GB2447166A - Investigation of vehicle glazing panels - Google Patents

Investigation of vehicle glazing panels Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2447166A
GB2447166A GB0809582A GB0809582A GB2447166A GB 2447166 A GB2447166 A GB 2447166A GB 0809582 A GB0809582 A GB 0809582A GB 0809582 A GB0809582 A GB 0809582A GB 2447166 A GB2447166 A GB 2447166A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
glazing panel
repair
infra
processor
output
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0809582A
Other versions
GB2447166B (en
GB0809582D0 (en
Inventor
Christopher Davies
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Carglass Luxembourg SARL Zug Branch
Original Assignee
Carglass Luxembourg SARL Zug Branch
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0414394A external-priority patent/GB2415776B/en
Application filed by Carglass Luxembourg SARL Zug Branch filed Critical Carglass Luxembourg SARL Zug Branch
Priority to GB0809582A priority Critical patent/GB2447166B/en
Publication of GB0809582D0 publication Critical patent/GB0809582D0/en
Publication of GB2447166A publication Critical patent/GB2447166A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2447166B publication Critical patent/GB2447166B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3563—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing solids; Preparation of samples therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G01N21/95—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
    • G01N21/958—Inspecting transparent materials or objects, e.g. windscreens
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T7/00—Image analysis

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)

Abstract

A system for the investigation of a glazing panel 2 comprising; a hand-held device 1; including a dark space chamber 5 with an electronic infra-red image capture device 4 comprising a multiplicity of radiation sensitive pixels (e.g. CCD, electronic camera), a compressible seal 11 enabling the hand-held device to be held against the glazing panel, an annular array of infra-red light emitters 10 directing infra-red light into the glazing panel; a processor 7 to process captured image data; and an output device in communication with the processor producing an output related to the condition of the glazing panel at the target zone (e.g. before and after repair of a flaw to gauge the quality of repair). The captured imaged data may be compared to system stored data for a non-flawed glazing panel. A dark backing 13 may be positioned adjacent a reverse face of the glazing panel to enhance viewing.

