Patent Application
20160195477
The present disclosure generally relates to visual inspection devices, and more particularly, intelligent maintenance devices, systems, and methods for examining inspection targets.
Visual inspection devices are used to aid in the performance of maintenance procedures for vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, spacecraft, buses, trains, etc. as well as various machines. During a visual inspection, an operator visibly observes an inspection target and makes an assessment regarding the serviceability of the inspection target based on their observation. Advances in the use of Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) options such as dye penetrant, eddy current, and ultrasonic have reduced the need for visual inspection. However, no matter how advanced the NDI options, visual inspection remains important when making the decision regarding serviceability of a vehicle or machine.
Flashlights are primarily used to aid operators in performing visual inspections in dark areas. As known to those skilled in the art, flashlights provide illumination in dark areas and additionally allow operators to focus on an inspection target. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that providing an operator with additional information about the inspection target during a visual inspection will yield a more accurate assessment regarding the serviceability of the inspection target. However, conventional flashlights do not provide operators with any information relating to the inspection target.
In many instances, an expert technician of the vehicle or machine being inspected is not the one performing the visual inspection. In these cases, the operator performing the visual inspection communicates with the expert technician, often by use of a telephone, mobile phone, or video conference. However, remote diagnosis over the phone may not provide the expert technician with all the information needed while video conferencing systems may be too bulky to access difficult to reach portions of the vehicle or machine being inspected.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide devices, systems, and methods for visually examining an inspection target. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
Various embodiments of a maintenance device, a maintenance device system, and a method for examining an inspection target are disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, the maintenance device includes an electronic control module having a processor module and a memory module, the memory module configured to store a set of inspection target information. The device further includes a communication interface configured to receive the set of inspection target information and store the set of inspection target information in the memory module. The device further includes an illumination source configured to illuminate the inspection target. The device further includes a sensor module in operable communication with the electronic control module that is configured to obtain a set of inspection target features from the illuminated inspection target and transmit the inspection target features to the electronic control module. The device further includes an information projector in operable communication with the electronic control module that is configured to receive and project selected inspection target information, the selected inspection target information selected by the electronic control module based on the inspection target features.
In another embodiment, the maintenance device system includes a remote device having a wireless communication module configured to receive a set of inspection target information from a database over a wireless communication channel and a maintenance device. The maintenance device includes an electronic control module having a processor module and a memory module, the memory module configured to store a set of inspection target information. The device further includes a communication interface configured to receive the set of inspection target information and store the set of inspection target information in the memory module. The device further includes an illumination source configured to illuminate the inspection target. and the device further includes a sensor module in operable communication with the electronic control module that is configured to obtain a set of inspection target features from the illuminated inspection target and transmit the inspection target features to the electronic control module. The device further includes an information projector in operable communication with the electronic control module that is configured to receive and project selected inspection target information, the selected inspection target information selected by the electronic control module based on the inspection target features.
In another embodiment, the method includes connecting the maintenance device to a configuration platform using a communication interface. A set of inspection target information is received from the configuration platform and stored in a memory module. The inspection target is illuminated using an illumination source. A set of inspection target features of the inspection target is obtained using a sensor module. Inspection target information from the memory module is selected based on the obtained set of inspection target features. The method further includes projecting the selected inspection target information using an information projector.
The exemplary embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Thus, any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description.
It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor module (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory module that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
Referring to the Figures, a maintenance device 10 for examining an inspection target 200 is shown herein. In the exemplary embodiments, the device 10 is depicted as a visual inspection tool such as a flashlight. However, the device 10 may be implemented and/or utilized in conjunction with other types of inspection tools. For instance, other inspection tools include, but are not limited to, video borescopes, fiberscopes, videoscopes, etc. An exemplary maintenance device 10 of the various embodiments is shown in perspective view in
As shown in
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the depiction of the device 11 and the various components of the device 11 are merely exemplary and are not limiting with respect to size of the components or location within the device 11. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to any specific layout and the device 11 may include additional electronic components not shown in its implementation.
In the embodiment of
The battery 50 supplies electrical power to the electronic control module 20 and the various components of the device 11. Different types of batteries 50 are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, batteries 50 include removable batteries, rechargeable batteries, battery packs, lithium batteries, etc. The characteristics of the battery 50 such as size, shape, composition, electrical output, etc. are selected based on the electrical requirements of the device 11 and other design specifications.
