CH711605A2

CH711605A2 - Optoelectronic instrument for the real-time characterization of the motion of a moving element of an object as well as a method for measuring such a movement.

Info

Publication number: CH711605A2
Application number: CH01435/15A
Authority: CH
Inventors: Mossier Evan; Solignac Dominique; Bienz Pascal; Vedadi Armand; Käuper Peter
Original assignee: Icoflex Sàrl
Priority date: 2015-10-02
Filing date: 2015-10-02
Publication date: 2017-04-13

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optoelectronic method and instrument for real-time characterization of movement of movable elements (5) of a mechanical watch gauge. The instrument comprises at least one array of optical sensors (2), an optical lens (3), and a light source (4) arranged to generate an incident light beam (8) on the upper surface of said element , Said incident light beam (8) being reflected on said surface as a beam of specular light (9) and diffracted light beams. The light source (4), the lens (3) and the array of optical sensors (2) are arranged such that at least one of the following two conditions is fulfilled: (A) the incident light beam (8) strikes the surface of the moving body (5) at a non-normal angle of incidence (angle α ≠ 90 °); And / or (b) the light beam reflected at the surface of the moving object (5) and picked up by the sensor (2) starts at an angle of inclined reflection (angle β ≠ 90 °).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optoelectronic system or instrument for measuring, at high speed and in real time, displacements of the moving parts of an object, for example a mechanical watch gauge. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the displacement and / or the parameters of the displacement of movable elements or parts of movable elements of an object.

STATE OF THE ART [0002] A mechanical watch gauge is a complex micromechanical system, difficult to assemble, to precisely adjust and to control its performance and stability. The regulator is the key organ giving the precision of a watch and regulating the energy supplied by the spring of the barrel. It consists of the exhaust system, on the one hand, and the oscillator formed by the balance-balance pair, on the other hand. In general, the balance is formed of an annular element called serge, fixed at its center by means of arms, to a spring called spiral. The rocker oscillates in its plane about its axis of rotation in a reciprocating motion typically varying between more than 300 degrees and minus 300 degrees.

Adjustment and control of the gauge requires the measurement of 2 main parameters of the regulating member. The first parameter is the very precise measurement of the frequency of oscillation of the balance to determine the instantaneous march. The second parameter is the tracking of the elbow of the balance to know the extreme angular positions (amplitude in maintained mode). From these two parameters, it is possible to evaluate in particular the variation of the period as a function of the amplitude of the balance, called the isochronism defect. The recording of these two parameters over an extended period (from a few minutes to several days) also makes it possible to observe possible cyclic defects in the gears. From these two parameters, It is also possible to characterize the balance-sprung couple in free mode (instantaneous elongation of a damped harmonic oscillator) in order to extract the quality factor. For the various stages of assembly, adjustment and performance monitoring of the gauge, it is necessary for the watchmaker to visualize these two parameters in real time, in a complete and precise manner, on a partially assembled movement (without an anchor for example) , Nested or not, with serges of various shapes regardless of the number and shape of the arms.

Another way of controlling the movement of the gauge is to detect the passage of the second hand on the dial side at a fixed point in a precise time base and to deduce the advance or delay at each Passage of this needle. This is a measure by state differentiation (as opposed to instantaneous measurement).

[0005] Many optical and acoustic chronocomparators exist but none fulfills all these conditions and all these functionalities.

[0006] The videobi-meter [Messner et al., "A new measuring equipment of the regulating member for the mechanical watch," International Congress of Chronometry, Colombier, (26-27 September 2007), p. 45-51] is a dynamic measuring device for the angular position of the balance, based on the use of a high-frequency industrial camera. For measuring the amplitude and the running, the camera is positioned so that it can observe the whole of the balance and measure the rotation of reference points taken on the serge such as the weights or screws with respect to the center of rotation Taken as a fixed reference. This method requires the acquisition of a lot of information and the characterization of the motion in real time is only partially handled. Furthermore,

[0007] Another system referred to as a microbalisometer [Theory of Horology, Charles-André Reymondin et al. (1998) p. 91] uses a light beam to detect the passage of markers engraved on the serge by means of a photocell. This technique requires the etching of streaks positioned precisely on the serge. The striations deflect the light beam that is detected by the cell. In this method, the precise positioning of the grooves is not easy and the etching modifies the behavior of the balance. Often, marking is not desired for parts intended for sale.

[0008] Another example proposed by Wust ("Fotoelektrische Messung von Periodendauer und Schwingungsweite der Unruh einer Armbanduhr," Feinwerktechnik & amp; Messtechnik, 85 (1977) p. 196-199] and reprinted in WatchTest Mechanics [Theory of Horology, Charles-André Reymondin et al. (1998) p. 92] uses a light ray to detect the passage of the arms of the balance. In this case, the shape of the arms or of the serge may make it difficult to use this technique. In addition, in the case where the balance has only 2 arms or when the amplitude is low, the method can not be used.

Another technique for measuring the velocity of moving elements based on the principle of the Doppler effect and called Self Mixing Effect Velocity (SMEV) [ARCoptix SA, http://www.arcoptix.com] Characterization of watch gauge. However, this method does not give measurements of movement speeds of less than 10 mm / sec and measurements through a sapphire crystal for nested movements are difficult.

[0010] An acoustic technique [CH 596 600, Jucker et al. (1978); Applicant: Portescap] is used to measure the walking, the reference, and the amplitude of the balance and is based on the acoustic noises which are produced during the various shocks of the exhaust. The measurement of the amplitude is derived from a geometrical parameter called lift angle which varies from one gauge to another and from one amplitude to the other. The amplitude thus deduced is known only in an approximate manner. In addition, this technique can only be used for Swiss anchor exhausts and for maintained movements on listed gauges.

[0011] In an equipment of the COSC [Swiss Official Control of Chronometers, (CH): "Methods of measurement of the COSC"], the measurement principle of which is incorporated in the patent [EP 2 458 458, Conus et al. (2012); The measurement of the mechanical watch is carried out on the dial side with the aid of a high-resolution camera with a precise time base in order to visualize the position of the needle Seconds at different times. The daytime running is measured according to the ISO 3159 standard by taking two high resolution images of the entire caliber. The first image is taken at a time t1 and the second one at a time t1 + 24 hours precisely. The deviation of the position of the seconds hand in the second image from its position in the image 1 corresponds to the daytime running in seconds per day. This type of measurement is accurate if the contrast between the dial and the needle is sufficient. For this the COSC uses a black pointer and a white dial with reference points which are specially mounted on the watch gauge for measurements and to allow the needle to be marked on the dial. Contrary to other methods (instantaneous measurement of the movement using a chronocomparator), the measurement by state differentiation integrates the behavior of the movement over a prolonged period but does not allow to observe the fluctuations / variations of the (These variations can be compensated on a 24-hour cycle). This type of measurement is accurate if the contrast between the dial and the needle is sufficient. For this the COSC uses a black pointer and a white dial with reference points which are specially mounted on the watch gauge for measurements and to allow the needle to be marked on the dial. Contrary to other methods (instantaneous measurement of the movement using a chronocomparator), the measurement by state differentiation integrates the behavior of the movement over a prolonged period but does not allow to observe the fluctuations / variations of the (These variations can be compensated on a 24-hour cycle). This type of measurement is accurate if the contrast between the dial and the needle is sufficient. For this the COSC uses a black pointer and a white dial with reference points which are specially mounted on the watch gauge for measurements and to allow the needle to be marked on the dial. Contrary to other methods (instantaneous measurement of the movement using a chronocomparator), the measurement by state differentiation integrates the behavior of the movement over a prolonged period but does not allow to observe the fluctuations / variations of the (These variations can be compensated on a 24-hour cycle). The COSC uses a black pointer and a white dial with reference points which are specially mounted on the watch gauge for measurements and to allow the needle to be marked on the dial. Contrary to other methods (instantaneous measurement of the movement using a chronocomparator), the measurement by state differentiation integrates the behavior of the movement over a prolonged period but does not allow to observe the fluctuations / variations of the (These variations can be compensated on a 24-hour cycle). The COSC uses a black pointer and a white dial with markers that are specially mounted on the watch gauge for measurements and to allow the needle to be marked on the dial. Contrary to other methods (instantaneous measurement of the movement using a chronocomparator), the measurement by state differentiation integrates the behavior of the movement over a prolonged period but does not allow to observe the fluctuations / variations of the (These variations can be compensated on a 24-hour cycle).

Swiss patent application CH 706 642 A1 presents an optoelectronic instrument for the real-time characterization of the movement of moving parts of a mechanical watch gauge. This instrument contains a light source, an optical lens and a network of optical sensors. In one embodiment, the light source is annular and is placed so as to illuminate the object containing the moving part. The array of optical sensors senses the light reflected by the moving body after the latter has passed through at least one lens. A disadvantage of this apparatus is that the annular light generates a large and powerful light beam which tends to heat the moving part and the object in general.

In another embodiment, the CH 706 642 A1 optical unit has a beam splitter arranged so that the incident ray is on the same optical path as the reflected image. The incident ray is thus coaxial with respect to the returned light. A disadvantage of this apparatus is that the presence of the beam splitter makes this optical unit more complex and expensive. On the other hand, the incident beam is normal to the surface of the mobile and the image reflected on a polished surface may lack contrast. This makes the analysis of the images by a difficult cross-correlation algorithm and consequently the detection of the movement of the mobile.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION A first object of the invention is to propose an optical device for precisely tracking the two important parameters during assembly, adjustment and monitoring, which are the instantaneous step through the frequency of operation, Oscillation of the balance or the diurnal step by the detection of the passage of the second hand on the dial side and the monitoring of the elongation of the balance in order to deduce the amplitude thereof, as well as the quality factor of the balance and balance torque.

A second aim of the invention is to measure these parameters on a complete or partial caliber, nested or not, and possibly through a mineral or sapphire glass.

The measurement of these parameters must be made without contact and free from any modification of the caliber, it must be independent of the shape or type of the balance, the seconds hand or the dial and the type of the 'exhaust.

[0017] For another object of the invention, the measuring device must not be disturbed by external elements such as ambient light.

For another purpose of the invention, the device must make it possible to characterize calibres having frequencies up to 50 Hz, that is to say the fastest escapement known to date, developed by Bartomeu Gomila for the Watch TimeWriter II Chronograph Bi-Frequency 1000.

[0019] For another object, the invention must make it possible to detect fast or slow moving objects such as, for example, the passage of the second hand to determine its operation.

For another purpose, the method used to carry out the characterizations of the gauge must allow precise and easy positioning on the measurement zone, hereinafter referred to as the measurement window, and to carry out the measurement instantaneously.

