Abstract: A tire defect detection system for detecting defects in a tire. The system includes at least one infrared camera, a pneumatic source and a computing device. The pneumatic source inflates the tire to a predetermined pressure. After inflation, the infrared camera captures a reference frame of a section of the tire. A period of time after capturing the reference frame, the infrared camera captures a subsequent frame. The subsequent frame is compared to the reference frame to detect a portion of the section of the tire that has a lower temperature. The lower temperature is caused by an escape of air from the tire through a defect. The escaping air cools the area of the tire around the defect, so a decrease in temperature indicates the defect.

Abstract: A temperature detection system includes a housing, a thermal imaging system at least partially disposed within the housing, and a data correction system communicatively coupled with the thermal imaging system. The thermal imaging system is configured to capture at least one thermal image of a subject. The data correction system is configured to correct at least one error associated with the at least one thermal image of the subject.

Abstract: An electronic device may include sensors such as a visible-light image sensor for capturing images. The sensors may also include optical sensors that operate at other wavelengths. An infrared light sensor may be used to gather an infrared light spectrum of a target object. The infrared light sensor may have a beam steerer and other adjustable components such as adjustable lenses and adjustable polarizers. During operation, an infrared beam emitted by the infrared light sensor may be steered onto the target object using information from a captured visible-light image and/or other sensor data such as distance sensor data, orientation sensor data, three-dimensional image sensor data, and data from other sensors. Infrared spectra, visible-light camera images, and/or data from other sensors may be used in characterizing target objects so that notifications can be provided to a user and other actions taken.

Abstract: Provided is a spectrum processing apparatus for removing noise, caused by a change in temperature, from a spectrum. The spectrum processing apparatus includes: a temperature modulator configured to perform modulation of a temperature of an object; a spectrometer configured to obtain a first spectrum based on the temperature of the object that is changed by the modulation; and a spectrum processor configured to extract a temperature change vector based on the first spectrum, and to correct a second spectrum based on the extracted temperature change vector.

Abstract: An over-the-air measurement system for investigating a device under test with respect to its temperature behavior is provided. The over-the air measurement system includes a positioning unit attached to the device under test for positioning the device under test, at least one antenna, and a temperature generating unit for generating heated or cooled air. The over-the-air measurement system includes a piping system comprising at least one pipe connected to the temperature generating unit for passing the heated or cooled air generated by the temperature generating unit into at least one opening of an enveloping material surrounding the device under test or for siphoning the heated or cooled air.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with: a heat source unit; a heat detection unit that detects the intensity of light of a prescribed wavelength obtained from paper sheets in which heat provided from the heat source unit is stored; and a control unit that detects, on the basis of the intensity of the light of the prescribed wavelength obtained from the paper sheets, a repaired paper sheet which has been repaired with a repair member.

Abstract: A method for gathering reference data for use in planning and interpreting infrared surveys for the purpose of detecting and locating underground features, such as tunnels, voids, or manmade devices. Measurements, images, or observations at a site having known underground features are recorded. Recorded details include a combination temperatures at or near a soil surface at multiple points across the site in addition to above surface factors such as shading, weather conditions, and objects or foliage. Analysis of the details recorded from the site having known underground features yields quantitative estimates of the effects of various above and below surface factors on temperatures at or near the soil surface.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of on-body concealed objects includes receiving a visible-domain camera image for a scene, determining, using the visible-domain camera image, a region of interest where a subject is present, receiving an infrared-domain camera image and a millimeter-wave (mmwave) radar image that each cover the region of interest, determining emissivity information for the region of interest using the infrared-domain camera image, determining reflectivity information for the region of interest using the mmwave radar image and determining a concealed object classification for the subject based on the emissivity information and the reflectivity information. A corresponding system and computer program product for executing the above method are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A geometric and radiometric calibration and test apparatus for electro-optical thermal-IR (8-12 micron) instruments and designed to simulate angularly-extending thermal-IR sources with different geometries and with thermal-IR emissions containing hot-cold transitions. The apparatus comprises an IR collimator having an optical axis and a focal plane; a thermal-IR source movable relative to the collimator to be controllably arrangeable and displaceable in the focal plane of the collimator, and operable to radiate thermal-IR radiations towards the collimator; and a kit of masks interchangeably arrangeable in front of the thermal-IR source and having geometric and radiometric properties to cause the thermal-IR radiation reproduced on the electro-optical instrument to be calibrated or tested to contain different hot-cold transitions.

