Abstract:
An apparatus for determining the rotational speed of an object returning diffuse reflections where no reflective singularity exists on the object or no clearly distinct light pulse is produced. A light source illuminates a target area on the object. An optical system receives the reflected light, selectively filters by wavelength, and focuses the light on a detector for signal processing. The reflected light signals may be a series of complex patterns that repeat once per revolution. A Fourier Transform with additional processing enhancements is performed on the signals and used as a basis to calculate the speed of the object. The signal processing may be automated, resulting in a speed (RPM) solution being displayed for the operator of the device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to speed sensing devices. More particularly, this invention relates to a speed sensing device for determining the speed of a rotating object, for example, a shaft, utilizing an optical system operable to determine the rotational speed from a diffuse reflective spectra where no reflective singularity exists and not requiring the use of a reflective element on the rotating object.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Customarily, when using an optical-type tachometer, it is necessary to apply a piece of retro-reflective tape or paint to a rotating machine element to provide a reflective target. When illuminated by a beam of light, the reflective target provides a distinct reflective signal which may be detected and processed to determine the rotational speed of the machine element. Alternatively, certain tachometer techniques utilize an area of a shaft where a single discontinuity exists, such as a flat or keyway. Reflections can be specular (mirror-like), diffuse (scattered), or a combination of the two.  
           [0003]    A retro-reflector is a special case, wherein the reflected beam of light returns along a path incident to the illuminating light beam. Normally, for retro-reflective targets, the reflected beam exhibits only a small amount of divergence. Correspondingly, retro-reflective techniques provide for the maximum light return from the target. However, it is not always convenient or possible to affix a retro-reflective target to a machine element, since the machine may be operating or difficult to access. Moreover, the machine elements may be coated with oil or other fluids making adhesion of a reflector difficult, for example, a felt conveyor belt as used in a paper mill. Often it is necessary to use the trademark or other symbols which are dyed into a fabric as a target for an optical tachometer. Typically, these target types provide a very diffuse reflection, severely limiting the operational distance of optical-type speed sensors. Additionally, debris and moisture accumulating on the optics at close operating distances makes a longer operating distance desirable.  
           [0004]    Optical tachometers utilize a single reflective discontinuity per revolution of a machine element to develop a single electrical pulse. The accuracy of the optical tachometer is based on the electrical pulse occurring at the same physical point on the machine element each revolution. This fundamental principle is necessary for the accurate measurement of the time between pulses for determining the rotational speed of the machine element. Moreover, it is also important for determining the phase relationship of frequencies within a vibration signal when monitoring the vibration spectrum of a machine. As an example, it is often desirable to know the phase and amplitude of the vibration component at one times running speed (1×revolutions per minute.). This phase measurement, locked to some physical orientation of a shaft, is fundamental to balancing machines and determining operating deflection shapes.  
           [0005]    What is needed, therefore, is a speed sensor that does not require the application of a reflective target and is operable to determine the speed of a rotating object, such as a rotating shaft.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0006]    The optical speed sensing system according to the invention advantageously provides speed measurements where it is difficult or impossible to obtain a distinct reflected light pulse from a rotating object. This is particularly advantageous in portable route based applications. Additionally, the system is operable to provide a convenient determination of the running speeds of a large number of operating machines having no reference marks or difficult to access marks. Surface irregularities of an object provide an intensity-modulated reflection when the rotating object is illuminated by the coherent light source. The same light intensity patterns are repeated once per revolution of the rotating object.  
           [0007]    An apparatus and method are provided for determining the rotational speed of a rotating object, without requiring the location of a reflective target on the object. The apparatus includes a light source for transmitting a collimated light beam having a selected wavelength directly at the rotating object. Light signals are reflected from the rotating object, due to the transmission of light at the object. An optical system focuses the reflected light signals onto a single detection region of a detector. The detector is operable to detect the focused light signals and generate electrical signals based on the signals reflected and focused by the optical system. An analyzer analyzes the electrical signals representative of the reflected light signals. The analyzer includes a Fourier Transform function for transforming the electrical signals providing spectra representative of the electrical signals. The analyzer operates to determine and output the rotational speed of the rotating object based thereon. A power source is included for providing power to the apparatus.  
