Optics: measuring and testing – Of light reflection
Patent
1989-10-16
1991-07-09
Rosenberger, Richard A.
Optics: measuring and testing
Of light reflection
25022725, 350 9632, G02B 2610, G02B 600
Patent
active
050300105
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a process, according to the preamble of claim 1, for the optical scanning of an object as well as a device for carrying out the process.
PRIOR ART
It is known to use linear and mechanical light deflectors which cause angular deflection for the optical detection or measurement of objects and their surfaces. Relative motion of the light and the surface to be scanned is required if an action or a change is to be observed in the x-y plane. In contact activated or quasi-contact activated object scanning a light conductor can simultaneously serve for light transmission to the object and receiving transmissions to the sensor, as well as for image point definition. Particularly in conjunction with flexible optic fibers, the range of application of tuned detection systems is expanded to include a scanning principle having many variations, e.g., in the detection of bar codes or when OCR reading instruments are employed.
In many applications, however contact with an object or quasi-contact by a solid light conductor is not possible. In critical environments, e.g., in the presence of high temperatures or humidity, or aggressive media such as dust, smoke, vapor, interfering light or radioactivity, or interfering surface coatings due to liquid, dust, foam or other substances, it is not possible to use solid light conductors. Similarly, the use of solid light conductors is excluded in the optical scanning of objects having a critical consistency or geometry such as powdered or particulate products, products with a fibrous surface structure, secreting organic substances or fluids enriched with suspended substances.
An optical probe for applying a light cable to an object is known from the West German Offenlegungsschrift 15 98 004 and consists of a transparent, balloon-like and flexible membrane filled with a light conducting liquid which can be replenished via a reservoir and a supply line in order to maintain a specified static pressure in the balloon. A bundle of optical fibers whose ends are disposed in the liquid before the membrane opens into, and forms a seal with, the balloon. Light can be thrown onto an object via the optical fibers, the liquid and the membrane and then reflected and conducted back to a receiving station through the membrane, the liquid and the optical fibers. With such a device, however, it is not possible to perform an optical scan in the above-mentioned critical environment.
TECHNICAL OBJECT
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a process and a device for the optical scanning of an object which cannot be subjected to a contactless scan, or to a contact-activated scan, using a solid light conductor, because the object is in a critical environment, or is provided with interfering surface coatings, or has a consistency or geometry which does not permit contactless or contact-activated scanning by means of a solid light conductor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, the solution to this object is in the features of the process of claim 1; devices for carrying out the process are characterized in claims 3 and 13. Additional advantageous embodiments of the invention are contained in the remaining subclaims.
The invention has the great advantage that by means of the same, optical object scanning is possible even for those applications where contactless scanning with light only, or contact-activated scanning using a solid light conductor, was not possible until now. Thus, the "gist" of the invention is that the combination of a solid light conductor and a liquid light conductor in the form of a liquid stream serves as a light conductor. The transmitted light beam or light ray is incorporated in the liquid stream in a coupling station and is now directed onto the surface of the object to be scanned together with the liquid stream. After impingement of the liquid stream upon the impingement point, the transmitted light is at least partially reflected, conducted back within the liquid stream counter to the flow direc
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Taylor. "Liquid Optical Fibers" Applied Optics, vol. 11, No. 4 (Apr. 1972) pp. 786-790.
J. C. Mtzler & A. T. Montibello, "Variable Optical Read Head", IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin; vol. 18, No. 10, pp. 3277-3280 (Mar. 1976).
Kontler Peter K.
Rosenberger Richard A.
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