Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element
Patent
1990-06-11
1992-06-30
Ben, Loha
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
359833, 359204, 385119, 355238, 356 24, 356385, G02B 2610
Patent
active
051268728
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to an apparatus for optically scanning the surface of an object, particularly a transparent, translucent or opaque movable object, having a surface capable of reflecting or scattering light.
PRIOR ART
A scanning device for optically scanning an object point-by-point is known from the West German Publication No. 3601442 and consists of a light source whose light is projected onto the object to be scanned via a deflecting device. Following reflection or transmission through the object, the light is analyzed in a photoelectric analyzing unit. The deflecting device is constituted by a rotating optical system whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the incoming light beam and which causes the deflected light beam to rotate in a circular path about the axis of rotation. The scanning beam is parallel to the axis of rotation or makes an angle therewith. The deflecting optical system is a prism rotating at high rpm and having an inclined reflecting surface which projects the scanning beam onto a stationary hollow reflector. The prism is located inside the chamber enclosed by the hollow reflector and on the main axis of the hollow reflector, which coincides with the axis of rotation of the prism, while the object is situated within the opening angle of the hollow reflector. Interiorly of the opening angle of the hollow reflector is a second hollow reflector. The axes of the hollow reflectors coincide and the object is disposed within the opening angle of the second hollow reflector or directly in the chamber enclosed by the second hollow reflector. Since the deflecting optical system undergoes a lifting motion, it is possible to scan the peripheral surface of an object upon rotation. This mode of spatial scanning of the surface of an object is difficult, particularly for small objects. Thus, a large expenditure is required for the optical system and the rotating parts in order to obtain a sharp image thereby resulting in expensive apparatus. It is difficult to generate stationary images of high resolution with deflecting optical systems which move.
The Japanese Publication No. 60-55211 teaches a scanning device of very similar structure for point-by-point scanning of an object. This scanning device likewise has two annular, hollow reflectors which are centered with respect to one another and are arranged one above the other, and a rotating prism with an inclined reflecting surface which projects a rotating light beam onto the upper hollow reflector. The light beam is diverted by the upper hollow reflector and projected onto the second hollow reflector located therebelow. The latter deflects the light beam onto the object. From there, the light travels back again along the same path to a photosensitive sensor.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,352,550 discloses an arrangement in which a rotating prism having an inclined reflecting surface is located within a ring of optical fibers whose ends face the prism in such a manner that a beam of light reflected from the reflecting surface of the prism is projected onto the ends of the optical fibers. The far ends of the optical fibers are assembled into a linear unit so that a rotating light beam is converted into a light beam which moves back-and-forth. This apparatus exhibits the same drawbacks as the first apparatus described and a moving object can be scanned with neither.
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus of the technical nature indicated which make it possible to scan the surfaces of objects whose surfaces are capable of reflecting or scattering light, preferably during movement of the objects. An image signal of high resolution is to be obtained so that, as the object moves, a peripheral region of the object having a specific width is reproduced as a peripheral band.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention has the outstanding advantage that translucent, transparent or opaque objects of virtually any shape, and whose surfaces are capable of reflecting or scattering light, may be sca
REFERENCES:
patent: 3625612 (1971-12-01), Decker, Jr.
patent: 4352550 (1982-10-01), Uchida
1981 Carnahan Conference on Crime Countermeasures by G. D. Arndt et al--May 13-15, 1981--pp. 135-141.
Ben Loha
Birkle Sensor GmbH & Co.
Kontler Peter K.
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