US5483604A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Monitoring changes in image characteristics
Assignee: Thermoteknix Systems Ltd
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Filing: 1994-10-04
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Granted: 1996-01-09
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Expires: 2014-10-04
Abstract
Abstract Changes in characteristics of an image are monitored at a predetermined position or zone (12, 13) of the image. The image is corrected to allow for changes in the monitored position or zone (12, 13). This is done with reference to observed deviation in coordinates of reference points (9-11) of the image. In a preferred embodiment, successive thermographic images are obtained of electronic equipment, such as a printed circuit board, and the image as displayed on a VDU screen (4) is scanned at a predetermined point (12) or along a predetermined line (13) to monitor temperature-dependent color characteristics of the image, whereby the development of hotspots can be monitored. Changes in the coordinates of landmark positions (9-11) on the image are noted and are used to correct the positions of successive images on the screen so that the monitored point (12) or line (13) is always in the same position. This correction is achieved by transformation of data using spread sheet software.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Salisbury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/95; G01N21/956; G01N21/95607; G01N25/00; G01N25/72; G06; G06T; G06T7/00; G06T7/30; G06T7/33; G06T7/337; G07; G07D; G07D7/00; G07D7/06; G07D7/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of monitoring hot spots in electrical or electronic equipment using portable imaging equipment which moves from a first position to a second position comprising: a) generating first and second images of the electrical or electronic equipment using said portable imaging equipment from said first and second positions respectively, b) determining coordinates of reference points on said first and second images, c) monitoring the temperature of a predetermined position or zone of said first and second images relative to the coordinates for the image, d) comparing each said monitored temperature with a respective predetermined reference temperature, e) determining any deviation between the determined coordinates of the reference points in said first and second images and predetermined coordinates therefor caused by non-coincidence of said first and second positions, and f) correcting for the deviation by a transformation of said second image while effecting the said monitoring of temperature of the predetermined position or zone so as to allow a direct comparison of temperature of said position or zone in said first and second images.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of monitoring hot spots in electrical or electronic equipment using portable imaging equipment which moves from a first position to a second position comprising: a) generating first and second images of the electrical or electronic equipment using said portable imaging equipment from said first and second positions respectively, b) determining coordinates of reference points on said first and second images, c) monitoring the temperature of a predetermined position or zone of said first and second images relative to the coordinates for the image, d) comparing each said monitored temperature with a respective predetermined reference temperature, e) determining any deviation between the determined coordinates of the reference points in said first and second images and predetermined coordinates therefor caused by non-coincidence of said first and second positions, and f) correcting for the deviation by a transformation of said second image while effecting the said monitoring of temperature of the predetermined position or zone so as to allow a direct comparison of temperature of said position or zone in said first and second images.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 1 which is performed with computer apparatus incorporating a screen on which an obtained image is visually displayed in conjunction with a cursor or pointer arrangement for locating the said reference points and establishing the coordinates thereof, on the displayed image.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein said second image is automatically visually re-aligned on the screen, after the coordinates of the reference points have been established, to bring such reference points accurately into registration with the predetermined coordinates thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein a line is identified on said first and second images and variations in said temperature are calculated along said line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the imaging equipment comprises infrared thermography equipment using an infrared sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second images are represented in X, Y, Z coordinates.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of monitoring hot spots in electrical or electronic equipment using portable imaging equipment comprising: a) generating a first image of the electrical or electronic equipment with portable imaging equipment at a first position of said portable imaging equipment, said portable imaging equipment comprising infrared thermography equipment using an infrared sensor, b) moving said portable imaging equipment from said first position to a second position, c) generating a second image of the electrical or electronic equipment at said second position, d) determining coordinates of reference points on said first and second images, e) monitoring the temperature of a predetermined position or zone of said first and second images relative to the coordinates for the image, f) comparing each said monitored temperature with a respective predetermined reference temperature, g) determining any deviation between the determined coordinates of the reference points in said first and second images and predetermined coordinates therefor caused by non-coincidence of said first and second positions, and h) correcting for the deviation by a transformation of said second image while effecting the said monitoring of temperature of the predetermined position or zone so as to allow a direct comparison of temperature of said position or zone in said first and second images.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of monitoring hot spots in electrical or electronic equipment using portable imaging equipment comprising: a) generating a first image of the electrical or electronic equipment with portable imaging equipment at a first position of said portable imaging equipment, said portable imaging equipment comprising infrared thermography equipment using an infrared sensor, b) moving said portable imaging equipment from said first position to a second position, c) generating a second image of the electrical or electronic equipment at said second position, d) determining coordinates of reference points on said first and second images, e) monitoring the temperature of a predetermined position or zone of said first and second images relative to the coordinates for the image, f) comparing each said monitored temperature with a respective predetermined reference temperature, g) determining any deviation between the determined coordinates of the reference points in said first and second images and predetermined coordinates therefor caused by non-coincidence of said first and second positions, and h) correcting for the deviation by a transformation of said second image while effecting the said monitoring of temperature of the predetermined position or zone so as to allow a direct comparison of temperature of said position or zone in said first and second images.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 7 wherein a line is identified on said first and second images and variations in said temperature are calculated along said line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first and second images are represented in X, Y, Z coordinates.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 7 which is performed with computer apparatus incorporating a screen on which an obtained image is visually displayed in conjunction with a cursor or pointer arrangement for locating the said reference points, and establishing the coordinates thereof, on the displayed image.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein said second image is automatically visually re-aligned on the screen, after the coordinates of the reference points have been established, to bring such reference points accurately into registration with the predetermined coordinates thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-01-08 | 1999-07-10 | 2000-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-08 | 2003-07-10 | 2004-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-08 | 2007-07-10 | 2008-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |