Abstract: An inspection device for painted surface with a base layer and a clear layer painted on the base layer of a vehicle includes a frame mounted to an arm of a robot, a line scan camera, a first light source lighting up at a predetermined angle is provided thereto, which is mounted to the frame, and the line scan camera which acquires first vision data through the regular reflection light from the painted surface using the light of the first light source, and a controller which receives the first vision data from the line scan camera and detects surface defect of the painted surface according to the first vision data.

Abstract: The invention is a sensor device comprising a carrier element (24), at least one light emitting element (20) arranged on the carrier element (24), at least one light detecting element (22) arranged on the carrier element (24), a cover layer (12) reflecting at least one part of the light emitted by the light emitting element (20) to the at least one light detecting element (22), and at least one transparent filler element (16, 18) filling at least partly the space between the carrier element (24) and the cover layer (12) and being made of a flexible material.

Abstract: According to the invention, these aims are achieved by means of a sensor, suitable for sensing one or more properties of one or more structures, the sensor comprising, a first optical propagation path which is configurable to cooperate with a structure whose properties are to be sensed; a second optical propagation path which is configurable to cooperate with a structure whose properties are to be sensed; a third optical propagation path; a means for amplifying a signal which propagates in the third optical propagation path, so that the signal is amplified before it begins propagation along the second optical propagation path, and a means to prevent the propagation of signals from the second optical propagation path to the third optical propagation path. There is further provided a corresponding method of sensing.

Abstract: A method for determining a shape correction value F for a laboratory liquid-analysis cuvette comprising a cuvette body with a circular cross-section for a photometric liquid analysis includes optically measuring an inside diameter d1 or an outside diameter d0 of the cuvette body to obtain a measured cuvette body diameter d1;d0. A shape correction value F is calculated from the measured cuvette body diameter d1;d0. The shape correction value F for the cuvette body is stored.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor system and method are provided that use pre-formed optical structures instead of optical fibers for measuring the strain, or stress, placed on a subject object. The use of pre-formed optical structures in the optical strain gauge system eliminates many of the limitations associated with the use of optical fibers. Because the optical structures are pre-formed structures, they can be made with very tight tolerances to ensure high measurement accuracy and repeatability. The pre-formed structures can be made in low to high volume at low cost and can be made of a variety of materials to ensure that the structures are suitable for use with the material of which the subject object is made. Also, the pre-formed structures can be made very compact while achieving higher sensitivity and exhibiting less optical loss than fiber.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a light source, a marker which is disposed on a measuring object so that light from the light source is reflected by or transmitted through the marker, a detector which detects the intensity of the light from the marker, and a signal processor which calculates a strain amount based on the detected light intensity. The marker is a flat film including first and second media having different refractive indexes. The second medium is periodically arrayed in the first medium and exists simultaneously with the first medium on a plane parallel to the marker mounting surface. The maximum length of the second medium in a direction parallel to the mounting surface is shorter than the wavelength of the emitted light. The first and second media deform in response to load in a direction parallel to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A multiple sensor fiber optic sensing system includes an optical fiber having at least first fiber optic sensors and second fiber optic sensors deployed along its length. In response to an interrogating pulse, the first fiber optic sensors generate responses in a first optical spectrum window, and the second fiber optic sensors generate responses in a second, different optical spectrum window. The responses in the first optical spectrum window are measured in a first optical spectrum channel, and the responses in the second optical spectrum window are measure in a second, different optical spectrum channel and provide simultaneous indications of one or more parameters, such as temperature and pressure, in the environment in which the sensors are deployed.

Abstract: In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing an acidizing fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one acid; introducing the acidizing fluid into a subterranean formation; allowing the acidizing fluid to perform an acidizing operation in the subterranean formation; and monitoring a characteristic of the acidizing fluid or a formation fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device within the subterranean formation, during a flow back of the acidizing fluid produced from the subterranean formation, or both.