           [0008]    A manual and an automated method are available to users of the apparatus in determining the speed of a rotating object. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale, wherein like reference numbers, indicate like elements through the several views, and wherein, FIG. 1 is a depiction of an optical speed sensing system;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a side-view of the optical speed sensing system of FIG. 1;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an analog signal output from a component of the optical speed sensing system;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a graph of frequency spectra after an application of a Fourier Transform function to the analog signal of FIG. 3;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 depicts frequency spectra after a first application of a Fourier Transform function upon a simulated input signal;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a time waveform plot (shown inverted) corresponding to FIG. 5;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a time plot (autocorrelogram) (shown inverted) after a second application of a Fourier Transform function;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is an autocorrelogram frequency plot output from the system after a second application of a Fourier Transform function;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is a spectral plot output from the system depicting the turning speed produced from a simulated input signal;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a side-view of another embodiment of an optical speed sensor;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a side-view of yet another embodiment of an optical speed sensor;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 is a side-view of another embodiment of an optical speed sensor;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 13 depicts a preferred embodiment of an optical speed sensing system;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 14 depicts another aspect of an optical speed sensing system; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 15 depicts yet another aspect of an optical speed sensing system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]    Referring now to the Figures in which like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding features, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 an optical speed sensing system  10 . FIGS. 1 and 2 also depict various signal processing components for determining the rotational speed of a rotating object  12 , such as a rotating shaft, for example. It will be appreciated that system  10  is operable to determine the rotational speed of various rotating objects, and is not intended to be limited by any examples discussed herein. The optical speed sensing system  10  advantageously provides speed determinations without having to apply a reflective target to the object  12 . The optical speed sensing system  10  can also provide speed determinations without the existence of a reflective singularity or singular reflective discontinuity.  
         [0025]    The optical speed sensing system  10  provides enhanced sensing of the rotational or translational speed of an object  12 , such as a machine element, etc. exhibiting substantially diffuse reflections from either natural or man-made discontinuities on a relatively uniform surface of the object  12 . However, it should be understood that the system  10  is not limited to operation on the type of reflections from any specific object. For example, the optical speed sensing system  10  can determine the rotational speed of an object  12  exhibiting one or more substantially specular reflections per revolution, as well.  
         [0026]    In one embodiment, the optical speed sensing system  10  includes an optical speed sensor  11  and an analyzer  28  (FIG. 2). Preferably, the optical speed sensor  11  incorporates a collecting lens  14 , light source  16 , detector  18 , focusing member  20 , circuit board  22 , electrical connectors  24 , and power supply  26 . The light source  16  is preferably a visible light laser diode “micro” module operable to transmit a collimated laser beam at a wavelength of about 650 nanometers. However, it is appreciated that other light sources may be used in the optical speed sensing system  10 .  
         [0027]    The light source  16  is preferably mounted integrally with the collecting lens  14  and is located at a first end  30  of the circuit board  22 . By integrating the light source  16  with the collecting lens  14 , it becomes possible to present a compact, and freely operable optical speed sensing system  10 , as described further below. The compactness of the optical speed sensing system  10  enables a user to access more limited areas when determining the rotational speed of an object  12 . Furthermore, the optical speed sensing system  10  is advantageously configured in coaxial alignment by centrally locating the light source  16  proximate the central bore  32  of the collecting lens  14 . Thus, excessive and time-consuming alignment of the components of the optical speed sensing system  10  is unnecessary.  
