reference image of the gap and one or more next images of the gap, the imaging device including a portion disposed within the machine and a portion external to the machine. The system also includes an image processor coupled to the imaging device configured to monitor whether the gap is increasing or decreasing by comparing the reference image to the one or more next images.

Abstract: An in-cylinder imaging apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine defining a combustion chamber. The in-cylinder imaging apparatus includes a high-speed imaging device such as a high-speed digital camera. A borescope is provided in communication with the combustion chamber and is operable to communicate images of the combustion chamber to the high-speed imaging device. A high intensity light source, for example, a xenon light source, is operable to substantially illuminate the combustion chamber. The high-speed imaging device and borescope are in axial alignment with respect to each other and are mounted with respect to the internal combustion engine. A method of imaging the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine during engine operation employing the disclosed in-cylinder imaging apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Visual inspection of an interior surface of a borehole. A housing adapted to be lowered in the borehole supports a portable camera for generating images of a portion of the interior surface of the borehole and a light source for illuminating an area adjacent the camera. A monitor receives signals from the camera and, in response thereto, displays the images generated by the camera. A viewing envelope positioned adjacent the camera defines a viewing area adjacent the camera, particularly for use in visually inspecting slurry-filled boreholes.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a high-temperature region of interest in a turbine engine (10) is provided. The method includes providing an internally-cooled stationary vane (12). The method may further include locating at least one monitoring port (14) in the stationary vane and operatively connecting a monitoring instrument (16) to the monitoring port to provide a field of view of a region of interest.

Abstract: A method of determining the distance to an object can use a video inspection device comprising a first light emitter and a second light emitter, wherein the first light emitter can emit light through an opening with at least one shadow-forming element. The method can comprise capturing at least one first emitter image with the first light emitter activated and the second light emitter deactivated, capturing at least one second emitter image with the second light emitter activated and the first light emitter deactivated, determining a first plurality of luminance values of the pixels in the at least one first emitter image, determining a second plurality of luminance values of the pixels in the at least one second emitter image, determining the brightness ratios of the second plurality of luminance values to the first plurality of luminance values, and determining an object distance using the brightness ratios.

Abstract: A miniature camera and remote receiver unit for viewing, observing and photographing small, confined and hard-to-get at spaces or areas includes a miniature wireless camera pivotally mounted to the end of a rod or wand with the power being provided by a power cord plugged into an outlet or being provided by an optional 9 volt power supply and the camera capable of transmitting images in real time a distance of at least several hundred feet to a remote handheld receiver unit that includes a display screen for viewing the images with the receiver unit being multi-channel to accommodate different data transmitting conditions and the receiver unit can also include an earphone as the receiver unit will include volume control buttons among its control functions.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of a member disposed within a machine includes an image analyzer configured to receive image data from an imaging device and to determine an amount of radiation incident on one or more of one or more pixels of the imaging device. The monitoring system also includes a monitor coupled to the image analyzer and configured to generate an alarm in the event an amount of radiation on one or more of the one or more pixels exceeds a limit.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope apparatus for measuring a subject. The endoscope apparatus including: an elongated insertion unit; an image capturing unit being provided on a distal end part of the insertion unit, the image capturing unit configured to obtain an image of the subject: an illumination unit comprising a first light source and configured to illuminate an observation viewing field of the image capturing unit; and a fringe projection unit comprising a second light source configured to emit a light, which differs from a light of the first light source and a fringe pattern generation unit configured to form the fringe pattern and configured to project the fringe pattern on the subject.

Abstract: A method for knowledge capture of exploration and production (E&P) tool sessions, including performing, using an E&P tool configured on a computer system, a first E&P tool session based on a subterranean formation field data set, recording a video capture of a plurality of scenes generated by the E&P tool and displayed during the first E&P tool session, capturing a description associated with a first scene of the plurality of scenes, wherein the first scene is assigned a time stamp corresponding to a specific point in time of a time line of the video capture, tagging the description with the time stamp included in a log of the video capture, and storing the video capture and the log of the video capture, wherein the description is synchronized with the specific point in time of the first scene based on the time stamp.