An object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the solutions proposed in the prior art, and in particular to improve the device disclosed in document CH 706 642 A1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention relates to an optoelectronic instrument for measuring the displacement of moving parts or parts of moving parts of an object such as a mechanical watch gauge. Said instrument comprises at least one array of optical sensors, at least one optical lens, and a light source that generates an incident light beam. Said light source, said optical lens and said array of optical sensors are arranged such that the array of sensors can pick up an image from the light reflected on the surface of said movable element.

(A) the incident light beam strikes the surface of the moving object at a non-normal angle of incidence (angle α φ 90 °); And / or, (b) the light beam reflected on the surface of the moving object and picked up by the sensor starts at an angle of inclined reflection (angle β φ 90 °).

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an optoelectronic instrument for measuring the displacement of moving parts or parts of moving parts of an object such as a mechanical watch gauge, said instrument comprising at least one array of sensors At least one optical lens, and a light source generating an incident light beam directed towards a moving element of said object, said light source being arranged such that the incident light beam strikes the surface of the moving object at an angle of incidence Inclined (angle α φ 90 °).

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an optoelectronic instrument for measuring the displacement of moving parts or parts of moving parts of an object such as a mechanical watch gauge, said instrument comprising at least one network of An optical lens and a coherent light source generating an incident light beam, the light source being positioned so as to illuminate the movable element or a part of the moving element, said incident light beam being reflected On said surface as a beam of specular light and diffracted light beams, characterized in that said light source is arranged so that the incident light beam and the specular light beam are not coaxial.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an optoelectronic instrument for measuring the displacement of moving parts or parts of moving parts of an object such as a mechanical watch gauge, said instrument comprising an optical unit comprising at least An array of optical sensors, an optical lens, and a light source capable of generating said incident light beam on the object comprising said movable element, characterized in that said optical unit is arranged so that a non-specular light And / or diffracted is sensed by said array of optical sensors.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for measuring the displacement of moving parts or parts of moving parts of an object such as a mechanical watch gauge, the method comprising: generating a light beam Incident in the direction of at least one of said movable elements and capturing an image reflected on the surface of said movable element such that at least one of the following two conditions (a) and (b) is fulfilled: A) the incident light beam strikes the surface of the mobile 5 at a non-normal angle of incidence (angle α 90 °); And / or, (b) the light beam reflected on the surface of the moving object (5) and passing through the lens to the sensor is not normal to this surface (angle β φ 90 °).

[0028] Other aspects of the invention and preferred embodiments are defined in the claims and in the description hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other details of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following description and the appended figures in which:

Figs. 1a, 1b, 1c are diagrams showing embodiments of the invention in which the elements of the optical unit are arranged to pick up an image produced by the diffracted light.

FIG. 1d is a diagram showing an embodiment of the invention in which the elements of the optical unit are arranged to pick up an image produced by the specular light.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another arrangement of the optical unit, also enabling an image produced by the diffracted and / or specular light to be captured.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the invention in which the elements of the optical unit are arranged to pick up an image produced by the diffracted light.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the mode of operation of the cross-correlation algorithm from the captured images in order to deduce the direction and the amplitude of the displacement of the observed object. In this example, between the image 1 and the image 2, the object moved + 1 pixel along the x-axis and + 2 pixels along the y-axis.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the optical path traveled by the light from the light source to the movable element and from there to the optical network sensor; And the electronic processing of the information received.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the support part of the instrument of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates in particular to the field of horology, and to devices and methods for characterizing the running performance (instantaneous or diurnal), elongation of the balance, as well as the detection of defects Or the quantification of the performance of the mobiles linked to the exhaust and of the wheels in real time.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to this field of application but it can be implemented in other fields to carry out similar measurements.

The invention comprises in particular an optoelectronic system composed of an optical unit and a measuring electronics and which is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 of the present application.

[0033] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1a-d, 2 and 3, the optical unit 1 comprises an array of optical sensors 2, at least one optical lens 3 and a light source 4 making it possible to directly or indirectly (for example retroreflected) illuminate the mobile 5 or Mobile part 5.

[0034] The mobile 5 is part of an object such as a watch. In Figs. 1-3, only the mobile 5 is illustrated. The object 18 comprising the mobile 5 as well as the support 17 on which the object is placed when taking measurements are illustrated only schematically in FIG. 6. The object 18 is preferably attached and thus immobilized on the instrument of the invention when taking measurements. In this way it can be ensured that the system measures only the relative movements of the mobile 5 with respect to the whole of the object 18 in which it is fixed.

The support 17 on which the object 18 comprising the mobile 5, for example the watch, is fixed, is generally part of the instrument of the invention. It should be pointed out that the support of the object preferably makes it possible to fix the object in an appropriate and desired position and / or orientation for the implementation of the measurements in accordance with the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the support 17 makes it possible to attach the object so that an upper surface of the mobile 5 is oriented in the horizontal, that is to say in the plane of the xy motion of the Cartesian reference mark 20, As shown, for example, in FIG. 1a. In general,

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical unit 1 of the instrument according to the invention is arranged in such a way that the condition according to which at least one of the light beams chosen from the incident light beam 8 And the light beam picked up by the array of sensors 2 is not normal to the upper surface of the mobile 5. In the various embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, this condition is always fulfilled.

