Patent Publication Number: US-2017358073-A1

Title: Systems and Methods for Monitoring Components

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/942,039 having a filing date of Nov. 16, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally systems and method for monitoring components, and more particularly to systems and methods which facilitate improved imaging of surface features configured on the components. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Throughout various industrial applications, apparatus components are subjected to numerous extreme conditions (e.g., high temperatures, high pressures, large stress loads, etc.). Over time, an apparatus&#39;s individual components may suffer creep and/or deformation that may reduce the component&#39;s usable life. Such concerns might apply, for instance, to some turbomachines. 
     Turbomachines are widely utilized in fields such as power generation and aircraft engines. For example, a conventional gas turbine system includes a compressor section, a combustor section, and at least one turbine section. The compressor section is configured to compress air as the air flows through the compressor section. The air is then flowed from the compressor section to the combustor section, where it is mixed with fuel and combusted, generating a hot gas flow. The hot gas flow is provided to the turbine section, which utilizes the hot gas flow by extracting energy from it to power the compressor, an electrical generator, and other various loads. 
     During operation of a turbomachine, various components (collectively known as turbine components) within the turbomachine and particularly within the turbine section of the turbomachine, such as turbine blades, may be subject to creep due to high temperatures and stresses. For turbine blades, creep may cause portions of or the entire blade to elongate so that the blade tips contact a stationary structure, for example a turbine casing, and potentially cause unwanted vibrations and/or reduced performance during operation. 
     Accordingly, components may be monitored for creep. One approach to monitoring components for creep is to configure strain sensors on the components, and analyze the strain sensors at various intervals to monitor for deformations associated with creep strain. 
     One challenge in monitoring components and strain sensors thereon is obtaining images of the strain sensors that are of sufficient quality for subsequent deformation analyses to be accurate. Factors such as the illumination of the strain sensors, the surface properties of the component and the strain sensors, the viewing parameters for an image capture device being utilized to obtain the images (and potential misconfigurations thereof), and the relative positions of the image capture device and strain sensors can lead to images that are of insufficient quality. For example, the images can be blurred and/or out of focus. This can lead to inaccuracies in post-processing analyses of the images, such as for deformation analysis. 
     The need for improved imaging is not limited to stain sensor applications. Such need exists in other component applications. For example, improved imaging of cooling holes defined in the exterior surface of a component and/or other surface features configured on the exterior surface of a component is desired. 
     Accordingly, alternative systems and methods for monitoring components which facilitate improved imaging of surface features configured on the components are desired. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring a component is disclosed. The component has an exterior surface. The method includes performing a first analysis of a first image of a surface feature configured on the exterior surface of the component, the first image obtained by an imaging device. The method further includes adjusting a viewing parameter of the imaging device when a predetermined first analysis threshold for the first image is unsatisfied, and performing a subsequent first analysis of a second image of the surface feature, the second image obtained by the imaging device. The method further includes adjusting a distance between the imaging device and the surface feature when the predetermined first analysis threshold for the second image is unsatisfied, and performing a second analysis of a third image, the third image obtained by the imaging device. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for monitoring a component is provided. The component has an exterior surface. The system includes an imaging device for obtaining images of a surface feature configured on the exterior surface of the component, and a processor in operable communication with the imaging device. The processor is configured for performing a first analysis of a first image of the surface feature, the first image obtained by the imaging device. The processor is further configured for adjusting a viewing parameter of the imaging device when a predetermined first analysis threshold for the first image is unsatisfied, and performing a subsequent first analysis of a second image of the surface feature, the second image obtained by the imaging device. The processor is further configured for adjusting a distance between the imaging device and the surface feature when the predetermined first analysis threshold for the second image is unsatisfied, and performing a second analysis of a third image, the third image obtained by the imaging device. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary component comprising a passive strain indicator in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of an exemplary passive strain indicator in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a system for monitoring a component during locating of a surface feature in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an image of a surface feature in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is an image of an edge of a surface feature utilized during a binary analysis of the image in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is an image of an edge of a surface feature utilized during a greyscale analysis of the image in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating a method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a component  10  is illustrated with plurality of surface features  30 , in this embodiment passive strain indicators  40 , configured thereon. The component  10  (and more specifically the substrate of the overall component  10 ) can comprise a variety of types of components used in a variety of different applications, such as, for example, components utilized in high temperature applications (e.g., components comprising nickel or cobalt based superalloys). In some embodiments, the component  10  may comprise an industrial gas turbine or steam turbine component such as a combustion component or hot gas path component. In some embodiments, the component  10  may comprise a turbine blade, compressor blade, vane, nozzle, shroud, rotor, transition piece or casing. In other embodiments, the component  10  may comprise any other component of a turbine such as any other component for a gas turbine, steam turbine or the like. In some embodiments, the component may comprise a non-turbine component including, but not limited to, automotive components (e.g., cars, trucks, etc.), aerospace components (e.g., airplanes, helicopters, space shuttles, aluminum parts, etc.), locomotive or rail components (e.g., trains, train tracks, etc.), structural, infrastructure or civil engineering components (e.g., bridges, buildings, construction equipment, etc.), and/or power plant or chemical processing components (e.g., pipes used in high temperature applications). 
     The component  10  has an exterior surface  11  on or beneath which passive strain indicators  40  may be configured. Passive strain indicators  40  in accordance with the present disclosure may be configured on the exterior surface  11  using any suitable techniques, including deposition techniques; other suitable additive manufacturing techniques; subtractive techniques such as laser ablation, engraving, machining, etc.; appearance-change techniques such as annealing, direct surface discoloration, or techniques to cause local changes in reflectivity; mounting of previously formed passive strain indicators  40  using suitable mounting apparatus or techniques such as adhering, welding, brazing, etc.; or identifying pre-existing characteristics of the exterior surface  11  that can function as the components of a passive strain indicator  40 . Additionally, in further alternative embodiments, passive strain indicators  40  can be configured beneath exterior surface  11  using suitable embedding techniques during or after manufacturing of the component  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a passive strain indicator  40  generally comprises at least two reference points  41  and  42  that can be used to measure a distance D between said at least two reference points  41  and  42  at a plurality of time intervals. As should be appreciated to those skilled in the art, these measurements can help determine the amount of strain, strain rate, creep, fatigue, stress, etc. at that region of the component  10 . The at least two reference points  41  and  42  can be disposed at a variety of distances and in a variety of locations depending on the specific component  10  so long as the distance D there between can be measured. Moreover, the at least two reference points  41  and  42  may comprise dots, lines, circles, boxes or any other geometrical or non-geometrical shape so long as they are consistently identifiable and may be used to measure the distance D there between. 
     The passive strain indicator  40  may comprise a variety of different configurations and cross-sections such as by incorporating a variety of differently shaped, sized, and positioned reference points  41  and  42 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the passive strain indicator  40  may comprise a variety of different reference points comprising various shapes and sizes. Such embodiments may provide for a greater variety of distance measurements D such as between the outer most reference points (as illustrated), between two internal or external reference points, or any combination there between. The greater variety may further provide a more robust strain analysis on a particular portion of the component  10  by providing strain measurements across a greater variety of locations. 
     Furthermore, the values of various dimensions of the passive strain indicator  40  may depend on, for example, the component  10 , the location of the passive strain indicator  40 , the targeted precision of the measurement, application technique, and optical measurement technique. For example, in some embodiments, the passive strain indicator  40  may comprise a length and width ranging from less than 1 millimeter to greater than 300 millimeters. Moreover, the passive strain indicator  40  may comprise any thickness that is suitable for application and subsequent optical identification without significantly impacting the performance of the underlying component  10 . Notably, this thickness may be a positive thickness away from the surface  11  (such as when additive techniques are utilized) or a negative thickness into the surface  11  (such as when subtractive techniques are utilized). For example, in some embodiments, the passive strain indicator  40  may comprise a thickness of less than from about 0.01 millimeters to greater than 1 millimeter. In some embodiments, the passive strain indicator  40  may have a substantially uniform thickness. Such embodiments may help facilitate more accurate measurements for subsequent strain calculations between the first and second reference points  41  and  42 . 