Abstract: A Radiation tolerant camera, including a camera module and having an electronic image sensor. The camera module is arranged in a radiation shielding enclosure, the enclosure having an opening for allowing passage of light into the image sensor. Furthermore, the camera module is connected to a heat absorbing cooling element dissipating heat from the camera module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an imaging system configured to receive an image of a gas and a surface observable through the gas from an interior of a turbine, to split the image into a first two-dimensional intensity map of wavelengths indicative of a temperature of the gas and a second two-dimensional intensity map of wavelengths indicative of a temperature of the surface, and to output signals indicative of the first and second two-dimensional intensity maps.

Abstract: A method of computing an operating position based on a relative distance between a monitor and a movable body correlating data is obtained in advance for determining a one to one correlation between the relative distance and dimensions on the surface of a photographed object of an image. A relative angle is measured between the photographed object and the monitor. The movable body is photographed using a camera of the monitor. The distance and dimensions between reference points on the image are compared with the correlating data coincident with the measured relative angle.

Abstract: An integrated system comprising a portal, a server communicating with the portal and at least one local area network, at least one mobile platform in wireless communication with the at least one local area network, and a means for enabling two-way communications between the portal and the server.

Abstract: A device for inspecting the underside of a vehicle includes a carriage supported by four swivable wheels and a forwardly extending arm with a light source and upwardly extending camera on a forward portion thereof. A second arm extends rearwardly and upwardly from a rear portion of the carriage and includes a video monitor for viewing an image generated by the video camera and a control unit. The device also includes a video transmitter for sending a picture from the camera to a remote location and three 12 volt batteries for powering the device.

Abstract: A helmet for displaying environmental images in critical environments, comprising at least one video camera and a display for displaying environmental images; the helmet also has a supporting structure that can be anchored to the helmet in order to support the at least one video camera and the display; the supporting structure has a front adapter that can be coupled to a front edge of the helmet, a rear adapter that can be coupled to a rear edge of the helmet, and a connecting element for mutually connecting the front adapter and the rear adapter.

Abstract: A method for filtering radiation on a CCD based camera inspection video, the method including: capturing video signals via the camera; converting the video signals to a plurality of digital video frames; identifying radiation bright spots, defined as xnoids, in a pixel of at least one of the frames, replacing the xnoids and surrounding pixels with corresponding pixels of another of the frames to create a filtered frame. A system for the inspection of a nuclear power plant comprising: a camera; and a computer, the computer configured to execute identifying xnoids in a pixel of at least one digitized video frame and replacing the xnoids and surrounding pixels with corresponding pixels of another of the frames to create a filtered frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device. The endoscope includes an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The image photographing means includes a head housing to which an imaging device and an illumination means are mounted, and functions to photograph an image. The object insertion means includes an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, an insulating adhesive film, a circuit film and an insulating protective film which are layered and inserted into an interior of an object to be inspected. The object insertion means is connected at one end thereof to the image photographing means and connected at the other end to a transmission cable via a connector.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head-separated device has an imaging unit, a control unit configured to control the imaging unit and a connection unit configured to connect the imaging unit with the control unit, wherein the imaging unit comprises sensor configured to capture an image, and a transmitter configured to transmit a video signal, a sync signal (HD, VD) and a clock signal to restore or to reproduce the image captured by the sensor, and the control unit comprises a determining module configured to determine whether a waveform of the video signal has a level that the video processor is processable, and a setting module configured to set the transmitter to perform enhancement correction to the video signal, if the determining module determines that the waveform of the video signal does not have the level that the video processor is processable.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting an optical system, such as that of a telescope in a satellite where the optical system is misaligned after launch of the satellite, includes obtaining at least one image captured by the optical system of the telescope, wherein the captured image is of at least one star. The system and method then analyzes the at least one image captured and generates adjustment signals to control at least one actuator to move at least one movable element in the optical system and perform positional correction of the optical system. Other details of the system and method are provided herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an inspection system to inspect internal components of a compressor of a gas turbine engine. The inspection system includes an image recording assembly having one or more image recording devices, light sources, storage devices, and power supplies. The image recording assembly may be inserted into a compressor without removal of the compressor housing or disassembly of the compressor. The image recording assembly may be removably coupled to a rotary component of the compressor, e.g., a rotor blade, and used to record images of stationary components, e.g., stator vanes, of the compressor. The images may be inspected to identify wear and/or defects in the stationary components, e.g.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging equipment is incorporated directly into cabinets housing electrical switchgear to provide for dedicated, nearly continuous monitoring of the contained equipment. A mechanical scanning technique may allow low-cost sensors to provide essentially continuous thermographic monitoring. Dedicated thermal imaging equipment allows automatic analysis through predefined temperature threshold maps.

