US3868508A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contactless infrared diagnostic test system
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1973-10-30
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1993-10-30
Abstract
Abstract A system for checking the operational status of individual members of a class of electric circuits is disclosed. The operational status of the circuit being inspected is determined by comparing the infrared radiation patterns of the circuit being inspected with the infrared patterns radiated by a similar circuit known to be free of operational defects. An infrared TV camera is focused on a circuit known to be free of defects. The TV signal is sampled and the samples are digitized to generate a series of digital numbers which are stored in a memory. The TV camera is then focused on the circuit to be inspected and the TV signal is sampled and digitized to generate a second series of numbers which are also stored in a memory. Corresponding members of the first and second series of numbers are then compared by a digital computer to determine areas of the circuit board in which the intensity of the infrared radiation is abnormal. Any abnormal infrared radiation is analyzed to determine if the abnormality is significant. A signal is generated indicating that the circuit is defective if a significant abnormality is found.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond A Lloyd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:39
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/28; G01R31/302; G01R31/308; G01R31/309; G01R31/2801; G01R31/2806
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for inspecting a member of a class of related device to determine its operational status, comprising the steps of: a. scanning the infrared pattern generated by a reference member of said class of related devices with an infrared detector to generate a reference signal indicative of the infrared radiation emitted by said reference member; b. scanning the infrared pattern generated by the member to be inspected with an infrared detector to generate a test signal indicative of the infrared radiation emitted by said member; c. comparing said reference and test signals to identify difference Therebetween; d. statistically analyzing said difference to determine if said member to be inspected in operating within prescribed limits.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for inspecting a member of a class of related device to determine its operational status, comprising the steps of: a. scanning the infrared pattern generated by a reference member of said class of related devices with an infrared detector to generate a reference signal indicative of the infrared radiation emitted by said reference member; b. scanning the infrared pattern generated by the member to be inspected with an infrared detector to generate a test signal indicative of the infrared radiation emitted by said member; c. comparing said reference and test signals to identify difference Therebetween; d. statistically analyzing said difference to determine if said member to be inspected in operating within prescribed limits.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method defined by claim 1 wherein the infrared pattern generated by said reference member is scanned by focusing an infrared TV camera on said reference member to generate said reference signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method defined by claim 2 wherein the infrared pattern generated by said member to be inspected is scanned by focusing an infrared TV camera on said member to generate said test signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method defined by claim 3 wherein said reference and test signals are similarly sampled and digitized to generate first and second arrays of digited numbers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method defined by claim 4 wherein corresponding elements of said first and second arrays of ditital numbers are compared to generate a third array, equal to the difference therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus for inspecting a member of a class of related devices comprising: a. means for examining a reference member of said class of related devices to generate reference data by detecting a parameter having a predictable relationship to the operation of members of said class of related devices; b. means for examining the member of said class of related devices to be inspected to generate test data by detecting said parameter; c. means for comparing said reference and test data to generate comparison data related to the difference between said reference and test data; and d. means for statistically analyzing said comparison data to determine the operational status by the member being inspected.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus for inspecting a member of a class of related devices comprising: a. means for examining a reference member of said class of related devices to generate reference data by detecting a parameter having a predictable relationship to the operation of members of said class of related devices; b. means for examining the member of said class of related devices to be inspected to generate test data by detecting said parameter; c. means for comparing said reference and test data to generate comparison data related to the difference between said reference and test data; and d. means for statistically analyzing said comparison data to determine the operational status by the member being inspected.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus defined by claim 6 wherein said means for examining said reference member and the member to be inspected includes a TV camera.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus defined by claim 7 wherein said reference and test data are generated by sampling and digitizing the video output signal by said TV camera.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said means for statistically analyzing said comparison data includes a digital computer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |