Optical fault monitoring

摘要

Various embodiments related to monitoring for optical faults in an optical system are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, in an optical system comprising a light source, a light outlet, and an optical element disposed between the light source and the light outlet, a method of monitoring for optical system faults. The method includes detecting, via a light sensor directed toward an interface surface of the optical element closest to the light source, an intensity of light traveling from the interface surface of the optical element to the light sensor, and comparing an intensity of light detected to one or more threshold intensity values. The method further includes identifying an optical system fault condition based on comparing the intensity of light detected to one or more threshold values, and modifying operation of the optical system.

主权项

1. In an optical system comprising a light source, a light outlet, and an optical element disposed between the light source and the light outlet, a method of monitoring for optical system faults, the method comprising:
detecting, via a light sensor configured to receive light from an interface surface of the optical element closest to the light source, an intensity of light traveling from the interface surface of the optical element to the light sensor; if a first optical system fault condition, due to a change in location of the optical element, is identified based upon the intensity of light, then modifying operation of the optical system in a first manner; and if a second optical system fault condition, due to a physical object blocking an optical path, is identified based upon the intensity of light, then modifying operation of the optical system in a second manner that is different than the first manner.