Single-axis inspection scope with spherical camera and method for internal inspection of power generation machinery

Internal components of power generation machinery, such as gas turbine engines, are inspected with a spherical optical camera inspection system mounted on a compact diameter, single-axis inspection scope that is capable of insertion within an inspection port or other accessible insertion site. The inspection scope includes nested, non-rotatable telescoping tubes, which define an extension axis. Circumscribing, telescoping tubes have anti-rotation collars, which are in sliding engagement with a mating axial groove on an outer circumferential surface of a circumscribed tube. The camera is advanced and/or retracted along a scope extension axis by nested, drive tubes, which incorporate at least one external drive screw on a circumscribed drive tube and corresponding female threads formed in a circumscribing drive tube. The spherical camera has a 360-degree field of view, and captures images without rotation about the scope extension axis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to non-destructive, visual inspection of power generation machinery, such as gas turbine engines. More particularly, the invention relates to visual inspection of power generation machinery, such as gas turbine engines with an inspection system, having a single-axis inspection scope and spherical camera. In many embodiments, the inspection scope, with camera, is inserted into an inspection port of the machine.

BACKGROUND

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,713,999, issued May 6, 2014, and entitled “System and Method For Automated Optical Inspection of Industrial Gas Turbines and Other Power Generation Machinery with Multi-Axis Inspection Scope”, power generation machinery, such as generators, or steam or gas turbine engines, are often operated continuously with scheduled inspection and maintenance periods, at which time the machine is taken off line and shut down, for inspection and repair of any components identified during the inspection. Further description herein will focus on exemplary gas turbine engine inspection. Once cooled, the now static gas turbine engine is inspected with optical camera inspection systems. Inspection scope embodiments shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,713,999 incorporate multi-axis inspection scopes, which facilitate selective orientation of an optical inspection camera field of view within the engine, through rotation and articulation of jointed scope segments. In some embodiments, described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,713,999, the inspection scope has a single translation axis, with the ability to rotate the camera field of view 360 degrees. Single translation axis, rotating field of view scope embodiments are described as useful for insertion between blade and vane rows in a turbine engine.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present inventors recognized a need to develop an optical camera inspection system with a small diameter component envelope, for insertion intorelatively small engine inspection ports of diameters as little as 1.709 inches (43.41 millimeters). Thus, with use of exemplary embodiments described herein, any ports, or other passages, greater than 43.41 millimeters is a potential scope insertion sites, such as combustor pilot nozzle passages.

Exemplary embodiments of the optical inspection scopes of the present invention are insertable into engine, or other power generation machinery, inspection ports, or other potential scope insertion sites, as small as 1.709 inches (43.41 millimeters). Internal components of the machine, such as a gas turbine engine, are inspected with a spherical optical camera inspection system mounted on a compact diameter, single-axis inspection scope. The scope, including the camera is capable of insertion within an inspection port or other accessible insertion site. The inspection scope includes nested, non-rotatable telescoping tubes, which define an extension axis. Circumscribing, telescoping tubes have anti-rotation collars, which are in sliding engagement with a mating axial groove on an outer circumferential surface of a circumscribed tube. In some embodiments, the mating anti-rotation collar incorporates one or more ball bearings, which engage the corresponding axial groove and in combination form a linear sliding bearing. The spherical camera has a 360-degree field of view, and captures internal images of the engine or other power generation machine, without rotation about the scope extension axis. The camera is advanced and/or retracted along a scope extension axis by nested, drive tubes, which incorporate at least one external drive screw on a circumscribed drive tube and corresponding female threads formed in a mating, circumscribing drive tube. In some embodiments, the camera field of view is advanced within the inspected machine, and images are captured at respective advancement positions. In some embodiments, an image processing system combines the respective images into a navigable composite image.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention feature a system for internal inspection of a power generation machine. The system comprises a single-axis, extendable inspection scope, for insertion into an inspection port of a power generation machine. The inspection scope has first, and second nested, telescoping tubes, respectively having proximal and distal ends and axial length. The second telescoping tube has an axial groove on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The first telescoping tube has a first anti-rotation collar coupled proximal the distal end thereof, in sliding engagement with the axial groove of the second telescoping tube. The scope also has first and second nested drive tubes retained within the telescoping tubes, respectively having proximal and distal ends and axial length. The first drive tube has a first drive bushing coupled to the distal end thereof, both of which are rotatable within the telescoping tubes, with the first drive bushing defining a bore with female drive threads. The second drive tube defines external male drive threads in engagement with the first drive bushing female threads. A camera-mounting collar is rigidly coupled to the respective distal ends of the second telescoping tube and the second drive tube, which prevents relative rotation thereof. A rotatable drive hub is coupled to the proximal end of the first drive tube, for selective rotation thereof. A mounting flange is coupled to the first telescoping tube, for affixation to an inspection port of a power generation machine. The system also includes a spherical camera, having a 360-degree field of view, coupled to the camera-mounting collar, for insertion into a power generation machine and capture of inspection images therein.