In other words, according to all embodiments of the invention, the optical unit 1 is arranged in such a way that at least one of the following two conditions is fulfilled: (a) the incident light beam 8 Strikes the surface of the mobile 5 at a non-normal angle of incidence (angle a φ 90 °); And / or (b) the light beam reflected on the surface of the moving body 5 and passing through the lens to the sensor 2 is not normal to this surface (angle β φ 90 °).

With regard to condition (a), it could also be seen that the incident light beam 8 strikes the surface of the mobile 5 at an inclined angle of incidence (α Φ 90 °), and concerning condition (b) That the light beam reflected on the surface of the mobile 5 picked up by the sensor 2 starts at an angle of inclined reflection (angle β and / or α Φ 90 °).

The angle α represents the angle between the incident light beam 8 originating from the light source 4 and the surface of the mobile 5. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1c, 1d, 2 and 3, the beam 8 and / or the beam 8 produced by the light source 4 reaches the surface of the mobile 5 with an angle α of less than 90 °.

In one embodiment, the angle α is between 10 ° and 80 °, again preferably the angle α is between 20 ° and 70 ° and more precisely between 35 ° and 55 °.

In the figures, the angle β indicates the angle between the surface of the mobile 5 and the light beam (specular 9 or diffracted 7) reflected at the surface and passing through the lens 3 to the sensor 2.

[0042] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1b, 1c, 1d, 2 and 3, the beam and / or the beam of light reflected on the surface of the mobile 5 and passing through the lens 3 to the sensor 2 leaves the surface of the mobile 5 with an angle β less than 90 °.

In one embodiment, the angle β is between 10 ° and 80 °, more preferably between 20 ° and 70 ° and more precisely between 35 ° and 55 °.

In consideration of the arrangement of the elements of FIGS. 1a-1d, 2 and 3 in three dimensions, and to avoid any undue interpretation, it is specified that the angles α and β are the acute and non-obtuse angles that the rays or light beams make with the surface of the mobile 5.

Specifically, the angle α is determined by placing a plane perpendicular to the surface of the mobile 5 so that the incident ray 8 lies entirely in this perpendicular plane and measuring the angle α on said perpendicular plane. In other words, the angle α is preferably the angle which is measured between the incident ray 8 and the surface of the mobile 5 when the y-axis is located in the Cartesian reference frame 20 as shown in FIG. FIG. 1a for example.

[0046] Dans le mode de réalisation montré aux figures 1a-1c, la surface du mobile est sensiblement horizontale, et/ou dans plan xy du repère cartésien 20. L’angle a est alors déterminé par la position et/ou l’orientation de la source lumineuse 4. De préférence, dans cette configuration, la source lumineuse ne se trouve pas verticalement au-dessus de la surface du mobile 5. Par exemple, la source lumineuse 4 est située latéralement déplacée mais toujours au-dessus de la surface supérieure du mobile 5, et le rayon lumineux 8 est dirigé de manière oblique du haut vers la surface supérieure horizontale du mobile 5.

With reference to FIGS. 1 a-1 d, 2 and 3, note that the mobile 5 or the mobile part 5 reflects the incident ray 8. In accordance with the principles of optics, the beam 8 is reflected on the upper surface of the mobile 5, Specular light 9 originating from the direct reflection of the incident light beam 8 on the mobile 5. In this description, the light of the beam 9 can be designated referring to the specular nature of this light or the fact that the beam 9 represents the beam Light reflected directly on the surface of the mobile 5.

The beam 9 thus represents an image produced by specular reflection. The angle of direct reflection of the specular beam 9 with respect to the surface of the mobile 5 is identical to the angle a and is therefore not specifically indicated in the figures. The light of the beam 9 is characterized by a comparatively high intensity.

Differently from the prior art solutions proposed by the state of the art, the optical unit I of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a-c, 2 and 3 is arranged to pick up the diffracted and / or diffuse light 7 emanating from the upper surface of the moving body 5 due to irradiation by the light source 4. Compared to the specular light 9, the diffracted light 7 is characterized by a markedly lower intensity. In the present description, the terms "diffracted light" and "diffuse light" can be considered equivalent, insofar as the diffracted light beam 7 is the result of the illumination of the mobile 5 by the light source 4. Light 7 is not the result of ambient light coming from one or more other undefined sources which,

For example, the intensity of the beam of the diffracted light 7 is decreased by a quotient of at least 5, preferably at least 10, with respect to the specular light 9.

The inventors of the present invention have found, in a totally surprising manner, that the capture of the diffracted light 7 by the sensor 2 makes it possible to determine the flow of the movement of the mobile 5 by the image processing. It is also surprising to find that the device according to the invention makes it possible to avoid the disadvantages of the device disclosed in application CH 706 642 A1. In particular, the device of the present invention makes it possible to capture an image by diffuse reflection, characterized by high contrast.

As will be described hereinafter, the light beam reflected on the surface of the moving body 5 and picked up by the sensor 2 according to the above condition (b) may be a specular light beam 9 or a diffracted light beam and / Or diffuse 7. Accordingly, the present invention covers two main embodiments: In a first embodiment, the method of the invention is characterized in that the image captured by a network of optical sensors 2 is Resulting from diffracted light 7 and / or non-specular light. In other words, the image captured by the array of optical sensors 2 comes from diffracted light only.

In an alternative embodiment, the method of the invention is characterized in that the image captured by an array of optical sensors 2 is derived from specular light 7.

