Abstract: One example embodiment includes a method for constructing a word graph. The method includes obtaining a subject text and dividing the subject text into one or more units. The method also includes dividing the units into one or more sub-units and recording each of the one or more sub-units.

Abstract: A method for high dynamic range imaging using more than two capture intervals, where images are captured in a repeating sequence that avoids interlace bounce, and overlapping groups of combined images form composite frames for output, and an imaging system comprising an imaging array, processing means and a display, wherein the imaging array is operable to capture a succession of images by detecting incident light and the processing means is operable to process said images as required, and pass the processed images to the display for output.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermographic imaging device having a visual compare mode that allows a user to compare a live image of a subject to a previously captured image of the same subject to aid the user in aligning the live image with the previously captured image. In this manner, a user can capture a series of images of the subject with the device located and oriented at a common location and orientation that is consistent throughout the series. In another embodiment, trend analysis software that includes a thermographic tool copying feature for copying one or more thermographic tools from a tooled thermographic image file to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files. In some embodiments, the software includes a trend-graphing feature that generates one or more trend plots after one or more tools have been copied to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a method for constructing a word graph. The method includes obtaining a subject text and dividing the subject text into one or more units. The method also includes dividing the units into one or more sub-units and recording each of the one or more sub-units.

Abstract: User-profile systems and methods that allow the users of imaging devices to create, store and retrieve user profiles that allow users to readily set operating parameters of the imaging devices. Such user profiles are useful, for example, in situations where a user encounters differing imaging scenarios having differing preferred operating-parameter settings. The user can change the operating parameter settings to the desired settings by selecting the user profile corresponding to the imaging scenario at hand. In one embodiment, the imaging device displays a user-profile-access list to the user from which the user can select a desired one of the user profiles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermographic imaging device having a visual compare mode that allows a user to compare a live image of a subject to a previously captured image of the same subject to aid the user in aligning the live image with the previously captured image. In this manner, a user can capture a series of images of the subject with the device located and oriented at a common location and orientation that is consistent throughout the series. In another embodiment, trend analysis software that includes a thermographic tool copying feature for copying one or more thermographic tools from a tooled thermographic image file to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files. In some embodiments, the software includes a trend-graphing feature that generates one or more trend plots after one or more tools have been copied to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermographic imaging device having a visual compare mode that allows a user to compare a live image of a subject to a previously captured image of the same subject to aid the user in aligning the live image with the previously captured image. In this manner, a user can capture a series of images of the subject with the device located and oriented at a common location and orientation that is consistent throughout the series. In another embodiment, trend analysis software that includes a thermographic tool copying feature for copying one or more thermographic tools from a tooled thermographic image file to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files. In some embodiments, the software includes a trend-graphing feature that generates one or more trend plots after one or more tools have been copied to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermographic imaging device having a visual compare mode that allows a user to compare a live image of a subject to a previously captured image of the same subject to aid the user in aligning the live image with the previously captured image. In this manner, a user can capture a series of images of the subject with the device located and oriented at a common location and orientation that is consistent throughout the series. In another embodiment, trend analysis software that includes a thermographic tool copying feature for copying one or more thermographic tools from a tooled thermographic image file to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files. In some embodiments, the software includes a trend-graphing feature that generates one or more trend plots after one or more tools have been copied to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermographic imaging device having a visual compare mode that allows a user to compare a live image of a subject to a previously captured image of the same subject to aid the user in aligning the live image with the previously captured image. In this manner, a user can capture a series of images of the subject with the device located and oriented at a common location and orientation that is consistent throughout the series. In another embodiment, trend analysis software that includes a thermographic tool copying feature for copying one or more thermographic tools from a tooled thermographic image file to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files. In some embodiments, the software includes a trend-graphing feature that generates one or more trend plots after one or more tools have been copied to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files.

Abstract: A shutter for an infra-red imaging camera comprises shaped first and second elements (17, 18) which are movable relative to each other, between open and closed positions. In the open position, the elements (17, 18) overlie each other leaving a clear optical path through the camera. In the closed position, the elements (17, 18) are disposed side-by-side and completely block off the optical path through the camera.

Abstract: A digital imaging device is provided with a touch sensitive display screen 10. The screen 10 displays an image 12 captured by the imaging device. Along one side of the screen is a toolbar 14 upon which is provided a plurality of individual icons 16. The icons 16 represent particular control functions that may be selected by a user. Examples of such control functions represented by the icons 16 include but are not limited to save, send, retrieve or discard image; rotate, reflect, crop, resize or edit image; compare images; process image (e.g. sharpen, blur, emboss, edge detect, pixelise, apply filter or similar); or vary image properties (e.g. brightness, colour balance, colour depth, contrast, convert to greyscale/black and white, effective surface temperature displayed (for infrared images) or similar). The user can select icons by touching the screen either directly or more preferably by tapping the screen with a suitable implement such as a pen, a stylus or similar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual storage volume with a file size independent of a file size limitation of a computer. In one embodiment, a storage area is randomly selected from among a plurality of available storage areas. A determination is made as to whether the selected storage area contains at least a predetermined amount of free space. If so, the predetermined amount of free space is allocated on the selected storage area to create an allocated storage area. A symbolic link to the allocated storage area is written in a directory associated with the virtual storage volume. Data destined for the virtual storage volume is then written in the allocated storage area.