In some embodiments, a distal portion of the rotatable drive hub is oriented within the proximal end of the first telescoping tube, and engaged within the first drive tube, while a proximal portion of the drive hub is coupled to a driven gear that is external the first telescoping tube. In this particular embodiment, a first drive gear is engaged with the driven gear, for rotating the driven gear and the drive hub. A drive apparatus is coupled to the first drive gear, such as a hand crank or an electric motor. Some embodiments incorporate in parallel hand crank and electric motor drives, each coupled to its own drive gear. In some embodiments, one or more anti-rotation collars retain a ball bearing that is in engagement with a corresponding axial groove formed within the outer circumference of a mating, circumscribed, telescoping tube, which in combination comprise a linear bearing assembly. In some embodiments, the camera is retained within a camera housing that is coupled to the camera-mounting collar. In some embodiments, the camera housing also includes an illumination system, such as an array of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). In some embodiments, the system includes a position encoder, for correlating hub rotation with axial displacement of the camera field of view; and an image processing system coupled to the camera and the position encoder, for storing plural images taken at different camera axial displacement positions, and for combining plural inspection images into a composite image. The inspection scopes, in some embodiments, comprise more than two telescoping tubes and/or more than two nested drive tubes.

Other exemplary embodiments of the invention feature a system for internal inspection of a power generation machine. The system comprises a single-axis, extendable inspection scope, which defines an extension axis, for insertion into an inspection port of a power generation machine. The scope has first, second, third, and fourth nested, telescoped tubes; respectively they have proximal and distal ends and axial length. The second, third and fourth telescoping tubes respectively have an axial groove on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The first telescoping tube has a first anti-rotation collar coupled proximal the distal end thereof, in sliding engagement with the axial groove of the second telescoping tube. The second telescoping tube has a second anti-rotation collar coupled proximal the distal end thereof, in sliding engagement with the axial groove of the third telescoping tube. The third telescoping tube has a third anti-rotation collar coupled proximal the distal end thereof, in sliding engagement with the axial groove of the fourth telescoping tube. The scope also has first, second, and third nested drive tubes retained within the telescoping tubes, respectively having proximal and distal ends and axial length. The first drive tube has a first drive bushing coupled to the distal end thereof, both of which are rotatable within the fourth telescoping tube. The first drive bushing defines a bore with female drive threads. The second drive tube defines external male threads in engagement with the first drive bushing female threads, and has a second drive bushing coupled to the distal end thereof, both of which are rotatable within the fourth telescoping tube. The second drive bushing defines a bore with female drive threads. The third drive tube defines external male threads in engagement with the second drive bushing female threads. The inspection system further includes a camera-mounting collar rigidly coupled to the respective distal ends of the fourth telescoping tube and the third drive tube, preventing relative rotation thereof. A rotatable drive hub is coupled to the proximal end of the first drive tube, for selective rotation thereof. A mounting flange is coupled to the first telescoping tube, for affixation to an inspection port of a power generation machine. The inspection system also includes a spherical camera, having a 360-degree field of view, coupled to the camera-mounting collar, for insertion into a power generation machine and capture of inspection images therein. In some embodiments, the system includes a position encoder, for correlating hub rotation with axial displacement of the camera field of view; and an image processing system coupled to the camera and the position encoder, for storing plural images taken at different camera axial displacement positions, and for combining plural inspection images into a navigable composite image.