[0055] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1a-1c, 2 and 3, the optical unit 1 of the instrument of the invention is arranged to pick up the diffracted and / or non-specular light reflected by the surface of the moving body 5 due to irradiation by the source Of light 4.

[0056] On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 d, the optical unit 1 of the instrument of the invention is arranged to pick up the specular light 9 reflected directly by the surface of the moving body 5 due to the irradiation by the light source 4. Embodiments shown in FIGS. 1a-1c, 2 and 3, the optical unit of FIG. 1d is not arranged to pick up the diffracted light only.

With regard to the conditions (a) and (b) described above, it can be summarized that the arrangement of the optical unit 1 as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1c, 1d, 2 and 3 fulfills at least condition (a). The arrangement of the optical unit 1 as shown in FIGS. 1b, 1c, 1d, 2 and 3 fulfills at least condition (b). The arrangement of FIGS. 1c, 1d, 2 and 3 fulfills both conditions. An arrangement as shown in FIG. 1a shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is shown in the illustration of the support of the invention shown in FIG. 6.

[0058] In the case shown in FIG. 1 d, the angle β representing the angle between the surface of the mobile 5 and the light beam passing through the lens 3 to the sensor 2 is identical to the angle a (a = β) and both are lower At 90 °. As in the case of FIGS. 1a, 1c, 2 and 3, the incident light beam 8 of FIG. 1d is not normal with respect to the surface of the mobile 5.

[0059] The arrangement of the optical unit according to the embodiment of FIG. 1d therefore simultaneously fulfills the two conditions (a) and (b) above.

[0060] The person skilled in the art will also note that, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1a, 1c, 1d-d, 2 and 3, the incident beam 8 and the specular light beam 9 are not coaxial and thus have different and non-parallel directions or orientations respectively.

[0061] Les numéros de référence des éléments identiques et/ou correspondants des fig. 1a-d sont repris pour illustrer les fig. 2 et 3.

The surface of the mobile 5 may be non-planar or bent or inclined with respect to the plane of movement xy of the Cartesian reference frame 20, as illustrated by the two embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. In the case where the surface of the mobile is inclined, the analysis of the movement deduced from the images is preferably carried out in the direction of the y-axis of the reference frame 20. Indeed, the image received by the sensor network 2 must be taken close to the focal length of the optical path of the axis composed by the optical lens (s) 3 and the array of optical sensors 2. If the focal distances vary too much, the images taken outside the depth of fields are blurred And the contrasts become insufficient to determine motion by a cross-correlation algorithm.

[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the incident ray or beam 8 coming from the light source 4 touches the surface of the mobile 5 with an angle α of less than 90 ° and the beam of light reflected and collected by the array of optical sensors 2 makes an angle β comprised of Preferably between 5 and 90 ° with the surface of the mobile 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the light beam 7 picked up by the optical sensor array is a beam of diffracted light. According to the invention, it is also possible to pick up the specular light beam 9.

[0064] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the optical unit additionally comprises elements 2, 3 and 4, a beam splitter 6. The light beam 8 from the light source 4 is directed towards the beam splitter 6 so that the beam Of illumination 8 (or the incident ray 8) is led to the target mobile 5. Before reaching the mobile 5, this incident ray 8 passes through an optical lens 3, alternatively of several lenses, making it possible to adapt The focal distance and / or the magnification and / or create a telecentre area on the object and / or on the sensor.

Still with reference to FIG. 3, and as described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a, the incident ray 8 produces a mirror image and / or beam of light by specular reflection 9 which, according to this embodiment, is not Of interest for the measurement of motion parameters. The angle α of the incident ray 8 with respect to the surface of the mobile 5 is generally identical to the angle of the specular light ray 9 formed with the surface of the mobile 5. In one embodiment, the angle α is preferably Different from 90 °, that is to say, the rays of incident and specular light, respectively, are not normal with respect to the surface of the mobile 5.

The incident ray 8 generates, in addition to the specular light 9, rays of diffracted and / or diffuse light. This diffracted light contains a beam of radius 7 which is coaxial with respect to the beam 8. In particular, according to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the diffracted light beam 7 is coaxial and in the direction opposite to the incident light beam 8. Since the angle α is different from 90 °, part of the diffracted light is coaxial with respect to the incident beam 8, whereas The specular light 9 is not.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the beam splitter 6 makes it possible to at least partially direct the diffracted light 7 to the optical sensor 2. The image formed by the diffracted light 7 will then be subjected to an image analysis making it possible to determine the motion parameters research.

In FIG. 3, the incident ray 8 is shown in the form of a vertical line. The lens 3 and the beam splitter 6 are vertically above the mobile 3, while the upper surface of the mobile 5 is inclined with respect to the horizontal (plane xy according to the Cartesian reference mark 20). In this configuration, the inclination of the upper surface of the mobile 5 is determinant of the value of the angle a.

[0069] In contrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 ad and 2, the incident beam from the illumination source 4 and the beam reflected from the surface of the moving body 5 are in FIG. 3, on the same axis, that is to say coaxial. The coaxial (incident and reflected) beams form with the surface of the mobile 5 an angle α φ 90 ° so that only diffused and / or diffracted reflected rays reach the array of optical sensors 2.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the condition that the axis of the incident light beam 8 and / or the axis of the beam of light picked up by the array of sensors 2 is not normal to the upper surface of the mobile 5 is filled.