         [0028]    As described above, the light source  16  is operable to transmit a collimated light beam, preferably a laser beam, towards the object  12 . Preferably, the light source  16  transmits a collimated light beam directly at the object  12 , imaging only one region on the rotating object  12 . Since the laser diode module incorporates an integral focusing lens, it is most preferred that no additional optical focusing or splitting components accompany the laser beam transmission. Thus, a maximal amount of beam energy is directed at the object  12  because there are no obstructions in the laser beam path, i.e. the collimated light beam is transmitted directly at the object  12 . Since a maximal amount of beam energy is transmitted towards the object  12 , the amount of light reflected from the object  12  is correspondingly maximized.  
         [0029]    The collecting lens  14  or objective lens, preferably has a diameter of between about 30 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. The collecting lens  14  is preferably constructed of a plastic, such as acrylic, and has an aspherical design. For enhanced light transmission, an antireflection coating may be applied to the collecting lens  14 . As described above, the collecting lens  14  preferably contains a central hole or bore  32  piercing the collecting lens  14 . The central bore  32  facilitates mounting of the light source  16 , allowing power leads  34  to be attached to the light source  16  and electrically connected to the circuit board  22 .  
         [0030]    As described below, the circuit board  22  is electrically connected to the analyzer  28 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the powered up analyzer  28  provides power to the circuit board  22  and the electrical components of the optical speed sensor  11 . Alternatively, a DC battery source can be used as the power source  26 , providing power to the light source  16  and electrical components of the optical speed sensing system  10 . While the mounted light source  16  is a central obstruction in the optical path of the collecting lens  14 , the small area blocked by the light source  16  is insignificant in view of the total light collecting area of the collecting lens  14 . The micro-laser module described above, commercially available from NVG Incorporated of Hazlehurst, Ga., has a diameter of about 0.25 inches or 6.35 millimeters, representing an area of about 31.7 millimeters 2 . The unobstructed area of a 30 millimeter collecting lens  14  is about 707 millimeters 2 . Thus, the micro-laser module obstructs only about 4.5% of the light collecting area of the collecting lens  14 . For a collecting lens  14  having a 50 millimeter diameter, the light source  16  obstructs only about 1.6% of the light collecting area.  
         [0031]    As the light source  16  transmits a single collimated light beam directly at the rotating object  12 , the collecting lens  14  collects the light reflected from the object  12 . The reflected light collected by the collecting lens  14  is directed by the collecting lens  14  at the focusing member  20 , as described in more detail below. As used herein, and as will be appreciated, the term, “focusing member”, is not meant to limit the system  10  to any specific structure, configuration, or quantity.  
         [0032]    In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the focusing member  20  is a convex spherical or hyperbolic mirror. A convex spherical mirror used as the focusing member  20  is an economical choice, the mirror having sufficient optical performance to direct the light to a desired location. However, other focusing configurations are available, as will be described below. The focusing member  20  re-directs the collected light from the collecting lens  14  onto the active sensing surface of the detector  18 .  
         [0033]    The detector  18  is preferably a photodiode  36  having an integral optical bandpass filter  38 . The integrated detector  18  is commercially available from Intor, Inc. of Socorro, N. Mex. The integrated detector  18  is operable to detect reflected signals within a frequency range determined by the bandwidth of an optical bandpass filter  38 . Preferably, the optical bandpass filter  38  has a bandwidth of about 20 nanometers. Thus, only a portion of the light reflected from the object  12 , which is in a narrow spectral range preferably centered at a wavelength of about 650 nanometers, passes through the optical bandpass filter  38 .  
         [0034]    The filtered light impinges upon the active area of a photodiode  36 , wherein the photodiode  36  is responsive to light having a wavelength of about 650 nanometers. Most preferably, the active area of the photodiode  36  is a single continuous sensing area or detection region  37  (FIG. 1), which receives the light signals directed by the focusing member  20  and passed by the optical bandpass filter  38 .  
         [0035]    The detector  18  preferably has one output  41 , outputting analog time domain signals representative of the reflected light intensity patterns reflected by the rotating object  12 . More particularly, the photodiode  36  incorporated into the detector  18  is operable to convert the light intensity patterns reflected by the focusing member  20  to analog electrical time domain signals. As described below, the signal processing components process the signals corresponding to the light signals received by the single detection region  37  of the detector  18  to determine the rotational speed of the object  12 .  