     In some embodiments, the passive strain indicator  40  may comprise a positively applied square or rectangle wherein the first and second reference points  41  and  42  comprise two opposing sides of said square or rectangle. In other embodiments, the passive strain indicator  40  may comprise at least two applied reference points  41  and  42  separated by a negative space  45  (i.e., an area in which the passive strain indicator material is not applied). The negative space  45  may comprise, for example, an exposed portion of the exterior surface  11  of the component  10 . Alternatively or additionally, the negative space  45  may comprise a subsequently applied visually contrasting material that is distinct from the material of the at least two reference points  41  and  42  (or vice versa). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the passive strain indicator  40  may include a unique identifier  47  (hereinafter “UID”). The UID  47  may comprise any type of barcode, label, tag, serial number, pattern or other identifying system that facilitates the identification of that particular passive strain indicator  40 . In some embodiments, the UID  47  may additionally or alternatively comprise information about the component  10  or the overall assembly that the passive strain indicator  40  is configured on. The UID  47  may thereby assist in the identification and tracking of particular passive strain indicators  40 , components  10  or even overall assemblies to help correlate measurements for past, present and future operational tracking. 
     The passive strain indicator  40  may thereby be configured in one or more of a variety of locations of various components  10 . For example, as discussed above, the passive strain indicator  40  may be configured on a blade, vane, nozzle, shroud, rotor, transition piece or casing. In such embodiments, the passive strain indicator  40  may be configured in one or more locations known to experience various forces during unit operation such as on or proximate airfoils, platforms, tips or any other suitable location. Moreover, the passive strain indicator  40  may be configured in one or more locations known to experience elevated temperatures. For example, the passive strain indicator  40  may be configured on a hot gas path or combustion component  10 . 
     As discussed herein and as shown in  FIG. 1 , multiple passive strain indicators  40  may be configured on a single component  10  or on multiple components  10 . For example, a plurality of passive strain indicators  40  may be configured on a single component  10  (e.g., a blade) at various locations such that the strain may be determined at a greater number of locations about the individual component  10 . Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of like components  10  (e.g., a plurality of blades) may each have a passive strain indicator  40  configured in a standard location so that the amount of strain experienced by each specific component  10  may be compared to other like components  10 . In even some embodiments, multiple different components  10  of the same assembly (e.g., blades and vanes for the same turbomachine) may each have a passive strain indicator  40  configured thereon so that the amount of strain experienced at different locations within the overall assembly (i.e. turbomachine, etc.) may be determined. 
     It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to passive strain indicators  40  as illustrated herein. Rather, any suitable surface feature  30  configured on a component  10 , such as on the exterior surface  11  thereof, is within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Examples of other suitable surface features  30  include cooling holes defined in the exterior surface, coating layers applied to the exterior surface  11  (wherein the exterior surface  11  is defined as that of a base component of the component  10 ), etc. 
     A coordinate system is additionally illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The coordinate system includes an X-axis  50 , a Y-axis  52 , and a Z-axis  54 , all of which are mutually orthogonal to each other. Additionally, a roll angle  60  (about the X-axis  50 ), a pitch angle  62  (about the Y-axis  52 ) and a yaw angle  64  (about the Z-axis  54 ) are illustrated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a system  100  for monitoring a component  10  is illustrated. System  100  may include, for example, one or more surface features  30  which are configurable on the exterior surface  11  of one or more components  10  as discussed above. System  100  further includes an image capture device  102  and a processor  104 . The image capture device  102  generally obtains images of the surface feature(s)  30 , and the processor  104  generally analyzes the images and performs other functions as discussed herein. In particular, systems  100  in accordance with the present disclosure provide improved imaging by utilizing an iterative process that results in images of increased quality for post-processing. For example, resulting images that are utilized for post-processing may have sufficient sharpness for use in various types of post-processing. In one particular exemplary embodiments, the resulting images may be sufficient for use in deformation analysis, and may result in suitable accurate deformation analysis. 
