Patent ID: 6838670
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of enhancing the determination of the presence of a defect in an object under test, the method comprising the steps of: positioning an adhesive device on at least portions of the object under test, the adhesive device defining a reference point representative of a first defect in the object under test; transferring ultrasonic energy at a preselected frequency to the object under test so that the ultrasonic energy causes an increase in friction in portions of the object adjacent a defect in the object and thereby increases the temperature of the portions adjacent the defect; sensing a test image of the at least portions of an object under test in an infrared spectrum, the test image including at least the reference point and a second defect; identifying a plurality of different brightness levels between the portions of the object representative of the increased temperatures and surrounding regions thereof in the sensed test image so that the changed temperature gradients thereby define a determined presence of a defect; and comparing the reference point area to the temperature gradients of the tested area.