         [0036]    Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detector  18  is mounted coaxially proximate the rear end  40  of the light source  16 . In this embodiment, the detector  18  is mounted so that the active area of the photodiode  36  and integral bandpass filter  38  face toward the rear  31  of the optical speed sensor system  10 , the active area of the photodiode  36  facing the reflecting surface  39  of the focusing member  20 . The preferable focusing member  20 , a convex mirror, is mounted so that substantially all of the radiant flux exiting the collecting lens  14  impinges upon the mirror. The focusing member  20  is adjusted relative to the collecting lens  14  so that the reflected beam is preferably collimated or made slightly converging so that the entire reflected beam area impinges upon the active area of the photodiode  36 .  
         [0037]    The photodiode  36  produces analog electrical signals representative of the reflected light intensity patterns from the focusing member  20 . The analog electrical signals produced by the photodiode  36  are conditioned by various components mounted on the circuit board  22 . Preferably, the circuit board  22  includes an amplifier  42  and a filter, preferably a low-pass filter  44 . The analog electrical signals produced by the photodiode  36  and output from the output  41  of the detector  18 , are transmitted along the electrical connections  43 , amplified by the amplifier  42  and filtered through the low-pass filter  44  before being passed to the machinery analyzer  28 .  
         [0038]    The machinery analyzer  28  includes various digital signal-processing components  46  for digitizing the analog signals, and additional firmware (FIG. 1). One such analyzer  28  is the CSI Model 2120, manufactured by Emerson Process Management/CSI of Knoxville, Tenn. An alternative analyzer  28  having additional processing options is the CSI 2120A Machinery Analyzer, also manufactured by Emerson Process Management/CSI of Knoxville, Tenn. The analog electrical signals provided by the photodiode  36  are preferably transmitted by direct cable link  45  to the analyzer  28 , although other transmission means are available, such as radio frequency or infra-red transmission techniques.  
         [0039]    As described above, the signals presented to the analyzer  28  are analog electrical time domain signals, having complex signal patterns. These complex signal patterns repeat once per revolution of the object  12 . The user of the speed sensing system  10  may elect, through inputs to the analyzer  28 , to manually proceed with the analysis of the time domain signals to determine the rotational speed of the rotating object  12 . Through various inputs, the user configures the analyzer  28  to perform a Fourier Transform upon the time domain signals, utilizing a Fourier Transform function  50  included in the analyzer  28 . For example, for the manual mode of speed determination, the user may elect to input a value for Fmax. Fmax corresponds to a maximum display frequency and maximum lines of resolution. That is, selection of Fmax provides a finite number of data points (or some number of Hertz per frequency bin) for the analysis of the signals by the analyzer  28 . It is appreciated that the Fourier Transform function  50  may include other processing capabilities, including discrete Fourier and fast Fourier processing.  
         [0040]    After the digital signal processing components  46  process the analog signals to a digital format, the Fourier Transform function  50  converts the digital time domain signals to the frequency domain, creating power spectral density data or frequency spectra, and more particularly, a speed spectrum. The speed spectrum corresponds to the reflected signals by the rotating object  12 .  
         [0041]    Included in the base firmware of analyzer  28  are peak location algorithm  52  and peak fit algorithm  54  (FIG. 1). Due to a finite number of frequency bins, the algorithms enhance the frequency measurement accuracy of analyzer  28  by interpolation between the frequency bins. When incorporated as part of the optical speed sensing system  10 , the analyzer  28  displays a speed spectrum. The peak location algorithm  52  and peak fit algorithm  54  operate on the frequency domain signals. The peak location algorithm  52  can locate the fundamental peak of the lowest order major harmonic family, or the harmonic family of another user selected peak within the frequency spectra provided by the Fourier Transform function  50 . The analyzer  28  also includes a peak fit algorithm  54  which “fits” a curve to the frequency spectra, including the higher amplitude peaks in a harmonic family. The peak fit algorithm  54  increases the precision of the frequency measurement by interpolating between the finite number of frequency bins, enhancing the location of a peak and the accuracy of the speed measurement provided by the speed sensing system  10 .  
