Article inspection apparatus

Abstract

An inspection apparatus can be operated to collect files during performance of an inspection. An inspection apparatus can associate metadata to a collected file. In one embodiment metadata associated with a collected file can include an article identifier. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected file can include data input into an inspection apparatus by an inspector. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected media file can include sensor output data. An inspection apparatus in one embodiment can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings described below, and the claims.

FIG. 1 a is a view of a visual inspection system which in the embodiment shown has local and remote computers;

FIG. 1 b is an alternative view of the system of FIG. 1a with additional emphasis on features of a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 c is a cross sectional view of an elongated inspection module of a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 d is a cross sectional view of an interconnect module of a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 e is a cross sectional side view of a camera head assembly of a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 1 f is a detailed side view of an articulation cable of an inspection apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a high level circuit diagram of circuitry that can be incorporated in a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 3 a is high level circuit diagram of a circuit that may be incorporated in a visual inspection apparatus in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 b is a high level circuit diagram of a circuit that can be incorporated in a base module of a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 3 c is a perspective view of a control and display module of a visual inspection apparatus showing a user interface including buttons and a joystick;

FIG. 3 d illustrates an alternative configuration for a control and display module wherein a dedicated pointer controller is integrated into a control user interface of the control and display module;

FIGS. 4 a through 4d are a series of screen shots showing screen displays that illustrate a guide feature for guiding an inspector;

FIG. 4 e is a flow diagram associated with the screen shots of FIGS. 4a through 4d illustrating a guide feature for guiding an inspector;

FIG. 4 f illustrates a list representing steps of an inspection procedure that can be retained by an inspection apparatus;

FIG. 5 a is a flow diagram illustrating a method that can be carried out by a visual inspection apparatus;

FIG. 5 b is a set of diagrams illustrating a possible method of associating metadata and a media file;

FIG. 5 c is a set of diagrams illustrating another possible method of associating metadata and a media file;

FIG. 6 a is a diagram illustrating a free metadata association mode of operation;

FIG. 7 a is a view of a control and display module of a visual inspection apparatus when displaying a guide form;

FIG. 7 b is a view of a hand set of a visual inspection apparatus in a possible state subsequent to a hot spot of a guide form being actuated;

FIG. 7 c is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a visual inspection apparatus in one embodiment when reading metadata from a form for association to a media file;

FIG. 8 a is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a visual inspection apparatus in one embodiment where the apparatus utilizes an inspection guide form to establish a set of directories and to generate a report useable at the inspection apparatus and at a computer external to the inspection apparatus;

FIG. 8 b shows a possible file directory structure that can be established by an inspection apparatus;

FIG. 9 a is a view of an inspection apparatus in one embodiment when displaying a report form;

FIG. 9 b is a view of computer external to a visual inspection apparatus displaying the report form displayed by a control and display module display in the view of FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10 a is a view of a screen display illustrating operation of a form builder in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 b is a view of a screen display illustrating operation of a form builder in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 c is a view of a screen display illustrating operation of a form builder in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 d is an exemplary window that can be displayed as part of a development screen of a form builder;

FIG. 11 illustrates a file management feature that can be implemented with use of a report form in which a file can be saved into a structured directory by dragging and dropping a file designator onto a hot spot.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an association between media files and metadata which can be provided with use of the system wherein a data structure can be provided including a media file and associated metadata, wherein the metadata can include a stage indicator and a step indicator;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an application for modifying an inspector guide application responsively to an examination of at least one of file data of one or more media file and metadata associated with the one or more media file;

FIG. 14 is a representation of an exemplary graphical user interface which may be used by an inspector using an inspection apparatus in modifying an inspector guide application;

FIG. 15 is a representation of an exemplary graphical user interface which may be used by a supervisor using a computer spaced apart and external from an inspection apparatus in modifying an inspector guide application;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating an application for operating an inspection apparatus wherein an inspector guide application is modified responsively to an output of a data output device;

FIG. 17 is a table for use in selectively enabling stages of an inspector guide application in one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a table for use in selectively enabling steps of an inspector guide application in one embodiment.

Claims

1. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, including commands to collect an image file comprising a representation of said industrial equipment article, and to collect a video file comprising a representation of said industrial equipment article, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which said apparatus associates metadata to media files that are collected in response to a user input command, whether said media files are image media files or video media files, the apparatus when associating metadata to a media file at least one of writes the metadata to a text file or to said media file, the metadata including an equipment article identifier, wherein said apparatus is configured to send collected media files having associated metadata to a computer external to said apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus runs an application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a stage and a step of an inspection procedure.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus associates a media files that is designated for collection with metadata relating to media file by writing both the metadata and a reference to the designated media file to a common text file.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus associates a media files that is designated for collection with metadata relating to media file by establishing a common naming scheme between a media file and a text based document including said metadata.