Abstract: A nondestructive multispectral vibrothermography inspection system includes a fixture to retain a component, an ultrasonic excitation source directed toward the component retained within the fixture, a laser Doppler vibrometer directed toward the component retained within the fixture, and a multispectral thermography system directed toward the component retained within the fixture. A method for nondestructive multispectral vibrothermography inspection of a component, includes generating ultrasonic excitations in a component over a broad range of frequencies; determining a spectral signature in the component from the excitations; comparing the spectral energy signature against database 270 of correlations between vibrational frequencies of a multiple of components and the spectral energy distribution thereof, and classifying the component based on the database data.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the quality of photovoltaic cells is described, the method including for each cell: an excitation step, during which the cell to be monitored is subjected to excitation at a predetermined level of excitation; a step of acquiring at least one luminescence image of the cell to be monitored after excitation; and a step of processing the acquired image. The invention is characterized in that, for each cell, there is provided a preliminary step for determining an excitation level adjusted to the cell, the respective adjusted excitation levels of the different cells to be monitored being adapted such that the luminescence intensities of the signals emitted by the different cells are equal at a given reference luminescence intensity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for generating images. An imaging system comprises a computer system with a controller. The controller is configured to receive from a shearography camera system an unloaded visible light image generated of a coating in an area of a structure while the area is in an unloaded state and a loaded visible light image generated while the area is in a loaded state and receive from an infrared camera system an unloaded thermal image generated while the area is in the unloaded state and a loaded thermal image generated while the area is in the loaded state. The controller is configured to subtract the loaded visible light image from the unloaded visible light image to form a subtracted visible light image. The controller is configured to subtract the loaded thermal image from the unloaded thermal image to form a subtracted thermal image.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring the pore structure of tight sandstone are provided. The method comprises the following steps: carrying out the desorption experiment of a core sample saturated by a specific gas containing isotope element to obtain the pressure of the specific gas and the total isotope ratio at each sampling moment; acquiring a single isotope ratio of each pore diameter at each sampling moment according to a physical model containing pore diameter parameter and the pressure of the specific gas at each sampling moment; and obtaining the proportion of a pore of each pore diameter in the core sample. The method and the system for measuring the pore structure of the tight sandstone provided by the disclosure can quickly obtain the pore distribution of the tight sandstone without damaging a sample.

Abstract: A coating analysis system and method inductively heat a component having a coating. Optionally, the component is heated while a cooling fluid flows through cooling holes extending through the component and the coating. The system and method measure rates of infrared radiation emission from the component and the coating at different locations on the component and the coating. The system and method determining bond qualities (e.g., tensile strengths of bonds) between the coating and the component at the different locations based on the rates of infrared radiation emission that are measured.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a technique are provided for determining the quality of a weld for a battery contact using audio signals. In some embodiments, a system for determining the quality of a weld for a battery contact comprises a processor configured to receive a snapshot that includes a rendering of an audio signal obtained during a welding process by monitoring a device being welded. A weld-quality indicator for the device being welded is determined based at least in part on features extracted from the snapshot and a weld-quality score for the device being welded is determined in response to the weld-quality indicator. In this case, the weld-quality score is indicative of a quality of the weld. The system also includes a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for evaluating ceramic matrix composite components are provided. In one example, a method for evaluating a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component includes applying an electrical voltage to the CMC component at conditions to heat and cause a temperature increase in at least a portion of the CMC component. The temperature increase is sensed for detecting a presence of a defect in the CMC component.

Abstract: A method for producing an engineered wood board. The method includes production of the substrate and application of a fluid to an application area of the substrate by means of an applicator, where the monitoring of the application occurs by means of an infra-red camera such that an inhomogeneity of the application can be detected.