In all the embodiments of the present invention, the positions of the key elements of the optical unit 1 on the one hand (ie the light source 4, the sensor array 2 and the lens 3) and of the object comprising the mobile 5 on the other hand are arranged, adjusted and / or configured to be adjusted so that the desired effect is obtained. The desired effect preferably consists in the capture, by the optical sensor array, of a specific, non-specular or specular light beam according to the particular embodiment of the invention. The present invention therefore implies a geometrical arrangement of the elements involved making it possible to orient the incident, specular and diffracted light beams as described in the present description,

In another embodiment, the optoelectronic system may comprise several optical units 1 for carrying out measurements on several calibres of watches in parallel or on several mobiles 5.

The optical sensor 2 is preferably formed by a network of uniformly spaced pixels making it possible to form an image. The translational motion in the plane (1 pixel in x and 2 pixels in y in the example of FIG. 4) is deduced from the optical flux of the acquired images (coordinate vector (x, y) in the Cartesian coordinate system illustrated at Figure 4). In this stream, all or only a part of the image is in motion. In fast movements of a gear or exhaust, it is necessary to acquire a large number of frames per second.

[0074] Pour pouvoir afficher les résultats du flux de mouvement instantané, l’acquisition de l’image et le traitement des informations doivent être rapides.

[0075] Dans la présente invention, le nombre de pixels traités pour la mesure du flux de mouvement ne dépasse pas de préférence 100 x 100 pixels pour permettre une acquisition et un traitement rapide des images. La taille du pixel est de minimum 100 pm2 assurant ainsi une sensibilité très élevée et donc un temps d’exposition court qui permet des fréquences d’échantillonnage élevées et évite les images floues.

[0076] Alternativement, le dit pixel peut être formé d’un groupe de pixels qui pris de manière individuelle ont une taille inférieure à 100 pm2 mais traités en cluster atteignent des dimensions supérieures.

The optical sensor 2 generates a black and white image with at least 256 gray levels (8 bits).

In one embodiment, the optical unit is characterized in that it comprises at least one adjustable lens making it possible to vary the magnification and / or the focal distance. The focal length is preferably 10 mm or more to allow easy manipulation of the watch gauge under the unit. The magnification is variable and can be adjusted according to the size of the mobile or the selected measurement window. The higher the magnification, the higher the resolution of the measurement. However, for a given speed of the observed moving element, the sampling frequency must be proportional to the magnification: the images must be recorded at a sufficiently high rate so that 2 consecutive images differ in distance by not more than a quarter of the Width of the pixel array,

[ 0079] In a preferred embodiment, the light source 4 produces coherent light, e.g., a radius and / or a coherent light beam. Consequently, the light beam 8 comprises and / or consists essentially of a coherent light.

[0080] In one embodiment, the light source 4 produces collimated light. In other words, the rays of light 8 are parallel or substantially parallel and / or scatter only very little along the distance traveled.

Preferably, the light beam 8, produced by the light source 4, results in a point-like illumination of a part of the object under examination, in particular of the mobile 5.

The use of a coherent and / or collimated light makes it possible to obtain a limited illumination zone on the object comprising the mobile 5. In this way, the occurrence and the size of shadows are decreased.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source 4 comprises and / or consists of a laser.

Preferably, the light source and / or the laser 4 emits a light in the near infrared (PIR). However, the invention may be embodied with any kind of light source and is not limited to light having a particular wavelength. The light source 4 is preferably chosen as a function of the absorption characteristics of the optical sensor 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the light from the light source 4 is guided through an optical fiber. The optical fiber makes it possible to obtain homogeneous light rays producing a well defined, comparatively limited and preferably substantially circular illuminated zone. Preferably, the light source 4 comprises a laser coupled to an optical fiber. Fiber optic allows spot lighting of a target, or makes the lighting more punctual.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source 4 is capable of producing a light of 1 to 200 mW, preferably 5 to 100 mW, for example 10 to 50 mW. Preferably, the light source 4 is a laser, for example a laser coupled with an optical fiber, producing a light characterized by the indicated powers.

The beam splitter 6 preferably has a narrow passband in the PIR which coincides with that of the light source. It filters other wavelengths in this way: it is in this way that you can work without being disturbed by the ambient lighting.

[0088] Dans la présente invention, l’électronique de mesure (voir fig. 5) est composée d’au moins un capteur optique 2, d’un microcontrôleur 11 et d’un oscillateur 12 utilisé comme base de temps intégrée à l’instrument. L’oscillateur 12 ne doit pas induire une incertitude supérieure à 10 ps sur la seconde prise comme étalon. L’erreur cumulée sur 24 heures est donc de moins d’une seconde. De manière préférentielle, l’oscillateur 12 utilisé est un quartz de précision thermo compensé avec un réglage fin de la fréquence de résonance par l’application d’une tension électrique (Quartz de type TCVCXO) dont l’erreur de la base de temps ne dépasse pas 0.1 seconde, de préférence 4 ms par jour.

In another embodiment of the invention where the time base must have the precision of an atomic clock, the oscillator 12 used is a precision quartz which is calibrated at regular time intervals, Using an external atomic clock via an Internet connection or via Global Positioning Systems (GPS) signals.

The measuring electronics also comprises a converter 13 for converting the analog signal into a digital signal. The digitized signal is processed either to be displayed as an image or a video (block 14 in FIG. 4) or for calculation by signal processing according to the image correlation method in order to calculate the motion of The object or part of the object in the focal plane (block 15 in FIG. 4).