     Imaging device  102  may include a lens assembly  110  and an image capture device  112 , and may further include an illumination device, i.e. a light. Lens assembly  110  may generally magnify images viewed by the lens assembly  110  for processing by the image capture device  112 . Lens assembly  110  in some embodiments may, for example, be a suitable camera lens, telescope lens, etc., and may include one or more lens spaced apart to provide the required magnification. Image capture device  112  may generally be in communication with the lens assembly  110  for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly  110  to generate images. In exemplary embodiments, for example, image capture device  112  may be a camera sensor which receives and processes light from a camera lens to generate images, such as digital images, as is generally understood. Imaging device  102  may further include a variety of settings, or viewing parameters, which may be applied and modified during operation thereof. The viewing parameters may affect the quality of the images obtained by the imaging device  102 . In some embodiments, the viewing parameters may be setting that can be applied at various levels to the lens assembly  100  by the image capture device  112  or applied during processing of received light to obtain images by the image capture device  112 . Viewing parameters may include, for example, aperture size, shutter speed, ISO setting, brightness setting, contrast setting, illumination level, etc. Each viewing parameter may be adjusted as required (and as discussed herein) to adjust the quality of an obtained image. 
     Image capture device  112  (and device  102  generally) may further be in communication with processor  104 , via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection, for storing and analyzing the images from the image capture device  112  and device  102  generally. Notably, in exemplary embodiments processor  104  operates imaging devices  102  to perform various disclosed steps. 
     As discussed, system  100  may further include a processor  104 . In general, as used herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Processor  104  may also include various input/output channels for receiving inputs from and sending control signals to various other components with which the processor  104  is in communication, such as the imaging device  102 , a robotic arm (discussed herein), etc. Processor  104  may generally perform various steps as discussed herein. Further, it should be understood that a processor  104  in accordance with the present disclosure may be a single master processor  104  in communication with the other various components of system  100 , and/or may include a plurality of individual component processors, i.e. an imaging device processor, a data acquisition device processor, a robotic arm processor, etc. The various individual component processors may be in communication with each other and may further be in communication with a master processor, and these components may collectively be referred to as processor  104 . Further, it should be noted that image capture device  112  may be a sub-component of processor  104 , or may be a separate component from processor  104  which is in communication with processor  104 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , system  100  may include a robotic arm  130 . The robotic arm  130  may support and facilitate movement of other components system  100 , such as the imaging device  102  and/or the processor  104 . For example, the imaging device  102  may be mounted to the robotic arm  130 . Processor  104  may be in communication with the robotic arm  130 , such as with the various motors and/or drive components thereof, and may actuate the robotic arm  130  to move as required. Such movement may, in exemplary embodiments, position the imaging device  102  relative to the component  10  and surface feature(s)  30  thereon. In exemplary embodiments, the robotic arm  130  is a six-degree-of-freedom arm  130  which provides movement along axes  50 ,  52 ,  54  and along angles  60 ,  62 ,  64  (about the axes as discussed). 
     In alternative embodiments, system  100  may include other suitable devices for supporting and facilitating movement of other components system  100 , such as the imaging device  102  and/or the processor  104 . Such devices may, for example, be in communication with processor  104 . For example, system  100  may include a boroscope, mobile robot (such as a snake robot), gantry system, or other suitable device. Some such devices may facilitate performance of various steps as discussed herein when the component  10  is in situ in an associated assembly, such as a turbomachine (i.e. a gas turbine  10 ). Alternatively, component  10  may be removed from the assembly when such steps are performed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the present disclosure is further directed to methods  200  for monitoring components  10 . Similar to systems  100 , methods  200  may be utilized to obtain quality images of the surface features  30 , such as for post-processing purposes. In exemplary embodiments, processor  104  may be utilized to perform various of the method steps  200  discussed herein. Accordingly, systems  100  and methods  200  may be configured for operation as discussed herein. 
