Abstract: An apparatus for determining the profile of an object provides a sensor having at least one light source which projects a sheet of light that is intersected by the object, whereby a stripe of points on the object are illuminated. The light source projects the sheet from multiple angles, so that the resulting stripe represents a continuous profile. The profile is collectively viewed by at least two optical detectors, which each have a different view than the others and provide an output signal representing its particular view of the profile. The output signals are received by an image processor, which digitizes the signals, provides filtering, and identifies (extracts) the points in each view that represent the profile. The image processor uses a predetermined set of calibration parameters to transform the coordinates of the extracted points to corresponding coordinates in a common reference system that collectively represent the profile of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the profile of an object provides a sensor having at least one light source which projects a sheet of light that is intersected by the object, whereby a stripe of points on the object are illuminated. The light source projects the sheet from multiple angles, so that the resulting stripe represents a continuous profile. The profile is collectively viewed by at least two optical detectors, which each have a different view than the others and provide an output signal representing its particular view of the profile. The output signals are received by an image processor, which digitizes the signals, provides filtering, and identifies (extracts) the points in each view that represent the profile. The image processor uses a predetermined set of calibration parameters to transform the coordinates of the extracted points to corresponding coordinates in a common reference system that collectively represent the profile of the object.

Abstract: A non-contact optical detector for on-line inspection of the surface of a wire during manufacturing is improved by an azimuthally symmetric sensitivity and by a time-dependent response that permits discrimination among flaws of different magnitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the surface of an elongated, normally-smooth object, such as coated cable, for certain flaws. The object is longitudinally movable along a path. Radiation, such as white light, is directed at the object such that it is incident therewith throughout a narrow zone extending substantially entirely around the object's perimeter. The angle of incidence of the light with the object is such that a normally smooth surface specularly reflects light at a relatively large angle, whereas particular flaws, such as pips and the like, scatter the light in a particular direction longitudinally of the object and at a relatively smaller or limited angle thereto. A slotted mirror is disposed concentrically about the object's path and reflects the scattered light to imaging and detecting devices, such as a charge injection device. Analytical electronics connected to the detector analyze its electrical signal to indicate the presence of a flaw.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optically scanning the circumference of a generally circular section of a test object, and especially for monitoring the surface character of cables and the like. An optical system has its apparent axis substantially concentric with the centerline of the path along which the cable moves relative to the scanning optics. A beam of radiation is caused to rotate or orbit about that axis and is then directed into near-normal incidence with the surface of the test object such that it is specularly reflected by the surface. The optical system redirects the reflected beam toward one or more detectors, the intensity of outputs of which provide an indication of the surface character of the object.In a preferred embodiment, a radiation source beam offset from the actual cable path is rotated by a pair of oscillating mirrors such that it describes a divergent conical shape. Certain optics direct a 180.degree. portion of that rotating beam along one path to intersect with a corresponding 180.