Patent Publication Number: US-6341891-B1

Title: Pulsed laser thermometer

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/041,030 filed Mar. 12, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,453; which is a division of Ser. No. 08/617,265 filed Mar. 18, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,880; which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/348,978 filed Nov. 28, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,984; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/121,916 filed Sep. 17, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,392. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for more accurately measuring the temperature of a surface using infrared measurement techniques and, more particularly, to such a method and apparatus which utilizes a laser sighting device which is adapted to project a circumscribing laser sighting beam or beams for more clearly defining the periphery of the energy zone from which the temperature is measured. Generally speaking, this accomplished by rotating the laser beam about the periphery of the energy zone; by the use of two or more stationary laser beams which are focused on the periphery of the energy zone; or by the use of a controlled single laser beam directed towards two or more predetermined locations on the periphery of the energy zone. In an alternative embodiment, a single laser beam may be rotated around the periphery of the energy zone using, for example, slip rings. In another embodiment, the single rotating laser may be pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner in order to produce a series of intermittent lines outlining the energy zone, thus increasing the efficiency of the laser by concentrating its total wattage in a smaller area, causing a brighter beam. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Remote infrared temperature measuring devices (commonly referred to as infrared pyrometers or radiometers) have been used for many years to measure the temperature of a surface from a remote location. Their principle of operation is well known. All surfaces at a temperature above absolute zero emit heat in the form of radiated energy. This radiated energy is created by molecular motion which produces electromagnetic waves. Thus, some of the energy in the material is radiated in straight lines away from the surface of the material. Many infrared radiometers use optical reflection and/or refraction principles to capture the radiated energy from a given surface. The infrared radiation is focused upon a detector, analyzed and, using well known techniques, the surface energy is collected, processed and the temperature is calculated and displayed on an appropriate display. 
     Examples of such infrared radiometers are illustrated at pages J-1 through J-42 of the  Omega Engineering Handbook,  Volume 2B. See, also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,822 which issued to Alexander Stein et al. on Nov. 29, 1983 for a Laser Radiometer; U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,896 which issued to Keikhosrow Irani et al. on Jul. 9, 1985 for an Infrared Transducer-Transmitter for Non-Contact Temperature Measurement; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,235 which issued to Hitoshi Tominaga et al. for Radiation Type Thermometer on Dec. 8, 1992. Also see Baker, Ryder and Baker, Volume II,  Temperature Measurement in Engineering,  Omega Press, 1975, Chapters 4 and 5. 
     When using such radiometers to measure surface temperature, the instrument is aimed at a target or “spot” within the energy zone on the surface on which the measurement is to be taken. The radiometer receives the emitted radiation through the optical system and is focused upon an infrared sensitive detector which generates a signal which is internally processed and converted into a temperature reading which is displayed. 
     The precise location of the energy zone on the surface as well as its size are extremely important to insure accuracy and reliability of the resultant measurement. It will be readily appreciated that the field of view of the optical systems of such radiometers is such that the diameter of the energy zone increases directly with the distance to the target. The typical energy zone of such radiometers is defined as where 90% of the energy focused upon the detector is found. Heretofore, there have been no means of accurately determining the size of the actual energy zone unless it is approximated by the use of a “distance to target table” or by actual physical measurement. 
     Target size and distance are critical to the accuracy of most infrared thermometers. Every infrared instrument has a field of view (FOV), an angle of vision in which it will average all the temperatures which it sees. Field of view is described either its angle or by a distance to size ratio (D:S). If the D:S=20:1, and if the distance to the object divided by the diameter of the object is exactly 20, then the object exactly fills the instruments&#39;s field of view. A D:S ratio of 60:1 equals a field of view of 1 degree. 
     Since most IR thermometers have fixed-focus optics, the minimum measurement spot occurs at the specified focal distance. Typically, if an instrument has fixed-focus optics with a 120:1 D:S ratio and a focal length of 60″ the minimum spot (resolution) the instrument can achieve is 60 divided by 120, or 0.5″ at a distance of 60″ from the instrument. This is significant when the size of the object is close to the minimum spot the instrument can measure. 
     Most general-purpose IR thermometers use of focal distance of between 20″ and 60″ (50 and 150 cm); special close-focus instruments use a 0.5″ to 12″ focal distance. See page Z54 and Z55, Volume 28,  The Omega Engineering Handbook,  Vol. 28. 