         [0042]    In the manual mode, the user of analyzer  28  may place a cursor on a frequency peak believed to be representative of the running speed of the object  12 . The peak location algorithm  52  and peak fit algorithm  54  operate on the speed spectrum to enhance the selection of a peak by the user. If the harmonic cursors are enabled by the user, the analyzer  28  will determine the major harmonic family of the frequency spectra associated with the user selected frequency peak. The analyzer  28  determines the frequency of the user selected peak, which is frequently the lowest order peak of the major harmonic family in the speed spectrum, indicating the rotational speed of the object  12 . The analyzer uses the user selected peak to calculate the revolutions per minute (RPM). Specifically: (frequency in Hertz)×60=revolutions per minute of the object  12 . The analyzer&#39;s display displays the speed to the user as calculated by the analyzer  28 .  
         [0043]    For example, FIG. 3 depicts the analog time domain signals output from the photodiode  36  for a rotating section of white felt belting. As shown in FIG. 3, the time domain signals corresponding to the reflection from white felt belting exhibit no distinctive discontinuities in reflectivity, or no single pulse per revolution that can be easily recognized as corresponding to the rotational speed of object  12 . With additional reference to FIG. 4, after processing the digitized signals with the Fourier Transform function  50  of the analyzer  28 , the lowest order frequency in the major harmonic family is seen to be about 27 Hertz, indicative of a motor running speed of about 1650 revolutions per minute (27 Hertz×60).  
         [0044]    In a most preferred embodiment, an automated method of speed measurement is used to determine the rotational speed of the object  12  (FIG. 1). For the automated method, user inputs to the analyzer  28  are minimal. It is preferred to use an analyzer  28 , such as the CSI 2120A Machinery Analyzer, as described above. As described further below, the system  10 , upon receiving the analog electrical time domain signals from the optical speed sensor  11 , automatically provides the rotational speed of the object  12  to a user.  
         [0045]    As described above, the reflected signals from the rotating object  12  are converted to analog electrical signals by the detector  18 , and output from the optical speed sensor  11  to the analyzer  28 . The analyzer  28  converts the analog signals to the digital domain (digitized signals) through its digital signal processing components  46 .  
         [0046]    After digitizing the analog electrical signals output from the detector  18 , the analyzer  28  uses the Fourier Transform function  50  to generate a speed spectrum from the digitized signals. During this time, the analyzer  28  also maintains the digitized data or time waveform data in memory contained in the analyzer  28 . It is preferred to carry out successive, and most preferably two Fourier Transform operations using the Fourier Transform function  50  on the digitized signals, thereby providing autocorrelation data for subsequent analysis by the analyzer  28  (FIG. 1). That is, for the automated method, it is most preferred to first apply the Fourier Transform function  50  on the digitized signals to generate a speed spectrum. Then, applying the Fourier Transform function  50  on the speed spectrum to provide the autocorrelation data. It is appreciated that the term “autocorrelation data” is not intended to limit the invention to any specific autocorrelation theories, etc. As described below, the analyzer  28  uses the autocorrelation data to provide a rotational speed determination to the user.  
         [0047]    The autocorrelation data is used in conjunction with a set of criteria, to automatically determine the rotational speed with a high degree of confidence, as described in detail below. The goal of autocorrelation is to find the similarities or “correlation” between a signal and a delayed version of the signal. Reflected light signal patterns by the rotating object  12  that are periodic in nature (repeat once per revolution) appear highest in amplitude in the autocorrelation data or on a displayed autocorrelogram, such as that shown in FIG. 7 for a simulated signal. The periodic signal or signals are usually harmonic in nature and are revealed in the autocorrelation data as peaks in multiples of the fundamental frequency.  