     Method  200  may include, for example, the step  210  of performing a first analysis of a first image  212 ′ of a surface feature  30 . The first image  212 ′ may be obtained by the imaging device  102 , as discussed herein.  FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of an image  212  of a surface feature  30 , which may for example be obtained via imaging device  102  as discussed herein. Any suitable image analysis method which can evaluate the quality of the image  212 ′ may be utilized when performing the first analysis. For example, a suitable pixel analysis which evaluates the sharpness of the image  212  based on comparisons of neighboring pixels of the image may be utilized. In accordance with one embodiment, the first analysis is a binary pixel analysis. This analysis is generally an analysis which differentiates a reference object (for example, the surface feature  30  or a portion thereof, such as an edge) from a background (for example, the component and background, respectively) on the basis of differences in color depth (i.e. differences in color or in greyscale). The analysis may be performed on each individual pixel  218  or groups of pixels  219  defining the image  212 . For a binary analysis to occur, the number of bits-per-pixel of the image i.e. 128, 256, etc., is divided into two groups (generally a group which includes the lighter color depths and a group which includes the darker color depths). Each group is categorized as a reference object portion or a background portion. For example, the binary color depth analysis may categorize pixels or multi-pixel groups that are darker or lighter color depths as denoting a reference object (i.e. a surface feature or component thereof relative to a background), and may categorize pixels or multi-pixel groups that are the other of darker or lighter color depths as denoting a background. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in exemplary embodiments, such binary analysis is performed on a component of the surface feature  30 , such as an edge  214  thereof. For example a width  216  of the edge  214  may be measured during such analysis. Specifically, the number of pixels that are characterized in the group for the edge  214  (relative to a background) may be counted (such as along the X-axis  50  as shown or other width-wise axis). In general, a greater number of pixels in such group indicates a lower quality image  212 ′. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first analysis is a color scale or greyscale analysis on the bits-per-pixel of the image  212 , i.e. 128, 256, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the first analysis is a 256 bit-per-pixel greyscale analysis. This analysis differentiates a reference object from a background on the basis of differences in color depth. Such analysis may be performed on each individual pixel  218  of an image  212 , or on sub-sections of individual pixels. For example, pixels  218  may be divided into 100 sub-sections, 1000 sub-sections, 10,000 sub-sections, or any other suitable number of subsections, and the analysis may be performed on each individual sub-section. As discussed, a color scale or greyscale analysis is performed on the bits-per-pixel of the image i.e. 128, 256, etc. Accordingly, each pixel  218  or sub-section thereof is categorized as having a particular color depth per the 128, 256, etc. color depth scale. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in exemplary embodiments, such color scale or greyscale analysis is performed on a component of the surface feature  30 , such as an edge  214  thereof. For example a width  217  of the edge  214  may be measured during such analysis. Specifically, the number of pixels or sub-sections thereof that are included in a transition between a first color depth and a second, different color depth may be counted (such as along the X-axis  50  as shown or other width-wise axis). In general, a greater number of pixels in such transition indicates a lower quality image  212 ′. 
     Such analyses generally allow for the sharpness of the image  212  to be analyzed by, for example, analyzing the width in pixels  218  or sub-sections thereof of the surface feature  30  or various portions thereof. For example, it is generally desirable for the measured width  216 ,  217  to be low, thus indicating the relative sharpness of the image  212 , and thus the quality of the image  212  for, for example, post-processing purposes. 
     Method  200  may further include, for example, the step  220  of adjusting one or more viewing parameters, as discussed herein, of the imaging device  102 . Step  220  may occur, for example, when a predetermined first analysis threshold for the first image  212 ′ is unsatisfied, thus indicating that the quality of the image  212  is below a predetermined quality threshold. For example, the predetermined first analysis threshold may be a first width threshold for the surface feature  30  or a component thereof, such as edge  214 , of which a width  216  was measured. The first analysis threshold in these embodiments may be satisfied when the width  216  is below the first width threshold, and unsatisfied when the width  216  is above the first width threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined first analysis threshold may be a second width threshold for the surface feature  30  or a component thereof, such as edge  214 , of which a width  217  was measured. The first analysis threshold in these embodiments may be satisfied when the width  217  is below the second width threshold, and unsatisfied when the width  217  is above the second width threshold. Adjustment of one or more viewing parameters may be performed when the predetermined first analysis threshold for the image  212  is unsatisfied, in an effort to obtain suitable levels for the viewing parameter(s) that result in images  212  of sufficient quality, as discussed herein. 