Abstract: An electronic device may have housing structures, electrical components, and other electronic device structures. Stress sensing structures may be formed using coatings on these electronic device structures. Stress sensing structures may have strip-shaped links that extend between pads or may be formed from blanket films. A stress sensing coating may be formed from a transparent thin film. The transparent thin film may be illuminated with monochromatic light while a video camera captures video images of resulting optical interference patterns. The video images may be captured during a test in which a device structure is exposed to stress from an impact between the device and an external object. Stress sensing coatings may also be formed from layers of material that develop cracks upon exposure to stress. Stress sensing structures may be used to evaluate stress during tests and to monitor stress during normal device use.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting deformation of an elongate body may comprise a light source configured to sequentially provide light of multiple frequencies, an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source, and a filter disposed between the light source and the optical detector. The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on said optical receiver. A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may change during the sequence so as to be indicative of deformation of the elongate body.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining suspended particle information includes an optical array to divide light to a first path and a second path, a platform to orient a first and second container with either the first or second path, and a first and second photodetector to receive at least a direct illuminating component of the light of the first and second path after said light penetrates through the first and second container. A detector interface receives transmission signals from the first and second photodetectors of the direct illuminating component of the light after penetrating through the first and second container and a calculation engine computes the particle information based on a ratio of the received transmission signals.

Abstract: A hybrid component supporting component for a motor vehicle includes a base component made of a metallic material, at least some parts of which are provided with a plastic material. The hybrid component includes a detection device having at least one conductor element by means of which a deformation of the hybrid component can be detected.

Abstract: In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one additional component; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; allowing the treatment fluid to perform a treatment operation in the subterranean formation; and monitoring a characteristic of the treatment fluid or a formation fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device within the subterranean formation, during a flow back of the treatment fluid produced from the subterranean formation, or both.

Abstract: A method of preparing an active pixel cell on a substrate includes exerting a first stress on the substrate by forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure in the substrate. The method further includes testing the stressed substrate using Raman spectroscopy at a plurality of locations on the stress substrate. The method further includes depositing a stress layer having a second stress on the substrate. The stress layer covers devices of the active pixel cell that are on the substrate and the devices include a photodiode next to the STI and a transistor, and the deposition of the stress layer results in the second stress being exerted on the substrate, the second stress countering the first stress.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for filtering a signal from a plurality of distributed sensors is disclosed. The signal is obtained from the plurality of distributed strain sensors. A first subspace of a measurement space of the obtained signal is selected, wherein the first subspace is characterized by a step having a selected step size. An error for a filter corresponding to the first subspace is estimated and the step size is adjusted when the estimated error meets a selected criterion. A second subspace characterized by a step having the adjusted step size is selected and the signal is filtered by applying a filter corresponding to the second subspace.

Abstract: An optical device includes: an optical component; a case air-sealed, and made of metal, the optical component being secured within the case; and a lens provided within the case, and positionally adjusted in consideration of a deformation of the case air-sealed, light emitted from the optical component passing through the lens or light traveling to the optical component passing through the lens.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for inspecting a location on a test object with a number of obstructions to reaching the location. An elongate optical fiber carrier holding a number of optical fibers is moved to the location on the test object with the number of obstructions to reaching the location. A pattern of light is transmitted from the number of optical fibers onto a surface of the test object at the location. The pattern of the light is configured to cause sound waves in the test object when the pattern of the light encounters the surface of the test object. A response is detected to the sound waves using the number of optical fibers.

Abstract: A structural displacement sensor that includes an arched member having two ends, where each end is attached to a fastening member. In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening members are configured to be attached to a structure. Further, a strain gauge is attached to the arched member, and the strain gauge is operatively connected to a signal processing device. In an embodiment, the arched member and strain gauge are configured to measure a displacement of the structure based on the amount of strain detected on the strain gauge.

Abstract: An optical strain gauge, a transfer device for an optical strain gauge, and a test system are described. One instance of the disclosed transfer device includes a first and second gauge coupler that facilitate attachment to an optical strain gauge. The disclosed transfer device enables an optical strain gauge to be easily moved from one location to another; for example from a location of manufacture, testing, or calibration, to an object to be tested with the strain gauge or from one object to another object.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring full field deformation characteristics in three dimensions of a body upon which a pattern of visible marks has been applied. The method includes receiving images of the pattern of marks from at least two digital video cameras as the specimen deforms. A computer processor identifies the centroids of each of the two camera images of the body in a first frame, matches the centroids of the marks in the two images, and generates a three-dimensional representation of the centroids based on the two images, and repeats these steps for the images from the two cameras in a subsequent frame. The computer processor calculates the displacement vector between a three dimensional representation of the centroids and the subsequent three dimensional representation of the centroids, and calculates full field displacement and strain fields based on the displacement vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring precise high speed displacement, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for measuring precise high speed displacement, which measures displacement of a test specimen by using a uniform intensity laser line and by using differences in a laser transmission amount according to the deformation of the test specimen, and measures a strain rate of the test specimen such as high strength fiber or the like using a high speed tensile test.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pulse laser generator and an optical fiber sensor system using the same. The optical fiber sensor system includes a main optical coupler that receives pulse laser light generated from a pulse laser generator from a first input terminal, branches the light to first and second output terminals to output, and outputs, through a third output terminal, light input reversely from the first and second output terminals, a reference optical fiber that is connected to the first output terminal, a multi-point sensing optical fiber unit that is connected to the second output terminal, and in which optical fibers are connected in series or in parallel corresponding to a plurality of sensing points, an optical detection unit that is connected to the third output terminal, and a diagnosis processing unit that detects a change of the physical quantity for the sensing points from signals from the optical detection unit.

