Condensation-assisted triangulation system (CATS)

The authors describe CATS, a method of employing a laser triangulation ranging probe for the purpose of measuring specular and transparent surfaces. The specular qualities of some surfaces tend to hamper the operation of certain types of laser probes which require diffuse surfaces. This family of probes has the desirable property of not being sensitive to angular variations in the surface position, making them useful where severe contour variations can be expected. CATS deposits a thin layer of water droplets on the surface to be measured by directing warm moist air at the point to be measured. At this point, a semidiffusely reflecting area is created, allowing normal operation of the gauge. CATS thus aids the dimensional measurement of a shiny or transparent surface by diffuse-type probes.<>