5. The apparatus of 1, wherein said apparatus is configured to parse said metadata from a form displayed by said apparatus for use in guiding an inspector in the collection of media files.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus reads said equipment article identifier from an inspector guide application running on said apparatus for guiding an inspector.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured to enable to enable an inspector to enter said equipment article identifier into said apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said equipment article identifier is an equipment serial number.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said metadata further includes metadata selected from the group consisting of an inspector identifier and a site identifier.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said metadata further includes sensor output metadata selected from the group consisting of location data and temperature data.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured to run an application guiding an inspector to collect a plurality of media files, wherein said apparatus is further configured to associate metadata including equipment article identifier metadata with each media file collected.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes control interface having a joystick and a plurality of buttons.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes a control interface having a touch screen overlay.

14. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which said apparatus associates metadata to media files that are collected in response to a user input command, the apparatus when associating metadata to a media file at least one of writes the metadata to a text or to said media file, the apparatus displaying a data entry field in which an inspector can enter data, the apparatus being configured to associate as metadata to a media file that is collected file data entered into said data entry field by an inspector.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said apparatus runs an application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a stage and a step of an inspection procedure.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said apparatus is configured to send said collected media file and said associated metadata to a computer external to said apparatus.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said apparatus displays a form including said data entry field.

18. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which said apparatus associates media files that are collected in response to a user input command with metadata, the apparatus being configured to associate as metadata to a collected media file both inspector input data input into said apparatus by an inspector and sensor output data output by a sensor.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said sensor output data includes data output from a sensor on-board said apparatus.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said sensor output data includes data output from a sensor off-board relative to said apparatus.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said sensor output data includes data output from a location sensor.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said apparatus is configured to send said collected media file and said associated metadata to a computer external to said apparatus.

23. The apparatus of 18, wherein said apparatus is configured so that said apparatus when associating metadata to a media file writes the metadata to at least one of a text file or to said media file.

24. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which said apparatus associates media files that are collected in response to a user input command with metadata, the apparatus being configured to associate as metadata when said media files are collected sensor output data output by a sensor, the apparatus further being configured to send a collected media file having associated sensor output metadata to a computer external to said apparatus.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said apparatus runs an application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a stage and a step of an inspection procedure.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, when said apparatus is configured to further associate as metadata data entered into said apparatus by an inspector.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said sensor output data includes data output from a sensor on-board said apparatus.

28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said sensor output data includes data output from a sensor off-board relative to said apparatus.

29. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said sensor output data includes data output from a location sensor.

30. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said apparatus is configured to send collected media file having associated sensor output metadata responsively to a request from an external computer.

31. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said apparatus is configured to send collected media file having associated sensor output metadata responsively to a collection of said media file by said apparatus.

32. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said apparatus is configured to send collected media file having associated sensor output metadata responsively to a completion of an inspection procedure in which an inspector is guided to collect a plurality of media files.

33. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said apparatus is configured so that said apparatus when associating metadata to a media file writes the metadata to at least one of a text file or to said media file.

34. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is configured to run an application for guiding an inspector to perform an inspection procedure and wherein said apparatus is configured so that said apparatus associates a media file that is collected in response to a user input command with metadata as part of completing said inspection procedure, the apparatus being configured to associate as metadata to said collected media file data read from said application for guiding an inspector.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said apparatus runs an application prompting an inspector to complete at least one of a stage and a step of an inspection procedure.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said application for guiding said inspector utilizes forms.

37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said apparatus is configured to send said collected media file and said associated metadata to a computer external to said apparatus.

38. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said apparatus is configured so that said apparatus when associating metadata and a media file writes the metadata to at least one of a text file or to said media file.

39. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured in a mode in which said apparatus tags media files that are collected in response to a user input command with metadata, the apparatus displaying a form for use in guiding an inspector in collecting media files, the form including a representation of said industrial equipment article, the metadata being at least one of (1) data that is read from said form without being input by an inspector and (2) data input into said form by an inspector, wherein said apparatus is configured so that said apparatus when associating metadata to a media file writes the metadata to at least one of a text file or to said media file.

40. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance with an application in which an inspector is guided through an inspection procedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of said steps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in a measurement mode, the apparatus guiding an inspector in completing an inspection procedure by displaying on said display a depiction of an equipment article while said inspection procedure is being completed by said inspector, and further displaying on said display a data entry field, the apparatus associating as metadata media files collected by an inspector during execution of said inspection procedure data that is input into said displayed data entry field by an inspector, so that a media file that is transferred from said apparatus to an external computer has associated therewith as metadata data entered into said data entry field by said inspector.

41. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is configured to operate in accordance with an application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspection procedure having a plurality of steps, the apparatus in accordance with the application retaining a list representing steps of said inspection procedure that are to be performed by an inspector, the apparatus processing data received by said apparatus to determine whether a step of said procedure has been performed, the apparatus updating a screen display displayed on said display to provide positive feedback to said inspector when said apparatus determines that a step of said procedure has been completed, said apparatus further processing data received by said apparatus to determine with reference to said list whether said inspection procedure has been completed and updating a screen display to provide positive feedback to said inspector when said apparatus determines that said procedure has been completed.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said application is coded utilizing HTML forms.

43. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance with an application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspection procedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of said steps is to complete a measurement by operating the apparatus in accordance with the application examining data received by said apparatus to determine whether data received by said apparatus indicates that an inspector has made an error in attempting to complete one of said steps, said apparatus updating a screen display displayed on said display to provide negative feedback to said inspector when said apparatus determines that said inspector has made an error in attempting to complete a step of said inspection procedure.

44. The apparatus of 43, wherein said updating includes changing an appearance of text describing a step of said procedure.

45. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said apparatus in examining said data examines a file type of a collected media file.

46. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said apparatus in examining said data examines a file length of a collected media file.

47. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said apparatus in examining said data examines file data of a collected media file.

48. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance with an application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspection procedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of said steps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in said measurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the application retaining a list representing steps of said inspection procedure that are to be performed by an inspector for completion of said inspection procedure, the apparatus in accordance with the application examining data received by said apparatus to determine whether data received by said apparatus indicates that an inspector has made an error in attempting to complete one of said steps, said apparatus updating a screen display displayed on said display to provide positive feedback to said inspector when said apparatus determines that said inspector has successfully completed a step of said inspection procedure.

49. The apparatus of 48, wherein said updating includes changing an appearance of text describing a step of said procedure.

50. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said apparatus in examining said data examines a file type of a collected media file.

51. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said apparatus in examining said data examines a file length of a collected media file.

52. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said apparatus in examining said data examines file data of a collected media file

53. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate is accordance with an application wherein an inspector is guided through an inspection procedure having a plurality of steps, wherein at least one of said steps is to complete a measurement by operating said apparatus in said measurement mode, the apparatus in accordance with the application disabling an exit function normally provide by actuation of said actuator of said control and display module when said application is initiated so that when said application is initiated actuation of said certain actuator by an inspector does not result in exiting of said application, the functioning associated with said certain actuator being configured so that when said certain actuator is actuated during execution of said application but prior to completion of said steps, said apparatus provides negative feedback indicating to an inspector performing said inspection procedure that said inspection procedure has not been completed.

54. The apparatus of 53, wherein said negative feedback is in the form of a displayed message on said display of said control and display module.

55. The apparatus of 53, wherein said apparatus is configured so that when said certain actuator is actuated during execution of said application but prior to completion of said steps, sends an message to an external computer indicating that an inspector has attempted to exit a procedure prior to completion of a procedure.

56. An apparatus for performance of visual inspection respecting an industrial equipment article, the apparatus comprising: an elongated inspection module, a two dimensional image sensor generating image signals, and a display, the apparatus being configured to enable an inspector to input commands into said apparatus, said apparatus further being configured to enable said inspector to control a position of said elongated inspection module relative to an industrial equipment article being inspected;wherein said apparatus is also configured to operate in accordance with an application in which an inspector is guided through an inspection procedure having a plurality of stages, each stage corresponding to a different area of said inspection article, the apparatus in guiding an inspector in completing an inspection procedure displaying on said display a depiction of said equipment article together with indicators disposed to indicate different areas of said equipment article, at least one of said indicators indicating that a certain area of said equipment article requires inspection.

57. The apparatus of 56, said apparatus being configured so that an appearance of at least one of said indicators is responsive to data collected by said inspection apparatus.

58. The apparatus of 56, wherein at least one of the indicators indicates that a certain area of said equipment article one of (1) does not require inspection or (2) has already been inspected.

59. The apparatus of 56, wherein said indicators are provided by hotspots.

60. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said application is coded utilizing at least one form having a displayable component displayable with use of a browser program.