Preferably, the optical sensor has a processing of the digital signal processing (DSP) for the processing of the images and the instantaneous determination of the relative movement of the mobile or of the moving part 5 in the focal plane .

In one embodiment, the light source 4 is arranged in a movable and / or displaceable manner on the instrument of the invention and / or on a support of the instrument. Preferably, the position and / or the orientation of the light source 4 is adjustable. This makes it possible to control the direction and / or the orientation from which the incident light beam 8 lands on the mobile 5. In another embodiment, it is possible to adjust the angle of incidence indicated in FIG. fig. 1. In an alternative embodiment, the angle α can not be adjusted by changing the position of the light source 4, but only by adjusting the orientation of the object and / or the moving object 5 (Figure 6). Advantageously,

[0093] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the frame 16 of the instrument of the invention. The light source 4 is movably housed on the frame 16. The frame 16 includes a support 17 for the object 18 including the movable member 5, the object 18 is, for example, a mechanical watch gauge, and The movable object is the balance-balance. The arrows on either side of the mobile 5 indicate the oscillating movement of the latter. The support 17 preferably comprises fastening means, such as, for example, a vise or a clamp, making it possible to immobilize the object 18 on the support 17.

The frame 16 also comprises a column 19 positioned so as to form an angle with the support 17. On the column 19 is fixed an upright 21 on which one or more elements of the optical part 1 are attached. In the embodiment shown, the post 21 carries both the sensor 2, the lens 3 and the light source 4. The post 21 is movable along the column 19 and its position can thus be adjusted vertically so as to Adjusting the distance between the observed movable part and the nearest lens 3. This distance is the focal length that should be adjusted in order to have images that are contrasted and therefore exploitable in order to extract the measurement from the movement of the movable part 5. In order for the optical source 4 to reach the surface to be observed at the focal distance , The angle of the optical source and the distance between the optical source 4 and the optical axis 7 formed by the lens 3 and the array of optical sensors 2 are calculated geometrically and fixed. In order that the position of the optical source 4 can be adjusted around the optical axis 7 and always point on the surface of the mobile 5 at the focal distance of the optical lens 3 forming the objective, the optical source 4 is fixed to a Arm or a disk 22 which can be rotated around the fixing part of the lens 3. The arm or the disk 22 is therefore supported by the lens 3 of the objective which makes it possible to ensure that the axis of rotation Of the part 22 and the optical axis 7 are coaxial. As a result, the distance between the optical source 4 and the optical axis is always the same whatever the chosen position of illumination of the mobile 5. Finally,

In one embodiment, the light source 4 is associated with an annular disc 22, the disc preferably being oriented horizontally and coaxial with respect to the optical axis of the lens 3 and the sensor 2. The optical axis Corresponds to the hatched arrow 7 which represents the diffracted light beam picked up by the sensor 2. The angle of the light source 4 is fixed so that the incident ray 8 intersects the optical axis 7 at a corresponding point To the focal point of the optical unit 1. The focal length is adjusted by raising and / or lowering the whole of the optical unit 2, 3, 4 via the upright 21, but the angle of the incident ray 8 Relative to the horizontal can not be changed by the user. Only the position of the light 4 can be adjusted by rotating the disc 22 which rotates about the optical axis 7.

In another embodiment, the light source 4 fixed on the disc 22 can be constituted by several point light sources fixed at different positions on the disc 22. In this configuration, the disc 22 is no longer necessarily set in Rotation to adjust the position of the illumination since one of the point sources will have the appropriate position and this disc will therefore remain fixed.

In an alternative embodiment, the optical unit and / or the instrument of the invention comprises an articulated arm and / or a flexible arm (not shown) making it possible to adjust the light source 4. The flexible arm may be made in the form of gooseneck arms. The light source 4 is preferably attached to one end of the adjustable arm, the other end of the arm being attached to the instrument of the invention, for example to the base or to the support 17 of the instrument. The position and / or orientation of the light source 4 can thus be adjusted. The adjustable arm preferably comprises a locking mechanism, for example by screwing, making it possible to lock the arm and making the light source integral with the whole of the instrument once the position has been adjusted.

In one embodiment, the instrument of the invention comprises a protection element (not shown), arranged so as to reduce an emission of light towards the outside of the instrument. The main function of said protective element is to prevent light from light source 4 or reflection of said light from causing damage, for example to an operator of the instrument or to equipment. Another function of said protective member is the protection of the object 18 against deterioration due to dust and other soiling. The protective element may consist of a protective tube or cover which may be placed, for example, around a part or the whole of the optical unit 1 or a part or assembly of the optical unit 'instrument.

In one embodiment, the protective element has a shape close to the cover of the optical part and can slide against it so that it can be mounted to release the access to the support 17 and to be able to be lowered Around the fastening of the object 18, to enclose the object 18. For example, a cover for protecting the optic in tubular shape may include a tubular protective element of a slightly larger inside diameter which will be adjusted By sliding and locking the position by screwing.

The methods for implementing the optoelectronic system form an integral part of the present invention.

Two examples of implementation of the method are described below, a first makes it possible to make instantaneous measurements and a second one makes it possible to measure by comparing two separate states of a determined duration of time.

