Abstract: An improved maintenance, inspection, and/or measurement solution is provided. An embodiment of the invention includes a handheld measurement device for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel on a train. The handheld measurement device can comprise a single unit to provide one handed operation and can include various features, such as onboard evaluation, a graphical user interface, and/or a self-health monitor. Additionally, aspects of the invention provide an inspection environment that incorporates preliminary measurement data, wireless communications, and/or historical data into the measurement and evaluation process.

Abstract: A solution for optically evaluating a wheel along at least one circumference of the wheel is provided. Image data is obtained while the wheel moves along a path having a length of at least one circumference of the wheel. The path and/or wheel can be illuminated to enhance the resulting image data. One or more attributes of the wheel are measured based on the image data. The attributes can then be used to detect one or more defects in the wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel is a rail wheel, and a rail segment is illuminated. The rail can be specially configured to enhance a contrast between the rail and the rail wheel and/or to provide a consistent path for the rail wheel to travel.

Abstract: A non-visible radiation imaging system is provided in which an image is obtained based on non-visible radiation of an object. The image can be enhanced to increase its resolution. Additionally, the image can be combined with another image based on visible light for the object. Further, a non-visible radiation inspection system and method are provided that perform an inspection of the object using one or more of the images.

Abstract: An improved solution for performing an inspection is provided, in which a user can use a handheld computing device to obtain and/or record the set of attributes required for the inspection. In particular, an inspection schedule can be initiated on the handheld computing device and the user can be prompted for the various attributes based on the inspection schedule. Various solutions can be incorporated for receiving the attributes on the handheld computing device, including manual entry, audible entry and/or one or more data sensing devices. Subsequently, the set of attributes can be communicated to a base station for further processing and/or more permanent storage.