Title :
Machine vision for ice layer thickness measurements
Author :
Hermanto, I. ; Gagnon, R.E. ; Hearn, P. ; Gagnon, R.E.
Author_Institution :
Canpolar East Inc., St. John´´s, Nfld., Canada
Abstract :
A patented technique for remotely measuring layer thickness of transparent fluids and solids on surfaces has been incorporated into Canpolar East´s Smart Camera (VE-262) and been validated for measurement of ice layer thickness. This application addresses the need for reliable detection of icing on aircraft. The thickness measurement technique is carried out by directing a laser beam at the surface with the ice layer. A pattern of illumination appears on the surface as a result of internal reflection of the laser light within the ice layer. The layer thickness is calculated by a simple formula involving the size of the image pattern and the refractive index of layer material. The system was tested using a wedge-shaped ice sample with a maximum thickness of about 10 mm. The data indicated a system measurement accuracy of ±0.1 mm
Keywords :
aerospace computing; aircraft; computer vision; ice; measurement by laser beam; refractive index; thickness measurement; Canpolar East Smart Camera; aircraft; ice layer thickness measurements; illumination pattern; image pattern size; internal reflection; laser beam; machine vision; refractive index; reliable icing detection; surfaces; system measurement accuracy; transparent fluids; transparent solids; wedge-shaped ice sample; Aircraft; Ice surface; Ice thickness; Laser beams; Lighting; Machine vision; Smart cameras; Solids; Surface emitting lasers; Thickness measurement;
Conference_Titel :
Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1997. Engineering Innovation: Voyage of Discovery. IEEE 1997 Canadian Conference on
Conference_Location :
St. Johns, Nfld.
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3716-6
DOI :
10.1109/CCECE.1997.608369
