Velocity vector (3D) measurement for spherical objects using an electro-optical device

• Published in: Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation Vol. 44; no. 9; pp. 1723 - 1729
• Main Authors: Lluna, E., Santiago, V., Defez, B., Dunai, L., Peris-Fajarnes, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2011
• Subjects: Barriers; Devices; Image processing; Mathematical analysis; Non contact measurement; Optical barrier; Optoelectronic; Prototypes; Three dimensional; Trajectories; Vectors (mathematics); Velocity measurement; Optical barrier; Optoelectronic; Velocity measurement; Non contact measurement
• ISSN: 0263-2241; 1873-412X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2011.07.006

► New method to measure the 3D velocity vector for spherical objects. ► The method is based on large detection area optical barriers. ► A measurement error less than 0.1% can be obtained. ► The method has been developed for spherical objects but it can be extended to any other geometries. The present paper describes a procedure to measure the velocity vector (3D) of a spherical object using an electro-optical device configured as a single large detection area optical barrier. The proposed procedure allows a measurement accuracy up to 0.1% in some cases and presents several advantages in relation to other measurement procedures like image processing, doppler-radar and some other electro-optical devices. The procedure is independent of the relative position of the measurement device in relation to the object trajectory. The fact of using a single optical barrier reduces the space required in the movement direction and increase the cases where the device can be used. A prototype has been built and tested.