Abstract: A method for induction thermography includes acquiring a plurality of images or an object at each of a plurality of imaging directions, and deriving a combined Fourier-transformed image from the images taken at different imaging directions to detect defects in the object.

Abstract: In order to support an inspecting person in a method for the manual non-destructive inspection of a test object, a detection device is provided for detecting three-dimensional surface coordinates of a region to be inspected on the test object and for continuously determining positions and speeds of an inspecting tool relative to the test object Discrete position values and speed values of the inspecting tool for the respective measurement time points are stored by a storage device. A computing device determines the share of an already inspected region in relation to the total region of the test object to be inspected. The method and device can be used for manual inspection of test objects having a plurality of different shapes. The inspecting person is effectively relieved and the process for the non-destructive inspection is documented in order to guarantee a complete inspection.

Abstract: A method for induction thermography includes acquiring a plurality of images or an object at each of a plurality of imaging directions, and deriving a combined Fourier-transformed image from the images taken at different imaging directions to detect defects in the object.

Abstract: In order to support an inspecting person in a method for the manual non-destructive inspection of a test object, a detection device is provided for detecting three-dimensional surface coordinates of a region to be inspected on the test object and for continuously determining positions and speeds of an inspecting tool relative to the test object Discrete position values and speed values of the inspecting tool for the respective measurement time points are stored by a storage device. A computing device determines the share of an already inspected region in relation to the total region of the test object to be inspected. The method and device can be used for manual inspection of test objects having a plurality of different shapes. The inspecting person is effectively relieved and the process for the non-destructive inspection is documented in order to guarantee a complete inspection.

Abstract: Non-destructive material examination of a test part by scanning induction thermography improves upon the quality of a manual measurement by an inspecting person. Recorded infrared images undergo evaluation and references corresponding to the evaluation are projected onto the test piece for an inspecting person.

Abstract: Active thermography is used for evaluating a moving test object by detecting a test image of a test object and ascertaining a position of the test object in three-dimensional space. A thermographic test image is adapted with respect to the test image perspective and position and is congruently projected onto the test object.

Abstract: A test specimen, on which control functions and/or thermographic measuring results are projected, undergoes a thermographic measuring process using at least one depth sensor. Actuation of the thermographic measuring procedure takes place subject to the sensor-captured body gestures. Specifically, body gestures of a user select the control functions and/or recording of the thermographic measuring results.

Abstract: A method and device for performing the method of inspecting an object for the purpose of detecting defective surface regions of the object, comprising the steps of using a scanning device to survey a surface of the object to be inspected and generating two-dimensional image data and a measured surface profile in at least one cross-sectional plane through the object in each case; using a computer device to evaluate the two-dimensional image data in order to localize a potentially defective surface region; using the computer device to generate a calculated surface profile within the potentially defective surface region in the cross-sectional plane on the basis of the measured surface pro-file outside of the potentially defective surface region of the cross-sectional plane; using the computer device to compare the calculated and measured surface profiles within the potentially defective surface region, the localized surface region being assessed as actually defective if defined differentiating features are prese

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for assessing an object to be tested by a thermography are provided with a more accurate and reliable thermography investigation. A thermography light image of the object is recorded by an infrared camera having a lens with a first lens axis. An item of information is projected onto the object by a projection unit having a lens with a second lens axis. A distributor unit positioned with respect to the lens axis of the infrared camera and of the projection unit is provided for reflecting the lens axis of the infrared camera or of the projection unit into the respective other lens axis in the direction of the object and transmitting or deflecting infrared light from the object to the infrared camera and deflecting or transmitting light from the projection unit to the object.

Abstract: An apparatus with an excitation unit for mechanically exciting an object with a periodic excitation signal and a camera for capturing the thermal images of the object are used to capture thermal images of the object. The thermal image has a plurality of pixels, where a pixel is respectively intended to represent a heat signal acquired from the object. The apparatus matches a capture of the thermal images of the object and the periodic excitation signal in such a manner that thermal images captured in a plurality of periods of the periodic excitation signal can be used to determine information relating to the heat signals respectively represented by the pixels during a period.

Abstract: In a method for the optimization of stress distribution on an object to be tested for flaws by ultrasound excitation and evaluation based on resulting surface temperature distribution,—a simulation is performed under test conditions on a CAD model of the object prior to a testing an object,—vibrational spectra and modal vibrational forms are calculated,—local mechanical stresses are determined from the vibrational modes, whereby—modes to be excited for the real test are selected from the entirety of the occurring modes such that,—the mechanical stress lies in a selected region above a predetermined minimum stress to enable a reliable proof of defect,—the mechanical stress in all other regions of the inspection part, in particular on easily damaged component structures, is smaller than a predetermined maximum stress by a predetermined factor, in order not to damage the component at weak points.