Abstract: A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam having a predetermined temporal modulation, and an optics assembly directing the thermal beam to impact a target, the target directing radiation to the optics assembly in response to the impact. A portion of the radiation having the predetermined temporal modulation. The target marking system further includes a detector configured to distinguish the portion of the radiation having the predetermined temporal modulation from a remainder of the radiation, the portion of the radiation passing to the director through the optics assembly. The system also includes a readout integrated circuit, the detector directing an input signal to the readout integrated circuit, and the readout integrated circuit producing a digitally enhanced output signal in response to receipt of the input signal.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for condition assessment of a turbine component is provided. The method includes providing a laser generating a light pulse that heats the turbine component. An infrared image is then captured of the heated turbine component. An analysis of the turbine component for a particular characteristic of the turbine component may then be done. A system for the non-destructive condition assessment of a turbine component is also provided.

Abstract: A method of locating lead goose neck pipes connected between a water main and a water service line buried under a surface comprising, using infrared (IR) photography to scan the surface above the buried pipes; wherein the water main and water service lines are constructed of a metal having a higher thermal conductivity than lead; and determining the presence of lead by differences in surface temperatures of the lead pipe and the water main and/or the service line as indicated by the infrared photography.

Abstract: Devices and corresponding methods can be provided to measure temperature and/or emissivity of a target. Emissivity of the target need not be known or assumed, and any temperature difference between a sensor and the target need not be zeroed or minimized. No particular bandpass filter is required. Devices can include one or two sensors viewing the same target as the target views different respective viewed temperatures. The respective viewed temperatures can be sensor temperatures, and a single sensor can be set to each of the respective viewed temperatures at different times. An analyzer can determine the temperature and/or emissivity of the target based on the respective viewed temperatures and on plural net heat fluxes detected by the sensors and corresponding to the respective viewed temperatures.

Abstract: A detection system for a turbine engine that is configured to identify the presence of at least a partial blockage of guide vanes by monitoring deflection of an adjacent row of turbine blades. The detection system may include one or more sensors positioned radially outward from tips of turbine blades in a row of turbine blades adjacent an upstream row of guide vanes that remain stationary. The detection system may also include a conditioning module in communication with the sensor to amplify the output signals received from the sensor. A processing module may be in communication with conditioning module to analyze signals produced by the sensor via the conditioning module and generate an alarm if the processing module detects a change in amplitude, such as an increase of amplitude at frequencies between about 400 Hertz and about 900 Hertz.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectroscopy of a gas mixture is described. Such an apparatus includes a gas mixing system configured to mix a hot analyte gas that includes at least one analyte species in a gas phase into a cold buffer gas, thereby forming a supersaturated mixture to be provided for spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing measurement of material thermal properties including measurement of thermal effusivity of a coating and/or film or a bulk material of uniform property. The test apparatus includes an infrared camera, a data acquisition and processing computer coupled to the infrared camera for acquiring and processing thermal image data, a flash lamp providing an input of heat onto the surface of a two-layer sample with an enhanced optical filter covering the flash lamp attenuating an entire infrared wavelength range with a series of thermal images is taken of the surface of the two-layer sample.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system that detects the growth of cracks in a structural element, where the system has particular application for detecting the growth of cracks and similar defects in a turbine blade. The thermal imaging system includes at least one infrared (IR) fiber optic cable where a sensing end of the fiber optic cable is positioned in close proximity to a location where a crack in the structural element may occur. Infrared emissions generated as a result of crack growth are collected by the IR fiber cable and transmitted by the cable to an infrared monitoring device. The amount of heat that is detected provides an indication of whether the crack is growing, and if so, at what rate.

Abstract: The device comprises an extractor (53) having an outlet (71) at which a gas stream is sampled. The gas stream contains at least one hydrocarbon to be analyzed and at least one interfering compound. A transport line (54), is connected to the outlet (71) of the extractor (53) to transport the gas stream to an analyzer (55A) comprising a detector being able to measure at least one of the hydrocarbons to be analyzed contained in this gas stream. The device comprises a chemical reactor (141) located between the extractor (53) and the detector. At least a portion of the extracted gases is transported through the chemical reactor (141) where a selective catalytic reaction of at least one interfering compound is carried out without any substantial reaction of at least one of the hydrocarbons to be analyzed.