         [0048]    Additionally, signals that have little or no periodicity will not appear in the autocorrelation data. Random noise, such as random light reflections from rotating object  12  or other stray light signals that might be included in the input signal sample, are generally not periodic in nature. As such, these nonperiodic signals will not appear in the autocorrelation data. This has the effect of “unmasking” the desired periodic signals that are often not visible or recognizable in a simple time domain waveform. This enables the speed of rotating object  12  to be determined even where the object  12  has no apparent surface irregularities.  
         [0049]    FIGS.  5 - 9  depict time waveforms and spectra generated by simulating a return reflection from a rotating object  12 . An approximate 29.1 Hz. pulse generated by a function generator was input to the analyzer  28  instead of inputting a signal from the detector  18 . This was done in order to simplify the following discussion, generating less complex spectra than generally produced by rotating machinery.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 5 depicts frequency spectra corresponding to the simulated signal generated by the Fourier Transform function  50 . The frequency spectrum data or spectra are used by the system  10  in determining the rotational speed. After generating the frequency spectrum data, the analyzer  28  packs and stores the data into memory buffers. The data, however, is not yet displayed to the user on the analyzer display. The analyzer  28  preferably includes two 16K memory buffers, herein termed first memory buffer  51  and second memory buffer  55  for storing the data. The first memory buffer  51  contains the frequency spectrum data output by the first application of the Fourier Transform function  50  to the digitized data. This data is preserved because the frequency spectrum including the speed determination is subsequently displayed to the user, as described further below.  
         [0051]    At this point, the second memory buffer  55  is preferably filled in with zeros or reset. Before transferring the frequency spectrum from the first memory buffer  51  to the second memory buffer  55 , the data is conditioned by math operations  53 . Each data point in the first memory buffer  51  is preferably squared, and then converted to an integer in the range of about zero to about 32767. The analyzer  28  uses this range of data to generate a time waveform plot (FIG. 6). At this point, memory buffer two  55  contains the data points from memory buffer one  51  that have been converted to integers. The data in memory buffer one  51  preferably does not change.  
         [0052]    To remove any DC offset, the analyzer  28  preferably sets the first two data points in the second memory buffer  55  to zero. Zeros are used to fill in any excess data points in the second memory buffer  55  (FIG. 6). Next, the analyzer  28  applies a second Fourier Transform to the data in the second memory buffer  55  again using the Fourier Transform function  50  on the data, providing autocorrelation data. Preferably, the analyzer  28  applies a uniform window during the application of the Fourier Transform function  50  for the second time to obtain the autocorrelation data. It is also preferred to use a hanning window during the first application of the Fourier Transform function  50 .  
         [0053]    After applying the Fourier Transform function  50  for the second time, obtaining real and imaginary data, the analyzer  28  reads and stores the real portion of the data into the second memory buffer  55 . Preferably, negative values are set to zero and the positive values are squared before being stored. While the analyzer  28  does not actually display the data, FIG. 7 is shown for reference, and depicts Fourier Transform real data on a time plot (“autocorrelogram”). Although the data is actually time data, the analyzer  28  does not perform a peak search on a time plot, so the data is transferred directly to a spectral plot. FIG. 8 depicts the analyzer&#39;s output of the Fourier Transform real data on a spectral plot, i.e. autocorrelation data transferred to a frequency plot, for the simulated signal. The analyzer  28  then utilizes the peak location algorithm  52  on the data stored in the second memory buffer  55  to determine the twenty largest peaks, for example. Normally, the first few peaks are of highest amplitude, and the peak location algorithm  52  preferably determines the rotational speed of the object  12  when a first peak satisfies the following criteria  57 :  
         [0054]    A. The peak is not located in one of a first set of frequency bins (preferably the first ten),  
         [0055]    B. The peak amplitude is greater than about 0.30 multiplied by the largest amplitude on the plot (a select bin), and  
         [0056]    C. There is a peak located at about two times the peak frequency (+ or −Delta-F) that also satisfies the criteria in A and B.  
