A TEMPORARY LINE MARKING METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

An apparatus (2) for forming visible lines on a surface on a temporary basis comprises at least one laser (4) which is directed at phosphors provided in or on the surface (12) and means for controlling the laser (4) to cause it to sweep the area (12) on which the lines are to be marked. Optical deflectors (5) are provided for guiding the laser beam. A first method of forming such lines comprises sweeping the surface incorporating the phosphors and on which the lines are to be marked with at least one laser beam (3). In a second method, the area is again swept by the at least one laser beam (3) and, after the phosphors have been activated, each laser beam is deactivated and the phosphors are stimulated by flood radiation. Such phosphorescence can then be quenched at a desired time.