Patent ID: 6841781
Filing Date: 2005-01-11
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A method comprising the steps of: a) generating with a generator electromagnetic radiation including at least one predetermined exposure wavelength that is both significantly absorbed by water and is not significantly absorbed by material composing a structure, and at least one predetermined reference wavelength that is neither significantly absorbed by water nor the material composing the structure; b) exposing with the generator a predetermined area of the structure with the generated electromagnetic radiation; c) sensing with a sensor unit at least a portion of the generated radiation from the exposed area of the structure to determine a first intensity level of the radiation at the predetermined exposure wavelength, and a second intensity level at the predetermined reference wavelength; d) comparing the first and second intensity levels; and e) determining that the predetermined area includes water if the first and second levels differ by at least a predetermined amount, and f) determining that the predetermined area includes no water if the first and second levels do not differ by at least the undetermined amount or if water is not confirmed by testing.