     In some embodiments, steps  210  and  220  may be repeated as desired to evaluate the quality of images  212  obtained by the imaging device  102 . In some embodiments, the predetermined first analysis threshold for an image  212  may be satisfied. Post-processing may then, in some embodiments, occur using that image  212  and subsequent images with no further adjustment of the imaging device  102 . Alternatively, after a certain (in some embodiments predetermined) number of iterations of steps  210  and  220 , additional evaluation and adjustment may occur. 
     For example, method  200  may further include, for example, the step  230  of performing a subsequent first analysis (as discussed herein) of a second image  212 ″ of the surface feature  30 . The second image  212 ″ image may, for example, be obtained by the imaging device  202  as discussed herein. Method  200  may further include, for example, the step  240  of adjusting a distance  242  (for example along the Z-axis  54 ) (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) between the imaging device  102  and the surface feature  30  when the predetermined first analysis threshold (as discussed herein) for the second image  212 ″ is unsatisfied. For example, arm  130  or another suitable device of system  100  may move the imaging device  102  (such as the lens assembly  110 ) thereof relative to the surface feature  30  to adjust distance  242 . 
     Further, method  200  may include, for example, the step  250  of performing a second analysis of a third image  212 ′″. The third image  212 ′″ may, for example, be obtained by the imaging device  102 , and may be obtained after step  240  (and/or  220 ). In exemplary embodiments, the first and second analyses may be different. Alternatively, the first and second analyses may be the same. In some embodiments, the second analysis may be a binary pixel analysis, as discussed herein, while in alternative embodiments, the second analysis may be a color scale or grey scale analysis, as discussed herein. 
     Method  200  may further include, for example, the step  260  of adjusting a viewing parameter of the imaging device  102 , as discussed herein. Such step may occur, for example, when a predetermined second analysis threshold for the first image  212 ′″ is unsatisfied, thus indicating that the quality of the image  212  is below a predetermined quality threshold. For example, the predetermined second analysis threshold may be a first width threshold for the surface feature  30  or a component thereof, such as edge  214 , of which a width  216  was measured. The second analysis threshold in these embodiments may be satisfied when the width  216  is below the first width threshold, and unsatisfied when the width  216  is above the first width threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined second analysis threshold may be a second width threshold for the surface feature  30  or a component thereof, such as edge  214 , of which a width  217  was measured. The second analysis threshold in these embodiments may be satisfied when the width  217  is below the second width threshold, and unsatisfied when the width  217  is above the second width threshold. Adjustment of one or more viewing parameters may be performed when the predetermined second analysis threshold for the image  212  is unsatisfied, in an effort to obtain suitable levels for the viewing parameter(s) that result in images  212  of sufficient quality, as discussed herein. 
     Notably, in some embodiments, the predetermined first analysis threshold and the predetermined second analysis threshold may be different. Alternatively, the predetermined first analysis threshold and the predetermined second analysis threshold may be same. 
     Additional adjustments of the viewing parameters and/or the distance  242  may be performed as necessarily in accordance with the present disclosure, such as until one of both of the predetermined first and second analysis thresholds are satisfied. When satisfied, the images  212  are deemed to be of sufficient quality for post-processing, as discussed herein. Notably, in exemplary embodiments, various steps  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250  and/or  260  as discussed herein may be performed automatically. Accordingly, no user input may be required (i.e. between steps) for such steps to be performed. For example, processor  104  may perform such steps automatically in order to obtain images  212  of sufficient quality for post processing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.