Additional exemplary embodiments of the invention feature a method for internal inspection of a power generation machine. In practicing the method, a system for inspection of a power generation machine is provided. The system includes a single-axis, extendable inspection scope, which defines an extension axis, for insertion into an inspection port of a power generation machine. The provided scope has first, and second nested, telescoping tubes, respectively having proximal and distal ends and axial length. The second telescoping tube has an axial groove on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The first telescoping tube has a first anti-rotation collar coupled proximal the distal end thereof, in sliding engagement with the axial groove of the second telescoping tube. First and second nested drive tubes are retained within the telescoping tubes, respectively having proximal and distal ends and axial length. The first drive tube has a first drive bushing coupled to the distal end thereof, both of which are rotatable within the telescoping tubes. The first drive bushing defines a bore with female drive threads. The second drive tube defines external male drive threads in engagement with the first drive bushing female threads. The scope also has a camera-mounting collar rigidly coupled to the respective distal ends of the second telescoping tube and the second drive tube, preventing relative rotation thereof. A rotatable drive hub is coupled to the proximal end of the first drive tube, for selective rotation thereof. A mounting flange is coupled to the first telescoping tube, for affixation to an inspection port of a power generation machine. A spherical camera, having a 360-degree field of view, is coupled to the camera-mounting collar, for insertion into a power generation machine and capture of inspection images therein. In practicing the method, the provided inspection scope's mounting flange is affixed to an inspection port of a power generation machine, or other inspection entry site of the machine, while inserting the inspection scope therein. Thereafter the drive hub is rotated, thereby rotating the first drive tube, which in turn advances the second drive tube and the camera field of view within the power generation machine, without rotating the camera about the extension axis of the inspection scope. Respective camera images within the power generation machine are captured at plural positions, as the camera field of view is advanced within the machine.

Features of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein may be applied jointly or severally, in any combination or sub-combination.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are utilized for inspection of internal components of power generation machinery, such as gas turbine engines. The engine internal components are inspected with a spherical optical camera inspection system mounted on a compact diameter, single-axis inspection scope that is capable of insertion within an inspection port or other accessible insertion site. In some embodiments, the inspection scope, with camera, is inserted through a combustor pilot port, through the corresponding combustor transition and stopping before the row 1 vanes, with a view of the row 1 blades and vanes. The system is capable of capturing images along the camera translation path. Plural images are combined to generate a composite image of components within the inspection path. In some embodiments, the composite image is navigable, analogous to “street view” geographic path images available on some Internet-based map and trip navigation sites.

The inspection scope includes nested, non-rotatable telescoping tubes, which define an extension axis. Circumscribing, telescoping tubes have anti-rotation collars, which are in sliding engagement with a mating axial groove on an outer circumferential surface of a circumscribed tube, with the groove and collar forming a linear slide. The camera is advanced and/or retracted along a scope extension axis by nested, drive tubes, which incorporate at least one external drive screw on a circumscribed drive tube and corresponding female threads formed in a mating, circumscribing drive tube. In some embodiments, the female threads are formed in a drive bushing coupled to the corresponding drive tube. The spherical camera has a 360-degree field of view, and captures images without rotation about the scope extension axis.

FIG. 1shows an exemplary power generation machine, such as a gas turbine engine20, which includes an inspection port22, with an internal passage minimum clearance diameter Dp. The term “port” as used herein includes dedicated inspection ports, which are sealed after completion of inspections, or any other type entry aperture that allows passage of an inspection scope into the engine interior. Other types of exemplary entry apertures or inspection access sites include a combustion pilot nozzle insertion aperture within a combustor, or a manway access cover of a gas turbine engine. The exemplary inspection system28includes an inspection scope30, which has a telescoping portion32for insertion into the engine20, a controller box34remains outside the engine. The inspection scope30includes a mounting collar36coupled to the telescoping portion32, with a mounting flange38that is affixed to the inspection port22by fasteners40. The mounting collar36includes a mounting collar-retaining clamp42that is clamped adjustably along an exterior surface of an outer or first telescoping tube44. The retaining clamp42is selectively positioned and clamped axially relative to the first telescoping tube44, as needed or desired for any particular inspection procedure. A camera-mounting collar46is coupled to a distal end of the inspection scope-telescoping portion32, and is coupled to a camera housing48. The camera housing48retains a spherical camera50, which has a 360 degree field of view (“FOV”), for capturing images of components within the engine20, without the need to rotate (pan) the camera FOV about an extension axis of the inspection scope telescoping portion32. The spherical camera50has a first camera lens52on one side of the camera housing48, and a second camera lens54on the other side of the camera housing, which in this particular embodiment is oriented 180 degrees opposite the first camera lens52. The inspection scope30includes a visual display56retained within the controller box34, for real-time monitoring of images being captured by the camera50, or for retrieval of previously captured and stored images. Optionally, camera images are viewed remotely, and the inspection scope controlled remotely by an external computing device, such as a tablet computer58. The tablet computer58communicates with the inspection scope30by hardwire cable (not shown) or by a wireless communication pathway. The inspection scope-telescoping portion32and the camera housing48have a maximum outside diameter D, which is smaller than the port minimum clearance diameter Dp. Working embodiments of the inspection scope have been constructed with a maximum outside diameter of 1.68 inches (42.67 millimeters) and a telescopic extension range of 48 inches (1220 millimeters) along an extension axis T.