Description

Investigation of Vehicle Glazing Panels The present invention relates
to investigation of vehicle glazing panels particularly to assess the condition or structural integrity of the subject glazing panel. The invention has particular, although not exclusive, application in assessing the degree of damage to a windscreen having a flaw such as a break, crack or pit, and/or the quality of repair effected to such breaks, cracks, or pits.
Repairs are sometimes effected to vehicle glazing panels as an alternative to replacement, depending upon the severity, location and nature of the crack or break. Typically, during the repair procedure, resin is introduced into the flaw crack or break and the resin subsequently cures. The resin is selected such that, when cured, the optical characteristics of the resin repair match as closely as possible the optical characteristics of the material of the glazing panel. Often the resin is applied under partial vacuum or negative pressure to facilitate dc-gassing of the resin and the crack or break In certain circumstances problems can occur in effecting a repair of adequate quality.
The present invention seeks to provide a consistent and accurate means of investigating the condition of a glazing panel. The term glazing panel should be interpreted broadly to cover non glass panels in addition to glass panels (including laminated and non-laminated glazing panels). * IS * S S * I.
*, Certain prior art techniques have been proposed for investigating glazing panel condition *5SI using light transmission or scattering. Exemplary prior art techniques are disclosed in, for :.:. 25 example, DE-A-197 16809 and DE-A-364089l. An improved technique has now been devised. *. * S.
According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an investigation method for * investigating the condition of a glazing panel, the method comprising using a viewing device to view an illuminating electromagnetic radiation profile at a target zone of the glazing panel, wherein data relating to the viewed radiation profile is compared to other (datum) data, to produce an output related to the condition of the glazing panel at the target zone.
According to another aspect, the invention provides apparatus for investigating the condition of a glazing panel, the apparatus comprising: a viewing device to view an illuminating electromagnetic radiation profile at a target zone of the glazing panel; a processor to process data related to the viewed illuminating radiation profile viewed by the viewing device; and, an output device in communication with the processor and arranged to produce an output related to the condition of the glazing panel at the viewed target zone.
It is preferred that data relating to the viewed illuminating radiation profile is compared to system stored data. Preferably, the datum or stored data is either data relating to a non flawed zone of the glazing panel, or data bank data for a glazing panel of same type, or measured data from a flawed zone of the screen prior to repair. Beneficially, the stored data relates to a viewed illuminating radiation profile for a non flawed glazing panel viewed zone.
It is preferred that a readable output is given relating to the condition of the glazing panel. * ** *1 * * **
It is preferred that an illuminating radiation delivery arrangement is arranged to direct S...
radiation into the body of the glazing panel in order to enhance viewing of the radiation profile. Beneficially, the radiation delivery arrangement includes a radiation delivery ring * extending at least partially about the target zone targeted by the viewing device. *5*S * * *
* . * The viewing device is preferably tuned to the wavelength, wavelength band, or region of the spectrum of the illuminating radiation. In one embodiment, radiation in the non-visible region of the spectrum is directed into the body of the glazing panel in order to facilitate viewing. The radiation selected may be infrared radiation directed into the body of the glazing panel in order to facilitate viewing. In certain circumstances, the use of infra red may be preferred due to the sensitivity of certain CCD cameras to such frequencies of radiation. In another embodiment light in the visible range of the spectnim may be utilised. Beneficially the light is of a restricted band width or individual wavelength.
However, broadband, multiple wavelength sources (such as white light sources) may work adequately.
It is preferred that the viewing device comprises an image capture device. The viewing device beneficially comprises a multiplicity of radiation sensitive pixels. Desirably the viewing device is arranged to produce an electronic data output. In one embodiment the viewing device beneficially comprises an electronic camera device.
In one embodiment, the technique and apparatus utilise a dark space chamber spacing the viewing device from the target zone. Beneficially, the dark space chamber is provided with a distal end to be placed in register with the glazing panel, the distal end preferably including a light seal to contact the glazing panel. Advantageously, the radiation delivery arrangement is peripherally positioned relative to the dark space chamber.
In one embodiment the viewing device, processor and output device are provided integrally in a hand held unit.
In an alternative embodiment, the processor may be situated remotely from the viewing device and output device. * .* * * . * *.
In one realisation of the technique in accordance with the invention, the flaw zone is **** viewed by the apparatus before and after repair and an output generated to quantify or . 25 gauge the quality of the repair. ***
*: : : In an alternative or complementary realisation of the technique of the invention, the flaw *: * zone is viewed after repair and an output generated to quantify or gauge the quality of repair.
It is preferred that a backing is positioned opposed to the viewing apparatus adjacent a reverse face of the glazing panel, in order to enhance the viewing process.
In a general realisation of the invention light or other selected radiation is transmitted through the body of the glazing panel providing background illumination as viewed by the viewing device. Lightlradiation interaction with a flaw (crack or break) present in the glazing panel at the target zone causes contrast or discontinuity in the illumination profile viewed, when compared with the background illumination. The viewing device provides an output signal to the processor enabling the viewed situation to be compared to a datum situation or ideal. The output device enables a quality value or gauge output (such as pass or fail) to be produced.
The invention will now be described in a specific embodiment and by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a schematic representation of apparatus according to the invention for use in performance of the method according to the invention.
Refemng to the drawing there is shown apparatus in accordance with the invention comprising a hand held manually manipulatable and positionable device 1 for investigating the condition of a windscreen 2. The device 1 comprises a housing 3 containing a CCD camera 4 positioned at a proximal end of a dark space chamber 5, defined by a peripheral chamber wall 6. The distal end of chamber 5 is either open (as shown in the drawing) or may include a window transmissible to illuminating radiation. A filter may be provided to inhibit certain wavelength radiation from passing into the chamber. The CCD camera 4 * :* ::* targets a viewing field at the distal end of the chamber 5. **.* * * S...
Peripherally of the chamber housing wall 6 and at the distal end of the chamber is mounted an annular array of LED's 10 arranged to output illuminating radiation in the red light * wavelength region of the visible spectrum. The LED's direct illuminating light into the *:::: body of the glass and provide a background glow' of illuminating radiation at the target *:*. view field of the camera 4. LED light sources are preferred due to commercial availability of LED light sources of high quality and low power. The camera views the radiation profile at the glazing panel zone at the target view field. This may be the uniform radiation glow' at undamagedl unrepaired portions within the view field, or a contrast/discontinuity profile caused by a crack or break, or repaired crack or break. The illuminating radiation input to the camera pixel array gives spatial and total illumination data for the target view field. The distal end of the chamber 5 is provided with a compressible seal 11, to enable the device to be held against the glazing panel without causing damage, and to prevent ambient radiation leaking into the chamberS. A dark backing strip 13 may be applied to the rear of the glazing panel to provide contrast and enhance the glow' effect in the body of the glazing panel.
The output from the camera 4 passes to a processor 7 which is able to store and compare data output from the camera, as will be described in greater detail hereafter. The processor outputs to an output display 8 which gives a readable indication of the condition of the glazing panel to an operative using the device.
In use, the device can be held against a known undamaged portion of a glazing panel and operated to record datum situation data. As an alternative datum data for a particular glazing panel may be stored, for example in a database. The device may then be operated with a break or crack 12 in the camera view field to record data for the damaged area of the glazing panel. The crack or break 12 is then repaired (typically by filling the break or crack with resin which is subsequently cured) and the repaired break or crack is then subjected to test. The repaired break or crack data can be compared with either or both of the previously recorded data (for the undamaged screen and the unrepaired crack or break).
The data can be processed to give a quality level output (for example as a percentage of ideal result or percentage improvement over the damaged situation) or a gauge output, such as repair pass' or fail'. S.. S * .
It should be readily understood that the processor could be situated remotely from the :* 25 device and communication in real time provided between the local apparatus and the * processor enabling the system to operate. Furthermore the data could be downloadable for ::; post processing remotely.