         [0057]    After a peak is chosen meeting the required criteria, another step is performed to check for another peak that the search routine might have missed. In the case of a repeating pattern, such as a pattern produced by fan blades and gear teeth, the reflected signal may have a plurality of reflective singularities of substantial amplitude. This will add many more peaks to the autocorrelation plot. In some cases, there can be more than 120 peaks. These peaks can vary in amplitude, and the first few peaks may not always be the largest.  
         [0058]    Continuing the example, the analyzer  28  only picks out the 20 largest peaks. However, the first few peaks may not be included in the list, resulting in the peak location algorithm  52  not selecting the correct peak. To solve this problem, when the analyzer  28  is performing the peak search to store the 20 largest peaks, the analyzer  28  also stores the first  10  peaks for example, regardless of amplitude. The peak location algorithm  52  proceeds as previously described and chooses a peak from the list of 20. At this point, the list of the first  10  peaks is searched to see if there is a peak that meets the following criteria  59 :  
         [0059]    A. The peak amplitude is greater than about 0.90 multiplied by the amplitude of the originally chosen peak.  
         [0060]    B. There is a peak located at about two times the new peak frequency (+ or −Delta-F) that also satisfies the criteria in A.  
         [0061]    If a peak matches the above criteria, then the peak is chosen.  
         [0062]    Table 1 lists the first nine peaks obtained using the peak location algorithm  52  for the simulated signal.  
                                         TABLE 1                                   Frequency (Cycles per minute (CPM))   Magnitude (G&#39;s)                                        1632   0.5077           3282   0.5039           4933   0.4990           6582   0.4941           8233   0.4871           9883   0.4800           11533   0.4708           13183   0.4624           14833   0.4496                      
 
         [0063]    By meeting the above criteria, the peak chosen from the autocorrelation data will be the first peak from a group of harmonic peaks that occur in multiples of the fundamental frequency. Each harmonic peak is separated by the amount of time for one revolution of the rotating object  12 . The chosen peak is the first peak, offset from zero time by the amount of time for one revolution of the rotating object  12 , therefore representing the turning speed. However, the data, which is actually time data, is still on a spectral plot. The chosen peak value must be converted to an offset on the time scale.  
         [0064]    According to this most preferred embodiment, the analyzer  28  converts the chosen peak according to the selection criteria back to time format. More particularly, the analyzer  28  divides the chosen peak frequency by Delta-F, and then multiplies this result by Delta-T. The result is a “best approximation” of the rotational speed of the object  12 . This “best approximation” is then used by the analyzer  28  as the cursor location on the original frequency spectrum stored in the first memory buffer  51 , which is displayed on the analyzer display to the user, thereby providing a best approximation of the speed to the user.  
         [0065]    As used herein, Delta-F=(Fmax/number of lines of resolution). (Delta-T=1/(Fmax multiplied by 2.56)). However, it is appreciated that specific values and criteria may be changed according to each speed determination. For the automated method, the analyzer  28 , according to the speed range selected by the user, automatically determines Fmax and the number of lines of resolution. The resolution obtained is defined as the spacing between each data point.  
         [0066]    The analyzer  28  then preferably uses the peak fit algorithm  54  to mark the peak, enhancing the accuracy of the “best approximation”, while also enabling moving harmonic cursors (FIG. 9). The user is now able to verify the rotational speed of the object  12  by pressing ‘Set RPM’ on the analyzer  28 , or the cursor can be manually moved to mark another peak. The cursor can also be moved by pressing the ‘F 4 ’ or ‘DVIDE PEAK’ keys, bringing up a menu that asks the user to enter an integer. The “best approximation” frequency is divided by the integer and the new peak marked. This option is useful in cases where multiple gear teeth or fan blades are present. If no peaks are found or if no peaks match the criteria, then the original spectrum will be displayed to the user with the cursors turned off.  