Abstract: A shutter for an infra-red imaging camera comprises shaped first and second elements (17, 18) which are movable relative to each other, between open and closed positions. In the open position, the elements (17, 18) overlie each other leaving a clear optical path through the camera. In the closed position, the elements (17, 18) are disposed side-by-side and completely block off the optical path through the camera.

Abstract: A digital imaging device is provided with a touch sensitive display screen 10. The screen 10 displays an image 12 captured by the imaging device. Along one side of the screen is a toolbar 14 upon which is provided a plurality of individual icons 16. The icons 16 represent particular control functions that may be selected by a user. Examples of such control functions represented by the icons 16 include but are not limited to save, send, retrieve or discard image; rotate, reflect, crop, resize or edit image; compare images; process image (e.g. sharpen, blur, emboss, edge detect, pixelise, apply filter or similar); or vary image properties (e.g. brightness, colour balance, colour depth, contrast, convert to greyscale/black and white, effective surface temperature displayed (for infrared images) or similar). The user can select icons by touching the screen either directly or more preferably by tapping the screen with a suitable implement such as. a pen, a stylus or similar.

Abstract: An integrated source code file and a method and apparatus for creating a computer program from the integrated source code file. The integrated source code file is stored on a computer readable medium and the computer program created therefrom is executable by a computer system having a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for validating the parameter, the instructions adapted to run on both the front-end and the back-end. The computer program also comprises graphical user interface information for creating a graphical user interface, which can be used to receive the parameter. The computer program still further comprises a documentation section for providing information related to the function, which is adapted for display via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system comprising a camera (11), a control device (12) which is operable to control movement of the camera (11) and operation of the camera shutter and a computer (13) which includes thermal image processing software which allows manipulation or display of thermal images collected by the camera (11). The camera (11) is operated by use of the control device (12) to expose a thermal image over a selected time interval to correspondingly select a thermal image over a particular selected temperature range. The camera shutter is operated at a selected frequency, and exposure time of the image is varied to acquire thermal images over different selected temperature ranges. However, preferably every image is taken at the same time exposure, which allows display of a continuous real time display of thermal characteristics of the object over this selected temperature range. Thermal information over the other temperature range can also be displayed or used as desired.

Abstract: A computer program, and a method and apparatus for creating the computer program. The computer program is stored on a computer readable medium and is executable by a computer system having a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for validating the parameter. The computer program also comprises graphical user interface information for creating a graphical user interface, which can be used to receive the parameter. The computer program still further comprises a documentation section for providing information related to the function, which is adapted for display via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the size of a file beyond a file size limitation of a computer. In one embodiment, a storage area is randomly selected from among a plurality of available storage areas. A determination is made as to whether the selected storage area contains at least a predetermined amount of free space. If so, the predetermined amount of free space is allocated on the selected storage area to create an allocated storage area. A symbolic link to the allocated storage area is written in a directory associated with the virtual storage volume. Data destined for the virtual storage volume is then written in the allocated storage area.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system comprising a camera (11), a control device (12) which is operable to control movement of the camera (11) and operation of the camera shutter and a computer (13) which includes thermal image processing software which allows manipulation or display of thermal images collected by the camera (11). The camera (11) is operated by use of the control device (12) to expose a thermal image over a selected time interval in order that a thermal image over a particular selected temperature range. The camera shutter is operated at a selected frequency and exposure time of the image is varied to acquire thermal images over different selected temperature ranges. However, preferably every said image, is taken at the same time exposure, which allows display of a continuous real time display of thermal characteristics of the object over this selected temperature range. Thermal information over the other temperature range can also be displayed or used as desired.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser which includes a housing having a chamber for holding a collapsible tube of liquid, a front opening to the chamber, and a side opening to the chamber. An actuating lever is pivotally connected to the housing and has a protrusion extending into the side chamber through the side opening for engaging and compressing the tube. The tube has a dispensing nozzle which extends through the front opening of the housing. A stop mechanism limits the movement of the actuating lever toward the tube for limiting the compression of the tube and the amount liquid dispensed from the tube. More specifically, the stop mechanism is adjustable and the dispenser is fabricated from a plurality of modules.