     In order to render such devices more accurate, laser beam sighting devices have been used to target the precise center of the energy zone. See, for example, Pages C1-10 through C1-12 of  The Omega Temperature Handbook,  Vol. 27. Various sighting devices such as scopes with cross hairs have also been used to more accurately identify the center of the energy zone to be measured. See, for example, Pages C1-10 through C1-21 of  The Omega Temperature Handbook,  Vol. 27. 
     The use of a laser to pinpoint the center of the energy zone does not, however, provide the user with an accurate definition of the actual energy zone from which the measurement is being taken. This inability frequently results in inaccurate readings. For example, in cases where the area from which radiation limits is smaller than the target diameter limitation (too far from or too small a target), inaccurate readings will occur. 
     One method used to determine the distance to the target is to employ an infrared distance detector or a Doppler effect distance detector or a split image detector similar to that used in photography. However, the exact size of the energy zone must still be known if one is to have any degree of certainty as to the actual area of the surface being measured. This is particularly true if the energy zone is too small or the surface on which the energy zone encompasses is irregular in shape. In the case where the surface does not fill the entire energy zone area, the readings will be low and, thus, in error. 
     Similarly, if the surface is irregularly shaped, the readings will also be in error since part of the object would be missing from the actual energy zone being measured. Thus, the use of a single laser beam to the apparent center of the energy zone does not insure complete accuracy since the user of the radiometer does not know specifically the boundaries of the energy zone being measured. 
     As will be appreciated, none of the prior art recognizes this inherent problem let alone offers a solution to the problems created thereby. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of a surface using infrared techniques. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide such a method and apparatus which provides more accurate measurement of the surface temperature than by the use of techniques heretofore employed. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a method and apparatus which permits the user to visually identify the energy zone on the surface to be measured. 
     It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide such method and apparatus which employs a laser beam or beams for clearly outlining the periphery of the energy zone on the surface. 
     To the accomplishments of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a method and apparatus for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and controlling said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The beam would be controlled in such a fashion where it is directed to predetermined points of the target zone. This can be done mechanically or electrically. 
     Another embodiment of this invention employs a plurality of laser beams to describe the outline of the energy zone either by splitting the laser beam into a number of points through the use of optical fibers or beam splitters or the use of a plurality of lasers. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to rotate said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. This rotation can be by steps or continuous motion. 
     Another embodiment consists of two or more stationary beams directed to define the energy zone. The two or more laser beams could be derived from a dedicated laser to each beam or by means of beam splitters. This can be accomplished by mirrors, optics and fiber optics. 
     Another embodiment consists of a laser beam splitting device that emits one laser beam which is split into a plurality of beams that outline the energy zone. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the prior art type of radiometers using laser sighting devices; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the laser beam is circumscribing the target zone using a mirror, 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the manner in which the laser beam is relocated in stepped fashion to identify the energy zone; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the laser is pivoted about a pivot point by the use of mechanical motive means; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the laser is directed through a magnetic field to identify the target zone; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a number of individual laser beams are projected so as define the energy zone being measured; 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the laser is mechanically pivoted; 
     FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the positioning of fiber optics to create a pattern of the target zone with the laser beam; 
     FIG. 8 is a detailed sectional view of the another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the laser is mechanically pivoted about the detector, 
     FIGS. 9A-C illustrate alternative configurations of the targets which can be projected using the apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the invention wherein the laser is divided into a plurality of laser beams defining the energy zone by the use of optical fibers; 
     FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of a laser sighting device which may be used in conjunction with a radiometer in which the laser is rotated using slip rings; 
     FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a modified version of the laser sighting device of FIG. 11 with the sighting device mounted on an IR detector; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating still another modified version of the laser sighting device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention in which the laser sighting device utilizes twin laser beams provided on opposite sides of an IR detector; 
     FIG. 15 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 14; and 
     FIG. 16 is a top view of the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15. 
     FIG. 17 illustrates the intermittent lines formed by a laser which is pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Traditional, prior art radiometers have long employed laser sighting devices to assist in the proper aim and alignment of the instrument. FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of traditional, prior art, hand held radiometers. Such a radiometer, referred to generally by reference numeral  10 , include a laser site scope  12  which emits a laser beam  14  to a spot or target  18  on the surface  20  whose temperature is to be measured. This spot  18  is located in the center of the energy zone “E” which is to be measured by the radiometer  10 . This spot  18  includes a detector  16  which is connected to conventional internal circuitry and display means (not shown) for conversion, calculation and display of the temperature of the surface  20  calculated indirectly from the energy radiated from the surface within the energy zone E. Such energy is radiated in straight lines in all directions away from the surface  20  and captured with the detector  16  on the radiometer  10 . Using infrared radiation principles, the radiometer is thus able to capture and measure the infrared energy in the energy zone E and determine the surface temperature thereof. 