The communication interface 60 is configured to receive the set of inspection target information from a configuration platform 64 during initial configuration of the device 11. For example, the set of inspection target information may include technical information, procedural information, instructions, etc. relating to a plurality of inspection targets 200. The set of inspection target information further includes pictures, graphs, videos, etc. relating a plurality of inspection targets 200. The configuration platform 64 includes a personal computer, laptop, mobile device, or calibration console. The inspection target information is stored in the memory module 40 of the electronic control module 20.
The communication interface 60 has an input plug 62 that is accessible on the exterior of the device 11. In this way, an operator is able to connect the configuration platform 64 to the device 11 through the input plug 62 of the communication interface. The input plug 62 of the communication interface 60 may have different shapes and operate using a variety of protocols according to design preference. Examples of input plugs 62 include Universal Serial Bus (USB) A-Type, USB B-Type, Mini USB, Micro USB, USB 3.0, FireWire, Ethernet, etc.
In addition to the set of inspection target information, other forms of information, data, features, or electrical signals may be delivered to the device 11 using the communication interface 60. This other information may include the delivery of electrical power to charge the battery 50 or power the device 11, additional data regarding the inspection target 200, etc. Additional functionalities relating to the operation of the device 11 are also contemplated through the use of the communication interface 60.
The illumination source 70 is configured to illuminate the inspection target 200 in a manner similar to a flashlight. As detailed above, the device 11 may often be used in dark and confined spaces in which the operator may find it difficult to visually inspect the inspection target 200 without illumination from the illumination source 70. The illumination from the illumination source 70 produces an illuminated area 202 of the inspection target 200.
For example, the illumination source 70 may be a light emitting diode (LED) module. Other examples of the illumination source 70 include incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent (CFL), halogen bulbs, laser, etc. In certain situations, it may be desirable for the illumination source 70 to illuminate the inspection target in a color other than white light, for example red light in a low light or night time inspection. For this purpose, the device 11 may include LED modules which are capable of generating visible light in a variety of colors in the visible spectrum. The device 11 may also have a lens 72 to allow the operator to focus, direct, or otherwise manipulate the light coming from the illumination source 70.
The sensor module 80 is configured to obtain a set of inspection target features 90-93 from the illuminated area 200 of the inspection target 200 and transmit the inspection target features 90-93 to the electronic control module 20. In one embodiment the sensor module 80 is an optical camera module capable of obtaining photos and/or video of the inspection target 200, as is known to those skilled in the art. Inspection target features 90-93 include physical characteristics of the inspection target 200 such as shape or location of identifying features on the inspection target 200, identifying labels on the inspection target 200, serial numbers, model numbers, etc. as known to those skilled in the art. The lens 72 may allow the operator to focus or manipulate the images obtained by the sensor module 80.
Other embodiments the sensor module 80 include: an infra-red camera module capable of obtaining infra-red photos and/or video of the inspection target 200; a radar module capable of obtaining surface and shape data of the inspection target 200; a sonar module capable of obtaining surface and shape data of the inspection target 200; a code scanning module capable of reading a code on the inspection target 200 such as a linear barcode, a matrix barcode such as a quick response (QR) code, or other identifying serial information; and/or combination thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other forms of sensor module 80 capable of obtaining inspection target features 90-93
The information projector 100 is configured to receive and project selected inspection target information 110. The selected inspection target information 110 is selected by the electronic control module 20 based on the inspection target features 90-93. In one embodiment the information projector 100 is a liquid-crystal display (LCD) projector. In another embodiment the information projector 100 is a digital light processing (DLP) projector. The projected inspection target information 110 is projected by the information projector 100 so as to be located proximate to or overlying the inspection target 200. For example, the projected inspection target information 110 is projected within the illuminated area 202 of the inspection target 200, or alternately the projected inspection target information 110 is projected outside of the illuminated area 202 of the inspection target 200. The lens 72 may allow the operator to focus or manipulate the projected inspection target information 110.
The projected inspection target information 110 may include various types of information. This information may include textual information 112 relating to the inspection target 200 which may include technical information, procedural information, instructions, etc. relating to the inspection target 200. The projected inspection target information 110 may also include graphical information 114 relating to the inspection target 200. In a non-limiting embodiment the graphical information 114 includes pictures, graphs, videos, etc. relating to the inspection target 200. The projected inspection target information 110 may also include both textual information 112 and graphical information 114 relating to the inspection target 200.