Abstract: As hydrogen sulfide is toxic and widely present in many oil and gas facilities, it is highly desirable to use an infrared camera to detect the presence of a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plume from a safe distance. The proposed are an imaging system and method for detecting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in a safe distance. The imaging system includes an infrared (IR) imager capable of capturing an image of a scene that includes a gas plume, and a narrow bandpass filter installed in the infrared imager. The narrow bandpass filter has a spectral window. A width of the spectral window is in the range of 100 nm to 300 nm. The spectral window is included in a wavelength range between 2.5 ?m and 2.8 ?m, a wavelength range between 1.5 ?m and 2.0 ?m, or a wavelength range between 7.0 ?m and 10.0 ?m.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the method for boresighting a system under test (SUT) involves radiating, by the SUT, an illuminating signal(s) to a target, where the illuminating signal(s) is radiated onto an external screen of the target. The method further involves detecting, by an external detector(s), the illuminating signal(s) radiated onto the external screen to produce an external detector measurement. Also, the method involves aligning the SUT by using the external detector measurement. In addition, the method involves radiating, by the SUT, the illuminating signal(s) to the target, where the illuminating signal(s) is radiated through an opening located on a side of the target and onto an internal screen of the target. Additionally, the method involves detecting, by an internal detector(s) of the target, the illuminating signal(s) radiated onto the internal screen to produce an internal detector measurement. Further, the method involves aligning the SUT by using the internal detector measurement.

Abstract: A method of examining a substrate is provided. The method may include: generating a temperature gradient along a surface of the substrate; detecting a heat radiation emitted from the substrate; and determining as to whether the substrate is damaged based on the detected heat radiation.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for improving the resolution of compounds eluted from a separation device are disclosed, particularly suited for use in the fields of gas or liquid chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method of inspecting a weld. The weld to be inspected is subjected to a transient sonic excitation while the weld area is monitored using a remote infrared camera. The sonic excitation induces mechanical vibration, which causes heat generation at any cracks or other anomalies in the weld. The infrared camera detects any temperature differentials in the weld, indicating the presence of an anomaly. The system and method is particularly useful for welds in environments that are unsafe for extended human presence or that are crowded or otherwise inaccessible, such as with piping or other structural components.

Abstract: A tire surface anomaly detection system and method are disclosed. The system and method are generally based on the principle that a tire surface anomaly will have a different heat transfer rate than that of the uniform mass surrounding the tire surface anomaly. Embodiments of the present disclosure apply thermal energy to the surface of a tire and monitor the infrared energy at the surface of the tire to generate one or more infrared images of the surface of the tire. The infrared images are analyzed by an image processing system to determine and locate thermal gradients on the surface of the tire. The presence of a thermal gradient in the infrared images generally indicates the presence of an anomaly in the surface of the tire. In this manner, the present disclosure provides an objective technique for identifying, locating, and classifying tire surface anomalies.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a ceramic wall-flow filter (1) for a vehicle exhaust system includes the steps of: a) providing a source (9) of heat energy suitable for heating material within the filter (1); b) applying heat energy from the source (9) to a first end (10) of the filter (1) to heat material within the filter; c) detecting infrared radiation (18) which has been emitted by heated material in the filter using a radiation detector (19) at the second end (11) of the filter (1) to form an image (24) of a pattern of emitted radiation, the pattern of emitted radiation providing an indication of the condition of the filter (1). Another aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in the method.

Abstract: An assembly including an optically excited infrared nondestructive testing active thermography system is disclosed. The optically excited infrared nondestructive testing active thermography system includes one or more illumination sources, at least one first reflector, at least one second reflector and a computing resource. The at least one first reflector is arranged about the one or more illumination sources. The at least one first reflector has a near focal point and a far focal point. The one or more illumination sources is/are positioned at least proximate the near focal point of the at least one first reflector. The at least one second reflector is positioned at least proximate the far focal point. The computing resource is communicatively-coupled to a motor that is coupled to the at least one second reflector for manipulating the at least one second reflector between at least: a first spatial orientation and a second spatial orientation.

