Digital Camera Measurement for Large Optical Preforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the diameter of large optical preforms during manufacturing are limited by the geometry of furnace apparatus and laser scanning technology, which cannot accurately measure diameters beyond a certain size, necessitating the development of a new approach for larger preforms.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera system with a lens and image processor is used within a high temperature furnace, employing an algorithm to analyze images and determine the diameter of transparent cylindrical articles, such as optical fiber preforms, through a lateral opening, allowing for accurate measurement of larger diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser scanning technology is used to measure preform diameter, then measurement precision is improved for small preforms, but measurement capability deteriorates for large preforms beyond certain size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by switching from laser scanning technology to digital camera imaging. This parameter change allows the system to measure both small and large preform diameters effectively, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision for small preforms and measurement capability for large preforms.
2Temperature
If traditional furnace geometry is used, then heating capability is maintained, but measurement capability deteriorates due to geometric constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital camera as an intermediary measurement device that can be positioned outside the furnace through a lateral opening. This intermediary approach allows diameter measurement of large preforms without requiring changes to the furnace heating geometry, thus maintaining heating capability while improving measurement accessibility.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If lateral opening is added to furnace, then measurement capability is improved, but furnace structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function from the heating function by adding a separate lateral opening specifically for measurement purposes. This segmentation allows the digital camera to access the preform through the lateral opening without interfering with the main heating structure, thus improving measurement accessibility while minimizing increases in overall furnace structure complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise measurement of larger optical preform diameters during manufacturing, overcoming the limitations of traditional laser scanning methods and furnace geometry, ensuring accurate production of optical fibers with desired properties.
Implementation Method 1
a lens receives an optical image of the cylindrical article through the opening of the furnace wall
Implementation Method 2
The lens receives an optical image of the cylindrical article through the opening of the furnace wall and directs the optical image to an image sensor that converts the optical image to a digital image
Implementation Method 3
a high temperature furnace has a lateral opening through which the cylindrical article is visible
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for measurement of transparent cylindrical articles during their manufacture in high temperature furnaces having openings for viewing the articles as they pass through the furnace. The cylindrical articles may, for example, be optical fiber preforms which have at least two layers of vitreous material and from which optical fibers are made. Measurement is accomplished using a digital camera with a sensing and digital recording device and a lens, and a processor programmed with an algorithm which analyzes the images recorded by the sensing and digital recording device by eliminating noise, identifying and locating the outer edges of the transparent cylindrical article and calculating measurements of the article including the diameter and the axial center of the article.