         [0067]    Having described the determination of the speed of a rotating object  12  using the system  10 , referring now to FIG. 10, a depiction of an alternative implementation of the focusing member  20  is shown. A second plastic lens  60  of approximately 12 millimeters in diameter, and being of plano-convex design, is located a distance behind the collecting lens  14 . The second lens  60  has a focal length of about ¼ of the focal length of the collecting lens  14 . The distance between the collecting lens  14  and second lens  60  is adjusted to form a collimated output beam from the second lens  60 .  
         [0068]    The collimated beam is necessary to produce nearly parallel rays for most efficient operation of the optical filter  38 , which is preferably located a short distance behind the second lens  60 . Only the portion of the collimated light which is in a narrow spectral range centered at a wavelength of about 650 nanometers, passes through the filter  38 . A third lens  62 , being identical in parameters to the second lens  60 , is preferably located a short distance behind the optical filter  38 . The third lens  62  focuses the collimated beam exiting the optical filter  38  onto the active area of a photodiode  36 . The photodiode  36  is responsive to the laser light at about 650 nanometers. As described above, the photodiode  36  converts the light intensity patterns to electrical time domain signals, which are made available for signal processing.  
         [0069]    As shown in FIG. 11, yet another embodiment of the focusing member  20  is shown. The third lens and the separate optical bandpass filter are eliminated by using a photodiode  36  with an integral optical bandpass filter  38 , i.e. the detector  18  as described above. Preferably, the photodiode  36  has an active area of approximately four millimeters 2 . The distance between the collecting lens  14  and the second convex lens  60  is adjusted so that the exiting light beam is collimated or slightly converging, so that substantially all of the received radiant flux is incident upon the active area of the photodiode  36 . It is preferred that the converging beam does not exceed a half angle of greater than ten degrees with respect to the coaxial center of the optical system.  
         [0070]    As shown in FIG. 12, a variation applicable to the embodiments described above is described. The light source  16  is preferably relocated. For example, a laser module, such as the module described above, may be housed anywhere within an enclosure proximate the optical system or circuitry. Alternatively, the laser module may be housed in a location remote from the instrument. In both instances, a small collimating lens  64  is installed in the center bore  32  of the collecting lens  14  proximate the location previously occupied by the light source  16 . A fiber optic member  66  conveys the radiant flux from the light source  16  to the small collimating lens  64 , wherein the collimating lens  64  directs the light beam to the target area of the rotating object  12 . A small coupling lens  68  is used to properly focus the light source  16  into the input end of fiber optic member  66 .  
         [0071]    This construction lends at least two advantages. First, locating the light source  16  offsite allows greater flexibility in the mechanical construction of the optical speed sensing system  10 . Second, since visible semiconductor lasers are limited as to maximum operating temperatures compared to most general semiconductor devices, the light source  16  can be located in a cooler environment, being coupled by the fiber optic member  66  to the collecting lens  14 .  
         [0072]    Most preferably, as shown in FIG. 13 the optical speed sensing system  10  includes a sensor housing  70  containing the optical processing and analog signal conditioning components, and a portable analyzer  28  for digitally processing the analog signals to provide a speed indication to a user of the optical speed sensing system  10 . A cable  74  provides the electrical path for the provision of power from the analyzer  28  to the components contained within the sensor housing  70 . The cable  74  also operates to carry the analog signals to the analyzer  28 . It will be appreciated that a battery can be provided internally within the sensor housing  70  and a suitable wireless communication system provided for transferring data to the analyzer  28 .  
         [0073]    As shown in FIG. 14, in accordance with another aspect of the system  10 , the optical speed sensor  11  and electronics are included in the analyzer housing to form a single handheld unit. Also, with reference to FIG. 15, a microprocessor  76  can be included on the circuit board  22 , wherein the microprocessor  76  performs the function of the analyzer  28 . Additionally, display  80  and keypad  82 , may be included for the user interface. Thus, a speed indication can be provided in one compact unit without requiring an external analyzer.  
         [0074]    The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.