Referring now to
In various exemplary embodiments, the device 11 and method 300 are operated based on predetermined events, such as a connection through the communication interface 60 or the actuation of the on/off switch 52. Method 300 may be performed by the device 11 or may be performed by any other suitable device or system configured in a manner consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure.
The method 300 starts at block 310 with connecting the maintenance device 11 to the configuration platform 64 using the input plug 62 of the communication interface 60. At block 320, the device 11 receives the set of inspection target information from the configuration platform 64. At block 330, the set of inspection target information is stored in the memory module 40. One skilled in the art will appreciate that blocks 310-330 calibrate the device 11 for later use by the operator.
At block 340, the illumination source 70 illuminates an illuminated area 202 of the inspection target 200. The device 11 and the illumination source 70 may be turned on through use of the on/off switch 52, as is known to those skilled in the art. At block 350, the sensor module 80 obtains a set of inspection target features 90-93 from the inspection target 200 and transmits the inspection target features 90-93 to the electronic control module. At block 360, the electronic control module selects inspection target information from the memory module 40 based on the obtained set of inspection target features 90-93. At block 370, the selected inspection target information is projected as the projected inspection target information 110 by the information projector 100. Following block 370, the method 300 returns to block 340 as necessary to illuminate additional inspection target 200.
In one embodiment, at block 350, the sensor module 80 is an optical camera module that obtains photos and/or video of the inspection target 200, as is known to those skilled in the art. Examples of inspection target features 90-93 include physical characteristics of the inspection target 200 such as shape or location of identifying features on the inspection target 200, identifying labels on the inspection target 200, serial numbers, model numbers, etc. as known to those skilled in the art.
In this way, the device 11 receives the set of inspection target information from the configuration platform 64 using the communication interface 60. The illumination source 70 illuminates the inspection target 200 and the sensor module 80 obtains a set of inspection target features 90-93 from the illuminated area 202 of the inspection target 200. The information projector 100 projects the projected inspection target information 110 based on the inspection target features 90-93.
With reference now to
As with the embodiment of
Similar to the device 11 of
The wireless communication module 120 is in operable communication with the electronic control module 20 and is configured to transmit and receive a plurality of wireless communication signals between the device 12 and a remote device 400 over a wireless communication channel 410. For example, the wireless communication module 120 communicates with the remote device 400 over a wireless communication channel 410 using a protocol such as Bluetooth. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc. or mobile data networks such as cellular networks may be used depending on the remote device 400 used.
In one example, the remote device 400 is a mobile phone with wireless access to the Internet or a host device. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other remote devices 400 include laptops, personal computers, tablets, etc. In this way, the device 12 can connect to the Internet or a host device through the remote device 400.
The device 12 receives a supplementary set of inspection target information from the remote device 400 over the communication channel 410. The device 12 transmits the inspection target features 90-93 to the remote device 400 over the communication channel 410 and the device 12 receives dynamic inspection target information from the remote device 400 based on the inspection target features 90-93. The dynamic inspection target information is projected with the projected inspection target information 110 by the information projector 100.
In another embodiment, the device 12 transmits an image or video of the inspection target 200 to the remote device 400. In this way, the device 12 uses the remote device 400 to facilitate wireless communications with the Internet or a host device to provide the device 12 with supplemental inspection target information and dynamic inspection target information.
With reference now to
As with the embodiment of
Similar to the embodiment of the device 11 of
With further regard to the embodiment of the device 12 of
The audio input interface 130 is in operable communication with the electronic control module 20 and is configured to receive audible communications from the operator of the device 13. In an example, the audio input interface 130 includes an audio input 132such as a microphone. In another embodiment, the audio input 132 receives an input plug, such as from a headset or external microphone, as is known to those skilled in the art.
The audio output interface 140 is in operable communication with the electronic control module 20 and is configured to broadcast received audio communications to the operator of the device 13. In an example, the audio output interface 140 includes an audio output 142 such as a speaker. In another non-limiting embodiment, the audio output 142 receives an output plug, such as from a headset or external headphone, as is known to those skilled in the art.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the audio input 132 and the audio output 142 may be combined into a single interface (not shown) so that a single headset and headset plug may be used to deliver audible communications from the operator to the device 13 as well as audio communications from the device 13 to the operator. An example of such input/output interfaces include 3.5 mm audio cables, although ones skilled in the art will appreciate that different input/output interfaces may be used. In another embodiment, the audio input 132, the audio output 142, and the input plug 62 of the communication interface may be combined into a single interface as is known to those skilled in the art.