     The actual size and shape of the energy zone E is determined by the optics of the radiometer and the distance between the radiometer and the target. Each radiometer has a defined angle of vision or “field of view” which is typically identified in the instrument&#39;s specification sheet. The size of the energy zone E is predetermined when the field of view is known in conjunction with the distance to the target. Obviously, the further the radiometer is held to the target (i.e., the greater the distance), the larger the energy zone E. 
     This can be expressed in a “distance to spot size ratio.” For example, with a “distance to spot size ratio of 40:1 the periphery of the energy zone would have a 1” diameter at a distance of 40″ or, at a distance of 20″ the diameter of the energy zone would be {fraction (1/12)}″. The manufacturer of the pyrometer usually provides field of view diagrams for determining the energy zone at specific distances. 
     As can readily be appreciated, however, such laser aiming devices are merely able to identify the center of the energy zone being measured and not the outer periphery of the actual energy zone from which the measurement is being taken. The farther away from the surface the radiometer  10  is positioned, the larger the energy zone E. Thus, depending upon the size and configuration of the surface  20 , the actual energy zone E may, conceivably, include irregular shaped portions of the surface  20  or even extend beyond the edges of the surface. Of course, in such instances, the resultant measured temperature would be inaccurate. Without knowing the outer perimeter of such energy zone E, the user of the radiometer  10  would have no knowledge of such fact or that the resultant readings could be inaccurate. 
     The present invention provides a means for visibly defining the energy zone E so that the user of the radiometer  10  can observe the actual energy zone being measured to determine where it falls relative to the surface being measured. In the various embodiments of this invention, a fine laser line or lines is projected against the surface being measured and such line or lines is positioned so as to encompass the periphery of the energy zone E. If a rotating laser beam is employed, positioning can be effected, alternatively, by moving either the laser itself or the laser beam emitted from the laser. If the perimeter of the energy zone E could be identified on the object by the movement of the laser beam in a path about the circumference of the energy zone E, the user would be able to quickly and accurately determine if the energy zone from which the measurement was being taken was fully on the surface to be measured and whether its surface was of a type which would provide an otherwise accurate measurement. 
     The periphery of the energy zone E is identified as a function of the stated “field of view” of the particular radiometer as identified in its specifications and the distance between the radiometer and the target. Identification of the size and shape of the energy zone is easily done using conventional mathematical formulas. Once identified, the laser beam is then projected about the periphery of the energy zone E in accordance with the methods and apparatus hereinafter described. One simple “aiming” approach is to project the laser beam at the same angle as the field of view of the radiometer emulating from the same axis or, alternatively, by mechanically adjusting the laser beam angle in accordance with the “distance to spot size ratio” calculations. In either event, the periphery of the energy zone E would be identified by the laser beam. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention in which the laser aiming device  12  emits a laser beam  14  which is aimed at a mirrored surface  30  which is positioned in front of the laser beam  14 . The mirror  30  is rotated using motive means  32  so as to rotate the beam in a circular fashion to define the energy zone E on the surface being measured. Alternatively, the mirror  30  can be rotated by vibratory means or by the application of a magnetic field (not shown). Rotation of the mirror  30  should be at a refraction angle which corresponds to the 90% energy zone E thereby permitting the laser beam  14  to rotate about the periphery of the energy zone E thereby making it visible to the user of the radiometer  10 . 
     It should be appreciated that the laser aiming device  12  may be an integral part of the radiometer  10  or, alternatively, a separate unit that may be mounted on the radiometer  10 . 
     Alternatively, a prism can be used in place of the mirror  30  with predetermined angles to cause the prism to function as the reflecting mirror surface and, thereby, direct the laser beam about the perimeter of the energy zone. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the manner in which the laser beams can be used to outline the energy zone E on the surface to be measured. It is important that rotation of the beam  14  be carefully controlled so that rotation is at such a speed which can be visually followed. This will permit full beam intensity. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the laser beam is rotated about the energy zone E through a series of steps with the laser beam being permitted to remain in each step for at least one hundredth of a second before moving to its next position. This is accomplished by creating a plurality of steps E- 1 , E- 2  etc., around the energy zone E. The laser beam  114  would stop at each step for the predetermined period of time to permit the beam to be visually observed before moving to the next step. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which the laser  112  itself is rotated or displaced so as to scribe a circle which defines the energy zone E by mechanically pivoting the laser  112  about pivot point  120  using motive means  132 . Alternatively, the laser  112  can be rotated by vibratory means (not shown) or by the application of a magnetic field (not shown). Rotation of the laser  112  should, however, be at a refraction angle which corresponds to the 90% energy zone E thereby permitting the laser beam  114  to rotate about the periphery of the energy zone E to make it visible to the user of the radiometer  10 . 
