In one embodiment the present invention provides a device for monitoring a cable, comprising an imaging device having a field of view; a target, distinguishable within the field of view of the imaging device, associated with a cable; and a computer processor connected to the imaging device for analyzing images of the target produced by the imaging device to determine a position of the cable. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for monitoring a cable, comprising calibrating a first image of a predetermined field of view showing a portion of a cable to be monitored; capturing a second image of the predetermined field of view; correlating the first image with the second image to determine a position of the portion of the cable within the second image; and reporting said position.
Andrew H. Stewart; K. Arun Pandey; Glenn M. Light; Richard F. Tennis; Bernard A. Clairmont; Edward A. Bloom; Keith A. Bartels