In another embodiment, the audio input interface 130 includes both a microphone and an input plug and/or the audio output interface 140 includes both a speaker and an output plug.
In an embodiment, the device 13 transmits the audible communications received by the audio input interface 130 to the remote device 400 using the wireless communication module 120. The device 13 further receives audio communications from the remote device 400 using the wireless communication module 120 and broadcasts the received audio communications to the operator with the audio output interface 140.
In this way, the audio input interface 130 and the audio output interface 140 facilitate audio communications between the operator of the device 13 and, for example, a remote technician. As detailed above, the device 13 may further transmit an image or video of the inspection target 200 to the remote device 400. As such, the device 13 may provide a remote technician with detailed images and/or video of the inspection target 200 while further allowing the remote technician and the operator of the device 13 to communicate with one another. Stated differently, the device 13 may be used to facilitate video conferencing between the operator of the device 13 and the remote technician to evaluate the inspection target 200.
With reference now to
As with the embodiment of
Similar to the embodiment of the device 11 of
With further reference to the embodiment of the device 12 of
With further reference to the embodiment of the device 13 of
As detailed above, the device 14 may further transmit an image or video of the inspection target 200 to the remote device 400. As such, the device 14 may provide a remote technician with detailed images and/or video of the inspection target 200 while further allowing the remote technician and the operator of the device 14 to communicate with one another. Stated differently, the device 14 may be used to facilitate video conferencing between the operator of the device 14 and the remote technician to evaluate the inspection target 200.
The operation mode switch 150 in operable communication with the electronic control module 20 and is configured to allow the operator to select an operation mode 160-165 for the device 14. For example and with further reference to
Operation modes 160-165 for the device 14 may include: an illumination mode, a sensor mode, an illumination and sensing combined mode, an illumination mode with audio recording, an illumination mode with image recording, an illumination mode with video recording, and an illumination mode with video conferencing. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of operation modes 160-165 for the device 14 may be adjusted to accommodate additional combinations of previously disclosed features. For example, an illumination mode with red light and sensing mode and video conferencing mode. It is therefore contemplated by this disclosure that the number of operation modes 160-165 and they type of operation mode may include any combination of the previously disclosed features and functionality without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
The operation of the device 14 is dependent upon the selected operation mode. 160-165. In an example, when the device 14 is in an illumination mode, the illumination source 70 illuminates the inspection target 200. In a non-limiting example, when the device 14 is in a sensor mode, the sensor module 80 obtains the set of inspection target features 90-93 from the inspection target. When the device 14 is in an audio conference mode the audible communications and the audio communications are transmitted between the device 14 and the remote device 400 over the wireless communication channel 410. When the device 14 is in a video conference mode a video captured by the sensor module 80 is transmitted between the device 14 and the remote device 400 over the wireless communication channel 410. When the device 14 is in an image capture mode an image captured by the sensor module 80 is stored in the memory module 40. Alternate and/or additional operation modes may be enabled in a similar manner with the operation mode switch 150.
One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the rotatably selectable operation mode switch 150 depicted in
With reference now to
As with the embodiment of
Similar to the embodiment of the device 11 of
The display module 170 is in operable communication with the electronic control module 20 and is configured to display inspection target information, display information, or a combination thereof to the operator. Similar to the operation of the information projector 110, the display module 170 displays information to the operator. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the content displayed by the display module 170 is not limiting on the scope of the present disclosure. The display module 170 is configured to display text, graphics, pictures, video, etc. as is known to those skilled in the art.
With reference now to
As with the embodiment of
Similar to the embodiment of the device 11 of
With further reference to the embodiment of the device 12 of
With further reference to the device 13 of
As detailed above, the system 16 may further transmit an image or video of the inspection target 200 to the remote device 500 and, in turn, the remote database 600. As such, the system 16 may provide the remote database 600 with detailed images and/or video of the inspection target 200 while further allowing the remote technician and the operator of the system 16 to communicate with one another. Stated differently, the system 16 may be used to facilitate video conferencing between the operator of the system 16 and the remote technician to evaluate the inspection target 200.
The remote database 600 may also transmit the initial set of inspection target information, replacing blocks 320 and 330 of the method 300 from
One skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations of features from the embodiments of
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing Detailed Description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set-forth in the appended claims.