     In FIG. 4, the laser  212  is rotated about a pivot point  220  by the application of a magnetic field  225  so as cause the emission of the laser beam  214  around the periphery of the 90% energy zone E to make the beam visible to the user of the radiometer  10 . In such embodiment, means (not shown) are provided for modifying the magnetic field  225  to correspond to the 90% energy zone so as to permit the laser to be rotated accordingly. 
     In FIG. 5, the laser  312  has at least two components  312 A and  312 B which produce at least two individual laser beams  314 A and  314 B about the detector  316 . These at least two individual beams  314 A and  314 B are directed to the surface  320  being measured at the perimeter of the energy zone E rather than at its center. Through the use of a number of such laser beams, the energy zone E becomes clearly identified rather than merely the center of the energy zone E. If desired, individual lasers can be used or laser splitting devices can be used to split a single laser beam. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention in which the laser  412  is mechanically pivoted in a circular fashion around the detector  416  so as to emit a laser beam  414  in a circular path on the surface (not shown) thereby defining the energy zone E. Laser  412  is pivotally mounted on pivot bearing  420  provided on connecting arm  421 . Arm  421  is mounted on pivot bearing  424  which is rotated by motor  422 . In such a manner, the laser beam  414  emitted from the laser  412  rotates about and outlines the energy zone E on the surface from which the temperature is being measured. 
     The rotation of the laser beam may also be effected using fiber optics techniques as shown in FIG. 7 in which the laser beam is projected through fiber optics means  501 . In such manner, the beam fans out from the laser source and encircles and thereby defines the energy zone E. By the use of a sufficient number of fiber objects, one can outline the circumference of the target area E with a light ring. This can be accomplished by as few as two fibers  501  positioned 180 degrees apart since the pick up pattern would be circular. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates still another means of effecting rotation of the laser beam  614  emitted from laser  612 . In this manner, the laser beam  614  is directed against a rotating flat surface mirror  630  where it is reflected against a plated plastic cone mirror  631 . The reflected beam is then projected to the surface and defines the perimeter of the energy zone E. The flat mirror  630  is driven by motor  622 . In such manner, the laser beam  614  rotates about the circumference of the energy zone E on the surface being measured. The mirrors are positioned at such an angle that the laser projection is at the same angle as the infrared detector pickup angle. 
     It will, of course, be appreciated that the energy zones E may assume configurations other than the circular configuration shown in FIGS. 1-8. FIGS. 9A-C illustrate alternative square (FIG.  9 A), rectangular (FIG. 9B) and triangular (FIG. 9C) configurations for the light patterns which may be accomplished using the means of the present inventions. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a method for defining the energy zone where a circular configuration can be accomplished without rotation of the laser beam wherein a plurality of fixed optical fibers positioned to project a number of spots is employed. In this figures, a fixed laser  712  projects a beam  713  which is split into a plurality of beams  714  by a bundle of optical fibers  715  in order to project a pattern  716  onto the surface defining the energy zone E. Additional configurations may also be used, if desired. 
     FIGS. 11-12 illustrate further embodiments of the present invention in which the laser is adapted to be rotated by the use of slip rings and counter weights. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates one such laser sighting device  1000 . Laser sighting device  1000  can be provided as an integral unit in combination with an IR detector (not shown) or, alternatively, may be self contained as a removable sighting device which can be attached to and removed from IR detectors. 
     The laser sighting device  1000  of FIG. 11 includes a laser  1012  powered by power source  1018  and which projects a laser beam  1014  against a target. The laser  1012  is pivotally mounted about pivot  1020 . Motor  1021  is provided for powering the sighting device and causing the laser  1012  to rotate. An external switch (not shown) may be provided to turn the motor  1021  on and off and, as such, the rotation of the laser  1012 . Upper and lower screw adjustments  1013  and  1017 , respectively, are provided for controlling the position of the laser  1012  and, more importantly, the direction of the laser beam  1014 . Upper screw adjustment  1013  is adapted to be used during non-rotation while lower screw adjustment  1017  is used during rotation of the laser  1012 . 
