Abstract: A system (100) and a method for marking a product (10) utilize an encoding that specifies the presence or absence of each of a plurality of luminescent materials, at least one of which exhibits a predetermined decay behavior. The decay behavior of a plurality of different materials is detected, and based thereon the presence or absence of the luminescent materials is inferred. A corresponding encoding specifies whether or not the respective materials are present. In this way, different encodings can be associated in advance with different properties of the product (10). The luminescent materials that specify the associated encoding can be applied to the product (10) as a mark (20) in accordance with a determined property of the product (10).

Abstract: A system (100) and a method for marking a product (10) utilize an encoding that specifies the presence or absence of each of a plurality of luminescent materials, at least one of which exhibits a predetermined decay behavior. The decay behavior of a plurality of different materials is detected, and based thereon the presence or absence of the luminescent materials is inferred. A corresponding encoding specifies whether or not the respective materials are present. In this way, different encodings can be associated in advance with different properties of the product (10). The luminescent materials that specify the associated encoding can be applied to the product (10) as a mark (20) in accordance with a determined property of the product (10).

Abstract: An optical product checking system (100) for checking a property and an authenticity of a product (10) emits light from a plurality of light-emitting units (12, 14, 16, 18) toward a surface of the product (10). Respective intensities of light emanating from the surface of the product (10) in response to the emitted light are detected and used to determine the property and the authenticity of the product (10). The optical product checking system can be incorporated into a beverage-preparation system, for example, to determine whether a coffee capsule for a coffee machine is an authentic product of the manufacturer of the coffee machine.

Abstract: An accessory is attachable to a portable device equipped with a camera. The accessory includes a camera lens opening and a retainer that retains the portable device such that a lens of the camera of the portable device is aligned with the camera lens opening. At least one source of electromagnetic radiation in the range of ultraviolet and/or blue wavelengths is disposed on the accessory so as to illuminate an object to be authenticated when the object is disposed in front of the camera lens opening of the accessory. A spacer on the accessory positions the accessory with respect to the object to be authenticated so that the camera lens opening has a predetermined positional relationship with a to-be-examined region of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a size of particles in a spray jet includes a substantially square frame. A first emitter unit and a first detection unit, and a second emitter unit and a second detection unit, are respectively provided at opposite corners of the frame. Two light beams that cross each other in a focus are generated by the respective emitter units. Passage of a particle through the focus is detected based on light intensity signals from the first and second detection units. Using another set of light beams that cross each other and that are separated from the above-noted light beams in the direction of flight of the particle, passage of the particle through a second common focus can be detected. Particle velocity and particle size can be obtained based on the time difference between the passage of the particle through the two foci.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a size of particles in a spray jet includes a substantially square frame. A first emitter unit and a first detection unit, and a second emitter unit and a second detection unit, are respectively provided at opposite corners of the frame. Two light beams that cross each other in a focus are generated by the respective emitter units. Passage of a particle through the focus is detected based on light intensity signals from the first and second detection units. Using another set of light beams that cross each other and that are separated from the above-noted light beams in the direction of flight of the particle, passage of the particle through a second common focus can be detected. Particle velocity and particle size can be obtained based on the time difference between the passage of the particle through the two foci.

Abstract: An accessory is disclosed that is attachable to a portable device equipped with a camera. The accessory includes a camera lens opening and a retainer that retains the portable device such that a lens of the camera of the portable device is aligned with the camera lens opening. At least one source of electromagnetic radiation in the range of ultraviolet and/or blue wavelengths is disposed so as to illuminate an object to be authenticated when the object is disposed in front of the camera opening. A positioning device is provided to position the accessory with respect to the object to be authenticated so that the camera lens opening has a predetermined positional relationship with a to-be-examined region of the object.

Abstract: A method for identifying a photoluminescent material that, after excitation with excitation light, emits emission light having different wavelengths is disclosed. The method includes irradiating the photoluminescent material with the excitation light, detecting a temporal intensity curve of at least two emission light components having different wavelengths, which components are emitted from the photoluminescent material as a result of the excitation, calculating initial intensities of the emission light components at a common time, determining at least one intensity parameter by correlating the calculated initial intensities, determining at least one decay parameter value for each of the emission light components from a time progression of their intensity and identifying the photoluminescent material using the intensity parameter(s) and the decay parameter values.

Abstract: A continuous method for surface treatment of metal strips applies a finish coat having a thickness of not more than 3 ?m, the apparatus employed for application being equipped with at least one IR sensor which faces a coated side of the strip, operates in reflection geometry, and serves to measure the coat thickness of the finish coat, with the strip running.

Abstract: A method for identifying a photoluminescent material that, after excitation with excitation light, emits emission light having different wavelengths is disclosed. The method includes irradiating the photoluminescent material with the excitation light, detecting a temporal intensity curve of at least two emission light components having different wavelengths, which components are emitted from the photoluminescent material as a result of the excitation, calculating initial intensities of the emission light components at a common time, determining at least one intensity parameter by correlating the calculated initial intensities, determining at least one decay parameter value for each of the emission light components from a time progression of their intensity and identifying the photoluminescent material using the intensity parameter(s) and the decay parameter values.

Abstract: A continuous method for surface treatment of metal strips applies a finish coat having a thickness of not more than 3 ?m, the apparatus employed for application being equipped with at least one IR sensor which faces a coated side of the strip, operates in reflection geometry, and serves to measure the coat thickness of the finish coat, with the strip running.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inspecting a surface containing a material that emits luminescent radiation in response to absorbing excitation radiation. The apparatus comprises a laser disposed in or adjacent to a housing. A sensor opening is defined in the housing and permits emission of excitation radiation generated by the laser and permits admission of the luminescent radiation emanating from the surface in response to the excitation radiation. A sensor monitors whether ambient light is being admitted between an edge of the sensor opening and the surface upon which the sensor opening is in contact. A safety circuit permits the laser to be actuated only when the sensor detects a substantially or completely light-impermeable contact between the edge of the sensor opening and the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inspecting a surface containing a material that emits luminescent radiation in response to absorbing excitation radiation. The apparatus comprises a laser disposed in or adjacent to a housing. A sensor opening is defined in the housing and permits emission of excitation radiation generated by the laser and permits admission of the luminescent radiation emanating from the surface in response to the excitation radiation. A sensor monitors whether ambient light is being admitted between an edge of the sensor opening and the surface upon which the sensor opening is in contact. A safety circuit permits the laser to be actuated only when the sensor detects a substantially or completely light-impermeable contact between the edge of the sensor opening and the surface.

Abstract: In a method for determining the length of a light guide light of two different wavelengths or wavelength ranges is passed through a light guide whose length is to be measured. The ratio of incident light intensity to exit light intensity for each one of the wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the light passing through the light guide is determined. The length of the light guide is calculated based on wavelength-dependent attenuation coefficients of the light guide and the ratios of incident light intensity to exit light intensity for each one of the wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the light.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring deformation of a body includes a transmitting optical fiber for connection to a light source and having a light exit face for radiating light, and at least first and second receiving optical fibers which have their light entrance faces adjacent to each other and which can each be connected to a respective input of an evaluation unit. The optical fibers are so arranged that upon deformation of the body there is a change in the difference between the amounts of light impinging on the light entrance faces of the receiving optical fibers.