FIGS. 2-4show the controller box34, with a fragmentary view of proximal portions of the inspection scope-telescoping portion32and its first or outer telescoping tube44. The controller box34has a removable gear cover60, and an externally accessible hand crank socket62, for selective coupling to a hand crank69. Toothed driven gear64engages mating teeth of the first drive gear66, which has a drive gear hub extension68that is coupled to the external hand crank socket62. InFIG. 4, the hand crank69is shown directly coupled to the drive gear64, without the gear cover60or the hand crank socket62, to illustrate how the scope telescoping portion32is advanced or retracted along the telescoping extension axis/dimension T, by rotation of the drive gear64. The inspection scope30also has a motorized drive for advancing and retracting the telescoping portion32, which operates in parallel with and independently from the manual or hand-cranking drive. The toothed, second drive gear70engages mating teeth of the driven gear64. Electric motor72, which is a known motor used in motion control systems, drives the second drive gear70. In this embodiment, the motor72incorporates a rotary positon encoder, which generates encoder data indicative of the number of motor shaft turns. The inspection scope30converts rotary motions R of the driven gear64into linear translation T of the telescoping portion32. Thus, the rotary motion of the motor drive shaft and the position encoder data are correlated with linear translation of T of the telescoping portion32. Other types of known position encoders can be substituted for the motor internal position encoder74. The driven gear64is coupled to a rotatable drive hub76, so that rotation of the drive gear64by either the first drive gear66or the second drive gear70also rotates the drive hub76.

FIGS. 1 and 5-9show internal construction of the inspection scope-telescoping portion32. A proximal end of the telescoping portion32retains the driven gear64and the rotatable hub76, while the camera-mounting collar46and camera housing mounting screw78are oriented on its distal end. The first or outer telescoping tube44retains a drive hub roller bearing80and a hub support bushing82, for mounting of the rotatable hub76, as well as a drive tube support bushing84, for retention of a first or outer drive tube86. The first drive tube is coupled to the rotatable hub76by first pin88. Rotation of the driven gear64in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions R in turn rotates the hub76and the first drive tube86. Interconnection of the first drive tube86to other downstream, distal second112and third122drive tubes, and their operation is described greater detail later herein.

The inspection scope-telescoping portion32comprises first or outer44, second92, third96and fourth100nested telescoping tubes, which in turn retain nested first or outer86, second112, and third or inner122drive tubes. Advancement or retraction of the drive tubes and telescoping tubes adjusts the axial length T of the inspection scope-telescoping portion32. The telescoping tubes44,92,96and100incorporate anti-rotation structural features, which prevent rotation of the camera housing48about the extension axis of the telescoping portion32. Each abutting pair of telescoping tubes incorporates one or more linear bearings, with the circumscribing telescoping tube including an anti-rotation collar and one or more retained ball bearings, which ride in a mating axial groove formed in the outer circumference of the circumscribed telescoping tube. The compact linear bearing construction facilitates relatively small maximum diameter D of the telescoping tubes and collars of 1.68 inches (42.67 millimeters). More particularly, the first telescoping tube44has a first anti-rotation collar90, which engages a corresponding axial groove formed in the second telescoping tube92. In turn, the second telescoping tube has a second anti-rotation collar94, which engages an axial groove formed in the third telescoping tube96. The third telescoping tube96in turn has a third anti-rotation collar98, which engages an axial groove formed in the fourth or inner telescoping tube100. A fourth tube collar102is rigidly coupled to the fourth telescoping tube100, which is in turn rigidly couples that tube to the camera mounting collar46. Screws124in turn rigidly couple the camera mounting collar46to the third or inner drive tube122, so that the camera housing48does not rotate about the extension axis of the inspection scope's telescoping portion32. Rigid affixation of the third drive tube122to the camera mounting collar46facilitates routing of cables between the camera housing48and the controller box34, through the third drive tube's lumen128and apertures128formed in the camera mounting collar46.