Abstract: In an optical non-destructive inspection method which can perform inspection accurately in a short time. In the method, a heating laser beam source, at least one infrared detector, a control unit, and a storage unit are used. The storage unit stores a parameter state-time constant characteristic in which a parameter corresponding to a state of the measurement object is correlated with a time constant indicating the curve shape of the temperature rise characteristic that varies depending on the state of the parameter. The control unit determines the time constant based on the curve shape of the temperature rise characteristic, which extends from a heating start time point to a time point at which a saturated temperature is reached, and determines the state of the parameter of the measurement object based on the determined time constant and the parameter state-time constant characteristic.

Abstract: An ultra-high temperature optical method incorporates speckle optics for sensing displacement and strain measurements well above conventional measurement techniques. High temperature pattern materials are used which can endure experimental high temperature environments while simultaneously having a minimum optical aberration. A purge medium is used to reduce or eliminate optical distortions and to reduce, and/or eliminate oxidation of the target specimen.

Abstract: A method for detecting defect in a weld seam during laser welding. The method includes performing a two-dimensionally locally resolved detection of radiation that is emitted by a solidified molten mass that is adjacent to a liquid melting bath. The method also includes determining at least one characteristic value for heat dissipation in the solidified molten mass by evaluating the detected radiation along at least one profile-section of the solidified molten mass, and detecting a defect in the weld seam by comparing the at least one characteristic value with at least one reference value.

Abstract: Methods and a computer program product for deriving temperature information with respect to surfaces within a scene that is imaged radiometrically. A time sequence of radiometric data is acquired in frames viewed from distinct angles. A three-dimensional structure of the scene is derived, allowing viewing angles and distances to the imaged surfaces to be inferred. Normalized surface areas of the imaged surfaces are calculated based on the inferred viewing angles and emissivities of the imaged surfaces are corrected accordingly. Corrections also account for background radiation impinging on the imaged surfaces. The radiometric data are converted to a perceptible temperature map of the imaged surfaces.

Abstract: A layer direction determining method and layer direction determining apparatus for a multilayer electronic component to accurately determine the layer direction of conductor layers in the multilayer electronic component, and a method and apparatus of manufacturing a series of multilayer electronic components to align the layer direction of the conductor layers in the multilayer electronic components in a certain direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for determining the adsorption of a gas at materials. It is the object of the invention to propose possibilities for the determining of the surface properties of materials in which statements can be obtained and very small sample volumes can be examined with sufficient measurement precision, with a reduced technical plant effort and with a reduced time effort. In the invention, a sample of a material is acted on by a gas or gas mixture within a chamber which is not transparent for electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range between 150 nm and 25 ?m. The gas or at least a gas included in a gas mixture is adsorbed at the surface of the sample and in this respect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sample as a consequence of the adsorption is detected by at least one optical detector which is sensitive at least in a range of the wavelength range between 150 nm and 25 ?m.

Abstract: An component concentration meter includes an output unit that outputs an electromagnetic wave to an object to be measured and includes a detecting unit that detects the property of the electromagnetic wave passed through the object to be measured under a first condition and under a second condition in which the temperature of the object to be measured is different from that under the first condition. The component concentration meter also includes a concentration determining unit that determines the concentration of a target component contained in the object to be measured, based on a property difference which is a difference between the properties of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detecting unit under the first condition and under the second condition and a difference between the temperatures of the object to be measured under the first condition and under the second condition.

Abstract: A process for the non-destructive determination of the quality of a weld seam, the process steps comprising: providing a first and a second component; connecting the first and second components by a weld seam produced by a welding operation; and measuring a surface temperature of the weld seam and surface temperatures of areas of the first and second components adjacent to the weld seam that were heated by the welding operation. A system for carrying out the process for the non-destructive determination of the quality of a weld seam, the system comprising: a measuring device, an analyzing unit, and a welding device.