Claims (11)

  1. Claims: 1. A system for investigation of glazing panels, the system
    comprising:-i) a hand held device, including a dark space chamber; an electronic infra-red image capture device positioned at a proximal end of the dark space chamber; a compressible light seal provided at the distal end of the device to enable the hand held device to be held against the glazing panel in the region of a target zone to be investigated; an annular array of infra-red light emitters positioned peripherally at the distal end of the dark space chamber; ii) a processor to process data related to captured image data from the electronic infra-red image capture device; and iii) an output device in communication with the processor and arranged to produce an output related to the condition of the glazing panel at the target zone. * ***
    :. *
  2. 2. A system according to claim I, wherein data relating to the captured image is compared * to system stored data.
  3. 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the stored data relates to a captured image for a * non flawed glazing panel viewed zone.
  4. 4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the image capture device comprises a multiplicity of radiation sensitive pixels.
  5. 5. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the image capture device comprises an electronic camera device.
  6. 6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the infra-red light is directed into the body of the glazing panel in order to facilitate viewing of the radiation profile.
  7. 7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a flaw zone is viewed by the apparatus before and after repair and an output generated to quantify or gauge the quality of the repair.
  8. 8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a flaw zone is viewed after repair and an output generated to quantif' or gauge the quality of repair.
  9. 9. A system according to any preceding claim, including a backing to be positioned opposed to the hand held device adjacent a reverse face of the glazing panel, in order to enhance the viewing process. * ** * * * * I.
    s*
  10. 10. A system according to any preceding claims, wherein the image capture device, processor **** and output device are provided integrally in the hand held device.
    *
  11. 11. A system according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processor is situated remotely ::; from the hand held device.
GB0809582A 2004-06-28 2008-05-27 Investigation of vehicle glazing panels Expired - Fee Related GB2447166B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0809582A GB2447166B (en) 2004-06-28 2008-05-27 Investigation of vehicle glazing panels

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0414394A GB2415776B (en) 2004-06-28 2004-06-28 Investigation of vehicle glazing panels
GB0809582A GB2447166B (en) 2004-06-28 2008-05-27 Investigation of vehicle glazing panels

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0809582D0 GB0809582D0 (en) 2008-07-02
GB2447166A true GB2447166A (en) 2008-09-03
GB2447166B GB2447166B (en) 2009-01-07

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GB0809582A Expired - Fee Related GB2447166B (en) 2004-06-28 2008-05-27 Investigation of vehicle glazing panels

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013002602B4 (en) 2013-02-15 2022-05-05 Hegla Boraident Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and device for detecting particles in glass

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0685140A1 (en) * 1993-02-16 1995-12-06 Northeast Robotics, Inc. Continuous diffuse illumination method and apparatus
JPH09218161A (en) * 1996-02-13 1997-08-19 Horiba Ltd Optical measuring device for measuring degree of flaw on surface of glass surface or the like
US6052534A (en) * 1997-08-22 2000-04-18 Goko International Corporation Close-up photographing apparatus
US6088116A (en) * 1998-03-11 2000-07-11 Pfanstiehl; John Quality of finish measurement optical instrument
EP1424551A1 (en) * 2001-07-27 2004-06-02 Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. Method for evaluating contamination of object surface and imaging box used for this method

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0685140A1 (en) * 1993-02-16 1995-12-06 Northeast Robotics, Inc. Continuous diffuse illumination method and apparatus
JPH09218161A (en) * 1996-02-13 1997-08-19 Horiba Ltd Optical measuring device for measuring degree of flaw on surface of glass surface or the like
US6052534A (en) * 1997-08-22 2000-04-18 Goko International Corporation Close-up photographing apparatus
US6088116A (en) * 1998-03-11 2000-07-11 Pfanstiehl; John Quality of finish measurement optical instrument
EP1424551A1 (en) * 2001-07-27 2004-06-02 Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. Method for evaluating contamination of object surface and imaging box used for this method

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013002602B4 (en) 2013-02-15 2022-05-05 Hegla Boraident Gmbh & Co. Kg Method and device for detecting particles in glass

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Publication number Publication date
GB2447166B (en) 2009-01-07
GB0809582D0 (en) 2008-07-02

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