Abstract: The features of the system are: fiber optic cables (instead of human sensory receptor) and low cost CMOS or CCD image sensor (which can be found in a conventional webcam, camcorder, digital camera etc.) are used by pairing each pixel of the image sensor with corresponding fiber optic cable, which is assured to transfer all light beams to the processor on a single photo frame where the coordinates and the level of displacements are detected precisely by the aid of image processing techniques, in order to provide tactile sensing. The system can work with a computer or it can work individually with an electronically circuit that contains an independent processor.

Abstract: A taut cable with a fiber optic cable with Bragg diffusion gratings allows a suitable driver circuit to determine the shape of the taut cable at a large number of points along its length. This enables the total 3-dimensional shape of the taut cable to be estimated and from which the position of the vessel relative to a seabed weight attached to the taut cable can be inferred.

Abstract: The features of the system are: fiber optic cables (instead of human sensory receptor) and low cost CMOS or CCD image sensor (which can be found in a conventional webcam, camcorder, digital camera etc.) are used by pairing each pixel of the image sensor with corresponding fiber optic cable, which is assured to transfer all light beams to the processor on a single photo frame where the coordinates and the level of displacements are detected precisely by the aid of image processing techniques, in order to provide tactile sensing. The system can work with a computer or it can work individually with an electronically circuit that contains an independent processor.

Abstract: A bearing comprises a Bragg grated optical fiber to measure one or more parameters of the bearing. The optical fiber is coupled to the bearing in such a way that at least a part of the optical fiber that comprises Bragg grating is curved. The grating which is curved is adapted to the curvature in such a way that the frequency response is well defined and not spread out. This is achieved by arranging the gratings such that even though the fiber is curved the gratings appear to be substantially parallel instead of being influenced by the curvature.

Abstract: An optical strain gauge, a transfer device for an optical strain gauge, and a test system are described. One instance of the disclosed transfer device includes a first and second gauge coupler that facilitate attachment to an optical strain gauge. The disclosed transfer device enables an optical strain gauge to be easily moved from one location to another; for example from a location of manufacture, testing, or calibration, to an object to be tested with the strain gauge or from one object to another object.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring mechanoluminescent light includes a chamber defining an enclosure for a portion of a structure to be monitored and providing an opening fitted onto the structure. The structure has a mechanoluminescent material thereon. The apparatus further includes an imaging sensor positioned and configured to take images of the mechanoluminescent material and an electronic controller in wired or wireless communication with the imaging sensor, the electronic controller being capable of controlling the properties of the imaging sensor and processing the images of the mechanoluminescent material.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for measuring seismic parameters, such as ground force, of a seismic vibrator used for generating seismic signals through a geological formation are provided. The seismic vibrator has a base plate positionable adjacent a ground surface of the geological formation. A sensor pad may be provided with an optical cable positionable between the base plate of the seismic vibrator and the ground surface of the geological formation, a laser for passing a light through the optical cable, and a detector for detecting disturbances in the laser light whereby a ground force applied to the ground surface may be determined.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a physical change of a marine structure includes a complex optical measuring instrument configured to detect a behavior and structural change of the marine structure by using at least one optical sensor by means of optical fiber Bragg grating.

Abstract: A sensor (1) has a light conductor (2) having a grating (FBG), a cavity (5), and a transparent cavity end wall (4), a light emitter for directing light through the conductor, and a light detector for detecting reflected light, and a processor. The processor is adapted to analyse light reflected due to the grating (FBG, 6) to determine an indication of temperature, light reflected from the end (7) of the cavity (5) to determine an indication of pressure, and also light reflected from the outer surface (8) of the cavity wall (4) to determine an indication of refractive index of a medium outside said cavity wall. The processor may use one output to compensate another, for example pressure and temperature may be used to compensate for variation in refractive index.