Abstract: An inspection vehicle configured to inspect steam generators includes a front chassis having two independently driven magnetic wheels, a rear chassis having two independently driven magnetic wheels, and a connecting member flexibly connecting the front chassis to the rear chassis to permit relative motion between the front chassis and the rear chassis along at least one axis. The connecting member, front chassis, and rear chassis collectively define a receiving area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bridge inspecting device for inspecting a structure of a bridge. The device includes a vehicle, a pendulum mechanism and at least one image sensing device. The vehicle has an arm and is stably parked at an edge of the bridge. The pendulum mechanism has an end movably secured to the arm and the pendulum mechanism has at least one pendulum element. The at least one image sensing device is connected to another end of the pendulum mechanism.

Abstract: A camera device for recording an image comprises an image sensor having a plurality of light-sensitive image cells. The image cells can be selectively addressed in order to read their image signal values. The device also has a plurality of memory cells for storing identification codes, with an identification code being assigned to each image cell. The image cells and the memory cells are coupled to one another such that, when an image signal value is read from an image cell, the assigned identification code can also be read.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, the system including: a machine enclosure housing a plurality of machine parts; a visual conduit for providing a view of an interior of the machine; an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine.

Abstract: A method and a system for three-dimensional modeling of a three-dimensional scene features, are described. According to the present invention, a reference-image is captured from a known angle while an array of two-dimensional random patterns is projected onto a reference surface from another known angle. The reference image is turned in relation to the reference surface. Then, an image of the scene is captured while the array of two-dimensional random patterns is projected onto it from the same angles. By matching the patterns of these images and measuring the movement between the two projected patterns, the third dimension is computed using triangulation techniques.

Abstract: An image processing device for detecting contrast transition comprises a digital imaging unit as an optical sensor unit, the digital sensor signals of which are processed in an evaluation unit.

Abstract: This invention comprises a system and a method for inspecting the inside of delayed petroleum coking vessels to determine deformations, detect and determine the severity of other defects and visually observe the inside of the inspected vessel.

Abstract: A borescope includes a flexible cable having a signal carrier disposed throughout a length of the flexible cable. An imager head illuminates an object proximate to the imager head. An articulating member is disposed between the flexible cable and the imager head. The articulating member includes a spring having a coiled wire defining a central cavity, and an axially incompressible member positioned in a spring central cavity extending from a connector attached to an end of the flexible cable to the imager head. The incompressible member permits angular deflection of the imager head with respect to the flexible cable while precluding axial compression of the coiled wire and individual coil-to-coil contact.

Abstract: An imaging system for on-line imaging of a component in a gas turbine engine. The imaging system includes a flexible imaging bundle formed by a plurality of optical elements. An imaging end of the optical elements images a component in a hot gas path of the engine during operation of the engine and a viewing end provides an image of the component at a location displaced from the hot gas path. The optical elements are surrounded by a flexible metal sheath that is permeable to air to provide cooling air the optical elements from an air source surrounding the flexible imaging bundle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head-separated device has an imaging unit, a control unit configured to control the imaging unit and a connection unit configured to connect the imaging unit with the control unit, wherein the imaging unit comprises sensor configured to capture an image, and a transmitter configured to transmit a video signal, a sync signal (HD, VD) and a clock signal to restore or to reproduce the image captured by the sensor, and the control unit comprises a determining module configured to determine whether a waveform of the video signal has a level that the video processor is processable, and a setting module configured to set the transmitter to perform enhancement correction to the video signal, if the determining module determines that the waveform of the video signal does not have the level that the video processor is processable.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe video inspection system intended for use in a Class I, Zone 0 area is capable of visually surveying hazardous area locations; where the potential for fire or explosion exists because of gases, dust, or easily ignitable fibers in the atmosphere. The intrinsically safe camera of the present invention has the distinct ability to be used all areas that require increased safety and works in various hazardous environments, allowing users the ability to remotely view and inspect various mines, silos, and storage tanks. The inspection system includes a low power, high 3.2 megapixel resolution camera with digital zoom capability that allows for the close inspection and examination and utilizes an LED fiber light pipe for illumination needs. The video inspection system of the present invention provides for the illumination in various cavity sizes, while reducing the risk of unintended accidents.

