A thermal imaging system developed by engineers at International Electronic Machines (Troy, NY, USA) is currently being used to inspect the wheels of commercial vehicles.
The Siris inspection system uses a pair of thermal cameras to capture images of each wheel as a vehicle passes by it, after which it automatically evaluates temperature data from the images to screen vehicles for possible issues with brakes, tires, or bearings.
When the system detects an issue, it alerts vehicle inspectors to enable them to determine whether the flagged vehicle requires more thorough inspection.
Results of a blind test demonstrated that more than 80% of vehicles flagged by the system had problems with brakes, tires, or bearings, compared to only about 35% using current screening methods.
Earlier this year, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded the company $250,000 to further develop the infrared inspection system so that it could inspect truck wheels at highway speeds.
If successful, it could be used to signal trucks with mechanical issues to pull over at inspection sites, while trucks with no problems would be allowed to keep driving.
-- Posted by Vision Systems Design