Abstract: A system and method for post-tensioned tendon monitoring includes at least one optical sensor arranged in monitoring proximity to a post-tensioned tendon, a test instrument in communication with the optical sensor, a processor capable of managing operation of the test instrument, a storage device and a display. They further include a database adapted to contain sensor baseline information and sensor measurement data. The test instrument is capable of sending a first wavelength to the optical sensor and receiving a second wavelength from the optical sensor, wherein at least one of the instrument or the processor is configured to analyze the second wavelength and output sensor measurement data for storage in the database. The processor is configured to calculate an amount of tensile loading which exists in the post-tensioned tendon, based on the sensor measurement data and the sensor baseline data, and to provide an output.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining wall thickness of a structure such as a metallic pressurized pipe. The system includes an optical fiber having a plurality of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), and a mounting for securing the FBGs over discrete portions of the exterior surface of the pipe such that strain in the pressurized pipe wall is transmitted to the FBGs. The system further includes a light source and a light sensor coupled to an end of the optical fiber. The light sensor converts light reflected back from the FBGs into electrical signals that a digital processor converts into strain measurements. The FBGs are mounted around portions of the pipe expected to have significant metal loss as well as portions of the pipe expected to have negligible metal loss.

Abstract: A method for measuring the strain of material using a short cavity fiber laser, includes steps of: a) arranging the short cavity fiber laser, which laser comprises sequentially coupled laser diode pumping source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a fiber bragg grating, an active fiber and a loop mirror; b) fixing the short cavity fiber laser on the material whose strain will be measured, and matching the stretching direction of the fiber of the short cavity fiber laser with the direction of the strain produced by the material to be measured; c) measuring the drift amount of longitudinal mode output by the short cavity fiber laser; and d) calculating and obtaining the strain of the material to be measured.

Abstract: Optic fiber sensor characterized in that the sensing fiber is provided with a continuous Bragg grating covering the entire fiber length which is dedicated to sensing and along which spatially resolved measurements are performed.

Abstract: A portable optical sensor for measuring surface strain in an object, such as pre-stressed concrete articles, is provided. The sensor is a modular device comprising at least first and second modules, each of which includes a laser and image sensor. When placed adjacent to the object, the laser of each module illuminates respective, spaced-apart areas of the object's surface and each module's image sensor captures at least a portion of the light reflected from the illuminated area and generates a speckle image of the area. Speckle images of the areas taken at various times and/or under various object stress conditions are compared to arrive at a surface strain measurement for the object.

Abstract: Methods of capturing improved-contrast mode spectra of a double ion-exchanged (DIOX) glass sample using prism coupling of index np. The DIOX glass sample has a refractive index profile with a first region adjacent the surface that satisfies 0.0005??/n dn/dx|?<0.0009, where ? is a wavelength of measuring light. The prism-sample interface includes an interfacing liquid of index nf that differs from np by no more than 0.03, and that can exceed np. The mode spectra have a contrast that is higher than that obtained by conventional prism coupling by using gradient illumination or partially blocked illumination that reduces the amount of background reflected light from the coupling prism. The improved-contrast mode spectra can be processed using conventional means to determine at least one stress characteristic of the DIOX glass sample.

Abstract: An apparatus to monitor the loads and mechanical behavior of subsea longitudinal vertical components of off shore drilling and production platforms (SLVCs) uses sensors attached directly to the tendons by adhesive or by friction mount. The sensors are typically in a sensor ring assembly which is placed around the perimeter of the SLVC. Ruggedized cables carry the sensor reading from the ring assembly to the SLVC working platform and to a control center for monitoring the action and stresses on the tension legs. The system may be deployed on existing SLVCs or may be installed on new construction during initial assembly and installation.

Abstract: An apparatus to monitor the loads and mechanical behavior of tendons for a tension leg platform (TLP) uses sensors attached directly to the tendons by adhesive of by friction mount. The sensors are typically in a sensor ring assembly which is placed around the perimeter of the tension leg. Ruggedized cables carry the sensor reading from the ring assembly to the TLP working platform and to a control center for monitoring the action and stresses on the tension legs. The system may be deployed on existing TLPs or may be installed on new construction before while on land.

Abstract: A fiber optic strain sensor, an optical pulse generator generates an initial optical pulse, and launches it into an optical fiber-optical strain probe chain through an optical circulator. The scattered optical power in the optical fiber and optical strain probe chain is sent to an optical receiver, also via the optical circulator. The optical strain probes are attached to a structure whose strain is to be measured. Strain in the structure causes the fiber bend loss to change in the strain probe, and causes the scattered optical power received by the optical receiver to change accordingly. From the change of the output of the optical receiver and the time required for the scattered optical power to travel from the probe, the strain at each of the probes is calculated.