Structure and operation of the first86, second112and third or inner122drive tubes is now described, with reference toFIGS. 6-8. As previously described, rotation of the rotatable hub76in either direction R rotates the first or outer drive tube86, which are interconnected by the first pin88. A first drive bushing104is rigidly coupled to a distal end of the first drive tube86, by a first drive bushing-pin106. The first drive bushing104and the first drive tube86are freely rotatable within the inner lumen of the fourth or inner telescoping tube100. The first drive bushing104defines internal female drive threads (e.g., Acme profile drive threads)108, which engage corresponding male external drive threads110formed on the outer circumference of the second drive tube112. Rotation of the first drive tube86advances the external drive threads110relative to the rotating first drive bushing104, thus advancing the second drive tube to the right inFIG. 8, along the extension axis T. A rotation stop is incorporated in the proximal end of the second drive tube112, such as a pin or screw driven into a trough in the threads110profile, in order to prevent axial separation between the first86and second112drive tubes. When the second drive tube112proximal-end rotation stop contacts the first drive bushing104, further rotation of the rotatable hub76also commences rotation of the second drive tube.

A distal end of the second drive tube112incorporates a rigidly mounted second drive bushing114, which are rigidly connected to each other by second drive bushing-pin116. The second drive bushing114defines female threads, which engage corresponding male external threads118on the outer circumference of the third or inner drive tube122. The second drive bushing114and the second drive tube112are freely rotatable within the inner lumen of the fourth or inner telescoping tube100. The second drive bushing114defines internal female drive threads (e.g., ACME profile drive threads)108, which engage corresponding male external drive threads120formed on the outer circumference of the third drive tube122. Rotation of the second drive tube112with first drive tube86advances the external drive threads120relative to the rotating second drive bushing114, thus advancing the third drive tube122to the right inFIG. 8, along the extension axis T. A rotation stop is incorporated in the proximal end of the third drive tube122, such as a pin or screw driven into a trough in the threads120profile, in order to prevent axial separation between the second112and third or inner122drive tubes. The inner drive tube122is rigidly coupled to the camera-mounting collar46and the fourth or inner telescoping tube100. The inner drive tube cannot rotate relative to the extension axis T.

FIGS. 8 and 9show in detail the linear bearing structure that prevents relative rotation among the telescoping tubes44,92,96and100. Focusing on the mating interface between the circumscribing first telescoping-tube44and its abutting, inscribed, second telescoping-tube92, the latter has axial groove132, which is parallel to the extension axis of the inspection scope. The axial groove132terminates inboard of the proximal and distal ends of the second telescoping tube92, in order to prevent axial separation from the first telescoping tube44. The first anti-rotation collar90retains ball bearings134, which are in engagement with the axial groove132. Respective ball bearing tensioning screws136selectively adjust the ball bearing134pressure against the mating axial groove132. The respective second94, and third98anti-rotation collars incorporate the same linear bearing construction, with mating axial groove in the circumscribed, inner mating tube (including axial separation prevention during tube extension) and ball bearing, as the first anti-rotation collar90. All of the aforementioned anti-rotation collars are affixed to its corresponding telescoping tube by retention screws138.

FIGS. 8, 10, and 11show further structural details of the camera housing48. The camera housing48as coupled to the camera-mounting collar46by housing mounting screw78. The housing48retains the spherical camera50, and defines apertures for the camera lenses52and54on opposite sides of the housing. In this exemplary embodiment, the spherical camera50, with 360-degree field of view, is an off-the-shelf, commercially available camera with corresponding operation software, such as a model Theta S camera, manufactured by Ricoh Company, Ltd. of Tokyo Japan, and sold by Ricoh USA, Inc. of Malvern Pa. USA. The camera housing48also provides apertures140for retention of illumination light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). LED cable146and camera cable148pass through the third drive tube lumen126and the camera mounting collar apertures128, and are then wrapped about a shank portion of the mounting collar46, in order to provide strain relief protection for the connections of those cables to the respective LED140and camera50.