Abstract: A method for processing thermography signals. A time series of radiometric data is measured from a surface (104) of an object (102) over a period of heating and subsequent cooling, and a mathematical curve (1, 2) is fit to the data. An amplitude aspect and one or more shape aspects are identified for each curve. The amplitude and shape aspects are then used together to characterize features such as defects in the object. The amplitude and shape aspects for an array of such data may be combined in a single noise-free visual display (100) by associating hue (color) with the shape aspect and luminance (brightness) with the amplitude aspect. Optionally, a second shape aspect may be identified and associated with saturation on the display. A visible image of the object may be overlaid on the display.

Abstract: In a method for the optimization of stress distribution on an object to be tested for flaws by ultrasound excitation and evaluation based on resulting surface temperature distribution, —a simulation is performed under test conditions on a CAD model of the object prior to a testing an object, —vibrational spectra and modal vibrational forms are calculated, —local mechanical stresses are determined from the vibrational modes, whereby—modes to be excited for the real test are selected from the entirety of the occurring modes such that, —the mechanical stress lies in a selected region above a predetermined minimum stress to enable a reliable proof of defect, —the mechanical stress in all other regions of the inspection part, in particular on easily damaged component structures, is smaller than a predetermined maximum stress by a predetermined factor, in order not to damage the component at weak points.

Abstract: A hand-held thermography system (8). A generator (10) supplies current to a transformer (15) in a handle (16). An induction coil (20) connected to the transformer (15) extends from the handle (16). The induction coil (20) induces eddy currents in a test object (50), producing a thermal topography on a surface (52) of the object (50) that reveals structural features including defects in the object. An infrared camera (24) mounted on the transformer (16) digitizes images of the thermal topography. A controller (12) processes the images, displays them on a monitor (14), and stores them in a digital memory (11) for evaluation. Digitized positional data relating the position of the image to the surface may also be stored. An operator (40) presses a trigger (17), signaling the controller (12) to start current to the induction coil (20) and simultaneously to acquire and process one or more images from the camera (24).

Abstract: A hand-held thermography system (8). A generator (10) supplies current to a transformer (15) in a handle (16). An induction coil (20) connected to the transformer (15) extends from the handle (16). The induction coil (20) induces eddy currents in a test object (50), producing a thermal topography on a surface (52) of the object (50) that reveals structural features including defects in the object. An infrared camera (24) mounted on the transformer (16) digitizes images of the thermal topography. A controller (12) processes the images, displays them on a monitor (14), and stores them in a digital memory (11) for evaluation. Digitized positional data relating the position of the image to the surface may also be stored. An operator (40) presses a trigger (17), signaling the controller (12) to start current to the induction coil (20) and simultaneously to acquire and process one or more images from the camera (24).

Abstract: A method for processing thermography signals. A time series of radiometric data is measured from a surface (104) of an object (102) over a period of heating and subsequent cooling, and a mathematical curve (1, 2) is fit to the data. An amplitude aspect and one or more shape aspects are identified for each curve. The amplitude and shape aspects are then used together to characterize features such as defects in the object. The amplitude and shape aspects for an array of such data may be combined in a single noise-free visual display (100) by associating hue (color) with the shape-aspect and luminance (brightness) with the amplitude aspect. Optionally, a second shape aspect may be identified and associated with saturation on the display. A visible image of the object may be overlaid on the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating an acoustic thermography system 10 and/or enhancing the flaw detection abilities of such a system is provided. The method allows applying a material (e.g., 103) to a specimen 12 undergoing acoustic thermography inspection. The material is thermally responsive to acoustic energy transmitted to the specimen by the acoustic thermography system. In one aspect thereof, a thermal response of the material applied to the specimen when subjected to acoustic energy is processed to determine whether the level of acoustic energy applied by the acoustic thermographic system appropriately meets a desired amount of acoustic energy for inspecting the specimen. In another aspect thereof, the thermal response of the specimen in combination with the applied material may be processed to determine whether certain types of flaws (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating an acoustic thermography system 10 and/or enhancing the flaw detection abilities of such a system is provided. The method allows applying a material (e.g., 103) to a specimen 12 undergoing acoustic thermography inspection. The material is thermally responsive to acoustic energy transmitted to the specimen by the acoustic thermography system. In one aspect thereof, a thermal response of the material applied to the specimen when subjected to acoustic energy is processed to determine whether the level of acoustic energy applied by the acoustic thermographic system appropriately meets a desired amount of acoustic energy for inspecting the specimen. In another aspect thereof, the thermal response of the specimen in combination with the applied material may be processed to determine whether certain types of flaws (e.g.