Abstract: A method for measuring magnetic induction intensity of a magnetic field using a short cavity fiber laser, includes the steps of: a) arranging the short cavity fiber laser, where the short cavity laser has sequentially coupled laser diode pumping source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a fiber Bragg grating, an active optical fiber and a loop mirror; b) fixing the short cavity fiber laser on a magnetostrictive material; c) disposing the short cavity fiber laser and the magnetostrictive material in the magnetic field to be measured, and matching the stretching direction of the magnetostrictive material with the direction of the magnetic field to be measured; d) measuring the drift amount of longitudinal mode output by the short cavity fiber laser; and e) calculating the magnetic induction intensity of the magnetic field to be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe system comprising an unbonded flexible pipe having a center axis and a sensor system at least partly integrated in the unbonded flexible pipe. The unbonded flexible pipe has a length and a longitudinal direction along the length and comprises an inner sealing sheath and at least a first sensor containing armoring layer. The first sensor containing armoring layer comprises a plurality of elongated armoring elements arranged around the internal sealing sheath. The sensor system comprises: a plurality of optical fiber sensor units, at least one light pump for the optical fiber sensor units, a data collecting unit, and a computing unit. The optical fiber sensor units are optically connected to the data collecting unit, and the data collecting unit is in data communication with the computing unit. At least one of the elongated armoring elements of the first sensor containing armoring layer is a sensor containing element.

Abstract: An accurate measurement method and apparatus using an optical fiber are disclosed. A total change in optical length in an optical core in the optical fiber is determined that reflects an accumulation of all of the changes in optical length for multiple segment lengths of the optical core up to a point on the optical fiber. The total change in optical length in the optical core is provided for calculation of an average strain over a length of the optical core based on the detected total change in optical length.

Abstract: System to detect coking in at least one component of refinery equipment is provided. The system includes a fiber optic assembly having at least one optical fiber operably coupled with the component, the fiber optic assembly further including a light source to transmit light having a known parameter through the optical fiber and a receiver to receive the light from the optical fiber, and a processor in communication with the fiber optic assembly to identify a shift in the parameter received by the receiver, the shift corresponding to an operating characteristic of the component. Method also provided for detecting coking using the system to detect coking disclosed herein.

Abstract: A downhole optical sensing system can include an optical fiber positioned in the well, the optical fiber including multiple cores, and one of the cores having a Brillouin scattering coefficient which is different from another one of the cores. A method of sensing strain and temperature as distributed along an optical fiber can include measuring Brillouin scattering in a core of the optical fiber disposed in a well, and measuring Brillouin scattering in another core of the optical fiber disposed in the well, the optical fiber cores being exposed to a same strain and temperature distribution in the well.

Abstract: A system and method for performing stress measurement on rotating parts is disclosed. The system may include a laser assembly configured to emit a plurality of laser beams having different wavelengths, and a probe assembly mounted proximal to a rotatable part in a device. The probe assembly may be configured to output a reflected laser beam onto a first target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may be configured to output another reflected laser beam onto a second target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may include a redirector, and a lens assembly mounted proximal to the redirector and configured to converge the laser beams. The redirector may be configured to change the direction of each emitted laser beam.

Abstract: A movement and expression sensor has a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) disposed along the length of an optical fiber, and the optical fiber is placed in contact with a subject's skin surface. The sensors are interrogated for reflected wavelength, which is converted into a temperature or a strain. A series of such measurements can be made to determine the movement or position of the sensor location. A garment may be formed using the sensors and an elastomeric material, such that the sensors may be worn and removed, and the movements of the elastomer in the areas of sensors measured as a wavelength shift to characterize movement or estimate location. The elastomeric garment may be formed as a mask, or a sock, such as for use with a face, or foot.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tightness of stator windings in an electric machine is provided. The system includes a light source for providing an optical power. The system also includes an optical separation sensor situated in a stator core and including an optical interface element for absorbing some of the optical power. Further, the system includes a power meter for measuring at least one intensity of the optical power after absorption by the optical interface element and a control subsystem for assessing the tightness of the stator windings.

Abstract: A seal section for use in a wellbore electrical submersible pump and includes an optic fiber detection arrangement wherein one or more optic fiber sensors is used to detect an operational parameter associated with the seal section. The operational parameters can include temperature, vibration and pressure.

Abstract: A strain gauge or other device may include a deformable medium and discrete plasmon supporting structures arranged to create one or more plasmon resonances that change with deformation of the medium and provide the device with an optical characteristic that indicates the deformation of the medium.