Abstract: A method of determining components of a flowing heterogeneous sample comprising obtaining a sample of material; measuring mid-infrared attenuation values of the sample and calculating in a data processing unit an indication of the component of interest in the sample from the measured mid-infrared attenuation values characterised in that the method further comprises flowing the sample; concurrently interacting mid-infrared radiation with the flowing sample in a measurement region and subsequently measuring the mid-infrared attenuation values for one or more wavebands of the interacted radiation.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical property of a composite material includes providing a series of composite materials surfacing films, which are subjected to increasing thermal experience to create a set of thermal effect standards, collecting near-IR spectra on those standards, performing data pre-processing and then multivariate calibration on the spectra of the composite materials surfacing films, and using that calibration to predict the thermal effect for samples in question.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a ceramic wall-flow filter (1) for a vehicle exhaust system includes the steps of: a) providing a source (9) of heat energy suitable for heating material within the filter (1); b) applying heat energy from the source (9) to a first end (10) of the filter (1) to heat material within the filter; c) detecting infrared radiation (18) which has been emitted by heated material in the filter using a radiation detector (19) at the second end (11) of the filter (1) to form an image (24) of a pattern of emitted radiation, the pattern of emitted radiation providing an indication of the condition of the filter (1). Another aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in the method.

Abstract: In a method for the automatic inspection of a welding seam using heat flow thermography, a feature vector is established which represents a time course of a detected heat flow. The feature vector is used to determine, from a series of thermal images, a first characteristic thermal image, which corresponds to a minimum heat flow through an object to be examined, and a second characteristic thermal image, which corresponds to a maximum heat flow through the object, wherein a heat flow directly from an excitation source has already dissipated. A suitable thermal image is used from the series of thermal images to detect and evaluate the welding seam in relation to defects of various defect types, for each defect type, the characteristic thermal images being used as references to determine the respective suitable thermal image.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for chemical imaging with ˜1 nm to 10 ?m spatial resolution (depending on the type of heat source) without sample preparation and in a non-contact manner. In one embodiment, a sample undergoes photo-thermal heating using an IR laser and the resulting increase in thermal emissions is measured with either an IR detector or a laser probe having a visible laser reflected from the sample. In another embodiment, the infrared laser is replaced with a focused electron or ion source while the thermal emission is collected in the same manner as with the infrared heating. The achievable spatial resolution of this embodiment is in the 1-50 nm range.

Abstract: A system and method of performing acoustic thermography in which invalid data is filtered from data used to detect defects on a structure. An ultrasonic sound input signal is provided to a structure to produce a thermal image output. A sensor senses an input energy corresponding to the sound input signal and produces an input energy signal. The input energy signal is transformed to a test spectrum and is compared to a reference spectrum. The comparison of the test spectrum to the reference spectrum is used to determine whether to include the thermal image output in an analysis for detecting defects in the structure.

Abstract: A tire surface anomaly detection system and method are disclosed. The system and method are generally based on the principle that a tire surface anomaly will have a different heat transfer rate than that of the uniform mass surrounding the tire surface anomaly. Embodiments of the present disclosure apply thermal energy to the surface of a tire and monitor the infrared energy at the surface of the tire to generate one or more infrared images of the surface of the tire. The infrared images are analyzed by an image processing system to determine and locate thermal gradients on the surface of the tire. The presence of a thermal gradient in the infrared images generally indicates the presence of an anomaly in the surface of the tire. In this manner, the present disclosure provides an objective technique for identifying, locating, and classifying tire surface anomalies.

Abstract: A method for identifying and quantifying one or more analytes included in a sample comprising a background solvent is disclosed. The present invention enables in-situ calibration and removal of the spectral signature of the background solvent from a composite spectrum so that the spectral features associated with the analyte(s) can be more easily and precisely identified. Further, the method enables estimation of the concentration of the analyte(s) by normalizing the spectrum based on the path length of the infrared radiation through the sample.