     The laser  1012  is powered with power source  1018 . Slip rings  1016  are provided to facilitate rotation of the laser  1012 . Upper and lower counterweights  1015 A and  1015 B, respectively, are provided above and below the laser  1012  and a return spring  1019  is also provided. 
     The laser  1012  of sighting device  1000  in FIG. 11 is adapted to rotate about the pivot  1020  when driven by the motor  1021 . Thus, the laser  1012  is able to project a laser beam  1014  in a circle-type pattern against a target (now shown). During rotation, the centrifugal force will act upon the counterweights  1015 A and  1015 B causing the laser  1012  to tilt. The angle at which it tilts can be controlled by the screw adjustments  1013  and  1017 . The angle is adjusted to correspond to the IR detector field of IR detector in which the sighting device is used. The laser beam  1014  will then follow the periphery of the target zone of the IR detector (not shown). Once the motor  1021  is turned off, the return spring  1019  will cause the laser  1012  to center. In this manner, the laser beam will now be in the center of the target zone. This serves as a calibration for the user and insures that the laser sighting device is properly aimed. 
     A slightly modified version of the laser sighting device of FIG. 11 is illustrated in FIG.  12 . Laser sighting device  1100  is shown in combination with an IR detector  1160  which has an IR field of view  1161 . Laser sighting device  1100  includes a laser  1112  which projects a laser beam  1114 . Laser  1112  is pivotally mounted on pivot  1120 . A counterbalance  1115  is provided on the side of the laser  1112  opposite the pivot  1115 . The laser  1112  is powered by power source  1118  and adapted to be rotated by motor  1121 . Slip rings  1116  are provided for facilitating the rotation of the laser  1112 . 
     The laser sighting device  1100  of FIG. 12 is adapted to operate in the same way as sighting device  1000  of FIG.  11 . As the laser  1112  is rotated about the pivot point  1120 , the laser beam  1114  is caused to be projected against the target (not shown) about the periphery of the IR field of view  1161  of the IR detector  1160 . 
     FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the laser sighting device of the present invention. Laser sighting device  1200  is provided as a stand-alone unit which may be mounted on and removed from standard IR detectors or radiometers. The sighting device  1200  includes a laser  1212  contained within the housing  1201  of the sighting device  1200 . Laser  1212  is adapted to project a laser beam  1214  against a target (now shown). The laser  1212  is powered by a power source (not shown). A motor  1221  is connected to the laser  1212  by rotational assembly  1227  thereby causing it to rotate within the housing  1201 . A slider  1226  is further provided to facilitate rotation of the laser  1212  within the housing. 
     Adjustment screw  1217  is further provided for controlling the position of the motor  1221  and, as such, the direction of the laser beam  1214 . A swivel ball  1222  is provided about the outward end of the laser  1212  which is seated in swivel ball seat  1220 . Spring washer  1218  is further provided adjacent the swivel ball  1222 . 
     The laser sighting device  1200  operates in substantially the same manner as the sighting devices depicted in FIGS. 11-12 in that the single laser  1212  is rotated by motor  1221  to cause the projecting laser beam  1214  to circle around the periphery of an IR field. 
     FIGS. 14-16 illustrate yet another version of the laser sighting device of the present invention shown in combination with a radiometer. In the embodiment of FIGS.  14 - 16  a conventional radiometer  1300  is provided. Radiometer includes a telescope aiming sight  1305  with a lens  1306  mounted on the top thereof. Telescope aiming sight  1305  permits the user to visually aim the radiometer  1300  against a target. 
     A pair of laser sighting devices  1312  are provided on opposite sides of the radiometer  1300 . Laser sighting devices  1312  include a laser  1314  provided within the laser sighting devices  1312  which are adapted to project a laser beam (not shown) toward a target on either side of the energy zone to be measured by the radiometer. In this manner, the laser beams are used to define the outer periphery of the energy zone being measured by the radiometer  1300 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the lasers depicted in FIGS. 11-16 may be pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner. FIG. 17 depicts the series of intermittent lines that serve to outline the energy zone in such an embodiment. The intermittent use of the laser in this embodiment results in an increase in the efficiency of the laser, which, in turn, allows for an increased concentration of the laser&#39;s total wattage in a smaller area, causing a brighter beam. 
     Having thus described the invention with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.