Abstract: A LCD unit (116) has a first and a second LCD panels (261, 262) which are stacked one on another. The first LCD panel (261) includes a color filter layer (251), and is configured as a color LCD panel for performing a color display. The second LCD panel (262) is configured as a monochrome LCD panel for performing a monochrome display based on an image source. The first LCD panel (261) displays an image, which is obtained by averaging the image data of the image source by using an arithmetic unit, which averages the image data pixels disposed within a range specific distance apart from a central pixel.

Abstract: A smoke detection method and system, which uses the effects of the diffusion of light to identify the presence of smoke in a monitored area, are disclosed. This method comprises the steps of: (1) electronically capturing a sequence of images of a light source in the monitored area, (2) transferring these images into an image buffer, (3) scanning these images to identify the chunks of adjacent pixels with brightness values above a prescribed threshold, (4) maintaining the sequence of such chunks obtained from consecutive images in a cluster stack, (5) analyzing the evolution of the features of each of these cluster over a prescribed period of time to identify the patterns that are caused by particle-induced light diffusion, and (6) issuing a prescribed system response in the event such light diffused patterns are identified.

Abstract: An imaging device 100 has a second arm 132 held in a pivotally rotatable manner on an upper end of a first arm 131 that is structured to rise substantially upright from a base 110. The second arm 132 is connected and engaged with a camera head 150. The camera head 150 is aligned with the second arm 132 substantially in parallel with the base 110 to be extended over a specific imaging area SA. The camera head 150 is driven to take an image of a shooting object sheet ST located in the imaging area SA from above the shooting object sheet ST. The first arm 131 has a depressed recess 138 formed on an arm front side thereof. At a storage position of the imaging device 100 where the second arm 132 engaged with the camera head 150 is pivotally rotated to be folded back on the arm front side of the first arm 131, a lens unit CU of the camera head 150 is received in the depressed recess 138 and is surrounded by the peripheral inner wall of the depressed recess 138.

Abstract: A system for detecting smoke in a monitored area includes: (a) a video device for capturing a series of successive video images of the monitored area as a series of two-dimensional bitmaps having a specified number of pixels, (b) a processing device having memory capability for storing said series of images and processing capability for analyzing the series of images, and (c) an analysis algorithm that runs on the processing device and has: (i) an identification portion for examining this series of bitmaps to identify indicator areas in successive bitmaps of adjacent pixels that have the potential for being used as indicators for the existence of smoke in the monitored area, (ii) a tracking portion for identifying the trends in the growth and movement of the indicator areas, and (iii) a trend comparison portion for comparing the identified trends to determine which of the trends are consistent with those produced by a smoke cloud.

Abstract: A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video camera plugged into kiln to monitor and an image processing system using the camera. The video camera is composed of a camera body, a video recorder, a monitor, and a digital thermometer; the image processing system is composed of the camera body mentioned above, a computer and a color monitor. Especially, the present invention is used to monitor material surface during the smelting in a blast furnace; process the image by a computer, describing quantificationally the airflow and temperature distribution of the material surface; monitor the operation state of charging chute or bell, the material stream, and the abnormality in the furnace such as pipeline and material collapse. The advantages of the present invention: Micro camera used to obtain IR image in the furnace, pint-sized, low cost, easy installation, simple maintenance, long service life, and the maintenance performed without stopping production.