Continuous contactless profile measurement of rapidly moving material - using image analyser evaluating optically formed surface markings for comparison with master profile

摘要

A device for continuous contactless shape measurement of rolled, drawn and extruded products, e.g. railway tracks, enables accurate profile measurement of material moving rapidly past it. Optical markings in the form of straight continuous or interrupted narrow dark-bright-dark zone interfaces are formed on the object surface by inclined light beams. The position, direction, and curvature of the markings are profile dependent. Their images are formed on an image analyser producing profile or shape representative signals. The signals are evaluated to determine the actual profile or its deviation from a master profile. Infrared, or ultraviolet light, X-ray, or ultrasonic systems may be used. If monochromatic or polarised electromagnetic waves are used the detection system is sensitive only to the frequency or polarisation employed.