A first example of the implementation of the method makes it possible to carry out instantaneous measurements to characterize, for example, the instantaneous movement, the elongation of the balance: the adjustment of the optics, the positioning on the zone to be measured and the Measures are the three steps of the method. In the first step, the optoelectronic system permits the adjustment of the magnification, focusing and adjustment of the depth of field on the movable element or a part of this element. In a second step, the precise positioning is carried out using an image or a video. In the third step, the DSP processing of the acquired images allows the determination without geometrical reference of the relative translation movement of the element or of a part of the element in the focal plane of the optical unit.

In a second example of implementation of the method, a procedure is described for measuring the daytime running by detecting the passage of the needle in the window of measurement of the speed flux by means of the optoelectronic system . In a first step, the optical unit is positioned on the center of rotation of the second hand. The adjustment of the focal length is carried out in the step 1 of acquisition of the images. In the second step, the measuring window is moved away from the center of rotation of the needle so that the needle passes through the motion measurement window. In step 3, the optoelectronic system is switched to the image processing mode by the DSP for real-time tracking of the motion flow. When the second hand side dial, enters the window of the image, it is detected. The signal obtained corresponds to the detection of the displacement of the needle passing through the window of the image. Between two passes of the second hand, a time ti is measured by correlating the two signals. Comparing t to the theoretical time tth reported at 24 hours, one gets walking in seconds per day. The relationship is thus:

The daytime running being the algebraic sum of the instantaneous steps, it can be obtained by the method described in the second example of implementation when this step is performed, It is carried out uninterrupted over a 24-hour cycle. This method allows to measure the diurnal walking while detecting the possible circadian variations of the instant walk.

[0105] The invention is not limited to the examples and embodiments described which are illustrative thereof. Modifications are possible within the framework of the protection claimed, in particular by the use of equivalent means.

Claims

claims

(A) the incident light beam (8) strikes the surface of the mobile (5) at a non-normal angle of incidence (angle a φ 90 °); And / or, (b) the light beam reflected at the surface of the moving object (5) and picked up by the sensor (2) starts at an angle of inclined reflection (angle β φ 90 °).
2. The optoelectronic instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light beam reflected on the surface of the moving object and sensed by the sensor is a light beam of diffracted light and / Not said specular light beam (9).
3. The optoelectronic instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light beam reflected on the surface of the moving body and picked up by the sensor is a specular light beam.
4. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, Characterized in that said light source (4) is arranged such that an angle formed between the incident light beam (8) and the specular light beam (9) on the surface of the movable element (5) and corresponding to (180 ° -2a) is greater than 1 °, preferably greater than 5 °, greater than 10 °, and more preferably greater than 20 °.
5. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein said light source is arranged in such a way that the incident light beam and the specular light beam are not coaxial, .
6. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein said light source is arranged in such a way that the incident light beam strikes the surface of the mobile body at an inclined angle of incidence (angle α Φ 90 °), Preferably less than 85 °, more preferably less than 80 °.
7. The optoelectronic instrument as claimed in claim 1, comprising a beam splitter (6), the light source (4), the optical lens (3) and said beam splitter (6) being arranged in such a way that That the incident light beam (8) is coaxial with the light beam (7) reflected on the surface of the moving object (5) and sensed by the sensor (2).
8. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the light source is capable of producing coherent light.
9. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the incident light originates from said optical fiber. The optoelectronic instrument according to one of the preceding claims, having a beam splitter (6), the light source (4), the optical lens (3) and the beam splitter (6) being arranged in such a way that the (8) coaxial with the light beam (7) reflected on the surface of the moving object (5) and sensed by the sensor (2). 8. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the light source is capable of producing coherent light. 9. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the incident light originates from said optical fiber. The optoelectronic instrument according to one of the preceding claims, having a beam splitter (6), the light source (4), the optical lens (3) and the beam splitter (6) being arranged in such a way that the (8) coaxial with the light beam (7) reflected on the surface of the moving object (5) and sensed by the sensor (2). 8. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the light source is capable of producing coherent light. 9. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the incident light originates from said optical fiber. The optical lens (3) and the beam splitter (6) being arranged in such a way that the incident light beam (8) is coaxial with the light beam (7) reflected on the surface of the moving object (5) (2). 8. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the light source is capable of producing coherent light. 9. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the incident light originates from said optical fiber. The optical lens (3) and the beam splitter (6) being arranged in such a way that the incident light beam (8) is coaxial with the light beam (7) reflected on the surface of the moving object (5) (2). 8. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the light source is capable of producing coherent light. 9. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the incident light originates from said optical fiber. The optoelectronic instrument according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (4) is capable of producing coherent light. 9. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the incident light originates from said optical fiber. The optoelectronic instrument according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (4) is capable of producing coherent light. 9. The optoelectronic instrument according to claim 1, wherein the incident light originates from said optical fiber.

A method for measuring the displacement of movable elements (5) or parts of moving parts (5) of an object such as a mechanical watch gauge, the method comprising: generating an incident light beam ) In the direction of at least one of said movable elements (5), and - capturing an image reflected on the surface of said movable element (5), so that at least one of the two conditions (a) B) is filled: (a) the incident light beam (8) strikes the surface of the mobile 5 at a non-normal angle of incidence (angle α φ 90 °); And / or, (b) the light beam reflected at the surface of the moving object (5) and picked up by the sensor (2) starts at an angle of inclined reflection (angle β φ 90 °).