The block diagram ofFIG. 12shows interoperable connection of components and subsystems within the inspection system28. Electro-mechanical structures of the inspection scope30, the control box34, and the camera housing48are shown schematically in dashed lines. Power supply142, shown here for illustrative purposes within the control box34, provides power for the controller144, the display56, the motor72and its encoder74, the lighting system140and the camera50. The controller144controls the lighting140, camera50, motor72and in some embodiments receive encoder data from the encoder74. In some embodiments, the controller144has wireless communication capability for direct or indirect communication via a known wireless router150or via any known form of data communications network, including the Internet. In some embodiments, the controller144and/or the camera50are in wireless or hard-wired communication with the tablet computer58or an image processor154or any other type of known workstation.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 3, and 12, the inspection system28is used to inspect internal structure of a power generation machine20, such as a gas turbine engine, by affixing the inspection scope30mounting flange38to an inspection port22or other machine inspection entry site, while inserting the inspection scope telescoping portion32, including the camera housing48into the machine's interior. Once the inspection scope30is positioned for inspection, the camera housing48is advanced into the machine by rotating the driven gear64and its attached drive hub76with a hand crank69that is coupled to the controller box34, or by operating the self-contained internal motor72, thereby rotating the first drive tube86, and advancing the second112and/or third122drive tube and ultimately the camera housing48, with its spherical, 360 degree camera50within the power generation machine, along the inspection scope extension axis T, without rotating the camera50about the extension axis T. The 360-degree images generated within the camera field of view are captured in one or more positions along the extension axis T.

In many inspection embodiments, camera50images are captured at plural positions along the extension axis T. In embodiments where the inspection scope30is provided with a position encoder, such as the position encoder74of the motor72, the encoder generates position output data that is correlated with axial displacement of the camera50field of view along the extension axis T. An image processing system in the controller144, remote tablet or other computer58or in a remote, dedicated image processing workstation154determines axial displacement position of the camera field of view with the position encoder74output data, and correlates the determined axial displacement position T with a corresponding position within the corresponding camera image. Correlation of encoder74output position data with an image is performed with known, commercially available data acquisition hardware, and software. In some embodiments, the controller144, and/or remote computers, such as the tablet computer58, and/or the image processing system154archive images and/or encoder position data. In some embodiments, real-time and/or archived images are also viewable on the display56of the controller box34. In some embodiments, the controller144automatically controls advancement of the camera housing48along the extension axis T by controlling the motor72in a feedback loop with the encoder74.

In some embodiments, the image processing system, wherever located, combines plural inspection images into a navigable composite image, which is analogous to “street view” geographic mapping that is available in some Web-based applications. Commercially available image combining, and image-navigation software packages, operable on controller and/or computer hardware platforms, include the krpano Panorama Viewer, which is available from krpano Gesellschaft mbH of Deutschkreutz, Austria.

While reference to an exemplary controller144or tablet computer58, or remote workstation154platform architecture, and implementation of operational tasks by software modules executed by the respective device's internal processor, it is also to be understood that exemplary embodiments of the invention are implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, special purpose processors, or a combination thereof. Preferably, aspects of the invention embodiments are implemented in software as a program tangibly embodied on a non-volatile, non-transitory signal, program storage device. The program may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. Preferably, the machine is implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and input/output (I/O) interface(s). The computer platform also includes an operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may be either part of the microinstruction code or part of the program (or combination thereof) which is executed via the operating system. In addition, various other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer/controller platform.

It is to be understood that, because some of the constituent system components and method steps depicted in the accompanying figures are preferably implemented in software, the actual connections between the system components (or the process steps) may differ depending upon the manner in which the exemplary embodiments are programmed. Specifically, any of the computer platforms or devices may be interconnected using any existing or later-discovered networking technology; they may all be connected through a lager network system, such as a corporate network, metropolitan network or a global network, such as the Internet.

Although various embodiments that incorporate the invention have been shown and described in detail herein, others can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate the claimed invention. The invention is not limited in its application to the exemplary embodiment details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted”, “connected”, “supported”, and “coupled”, and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical, mechanical, or electrical connections or couplings.