Abstract: Methods of determining the divergence angle between a primary image and a secondary image generated by a glazing are disclosed. In a first method, a glazing is illuminated with a light source and a primary and a secondary image of the light source, generated by the glazing, are captured using an image capture device. The distance between the primary and the secondary image is determined, and the divergence angle determined from this distance. In a second method, the primary and secondary images are viewed on a target marked with a scale indicating the divergence angle. The divergence angle is read from the scale and the positions the primary and secondary image. In this second method, the light source is located at the center of the target. In both methods, the light source comprises at least one light emitting diode. Preferably, the method is used to examine the edge region of a glazing.

Abstract: A method of imaging a fragmentation pattern formed in a single ply of toughened glass having first and second opposing surfaces is disclosed. Initially, a region of the fragmentation pattern is aligned with an image capture device, where the image capture device is arranged in a spaced relationship with the first surface of the ply of glass to capture images of the region when being illuminated in transmission. The region is then illuminated from a first illumination direction and capturing a first image of the region, and subsequently illuminated from at least a second illumination direction and capturing at least a second image of the region. The images are then superimposed to produce a composite image of the region. Preferably four images are obtained. A vehicle glazing optical inspection apparatus for carrying out such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of determining the divergence angle between a primary image and a secondary image generated by a glazing are disclosed. In a first method, a glazing is illuminated with a light source and a primary and a secondary image of the light source, generated by the glazing, are captured using an image capture device. The distance between the primary and the secondary image is determined, and the divergence angle determined from this distance. In a second method, the primary and secondary images are viewed on a target marked with a scale indicating the divergence angle. The divergence angle is read from the scale and the positions the primary and secondary image. In this second method, the light source is located at the center of the target. In both methods, the light source comprises at least one light emitting diode. Preferably, the method is used to examine the edge region of a glazing.

Abstract: A method of forming a shadowgraph image is described, comprising the steps of illuminating a glazing (52), e.g., a vehicle windscreen, with light from a localized light source (50), said light being expanded and collimated by a lens optical system (54) or a mirror optical system, forming a virtual shadowgraph image of the glazing in a virtual image plane (56), which may be positioned behind or in front of the glazing: and imaging the virtual image onto a CCD camera (62). The glazing may be moving relative to the light source or may be stationary.

Abstract: A method of inspecting the fragmentation pattern of a single ply of toughened glass, following a fragmentation test carried out in accordance with ECE R43 involves illuminating a first portion of the ply of glass in transmission using a strip light source located on a first side of the transparent support. An image of the first portion of the ply of glass is captured using an image capture device located on a second side of the transparent support means, aligned with and fixed in a relative position to the strip light source. A series of images of the glass are collected and analyzed to produce an image of the fragmentation pattern. Imaging can be performed using an apparatus for carrying out the imaging.

Abstract: A method of determining the optical quality of a glazing which includes at least one area having a reduced light transmission, involves producing a shadowgraph image of the glazing and measuring the illumination of the glazing at a plurality of measurement points arranged in an array extending over the glazing. The deviation in illumination from a desired value at each measurement point is determined and the at least one area of reduced light transmission is omitted from the array of measurement points.