Patent Description:
Conventional systems employ backlit screens and/or multiple light sources to direct light onto multiple surface and/or sides of the test specimen. Such a system requires a complex arrangement of lights and cameras, as well as one or more purpose-built backlit screens to locate and track features of the specimen, which increases cost, invites errors in system set-up, and requires intensive computational resources. Thus, a more direct system of measuring a specimen under test is desirable.

<CIT> discloses monitoring the striction of a material regardless of its aspect by two 3D cameras. <CIT> discloses a method for quasi-simultaneous measurement of changes in length and/or width and/or thickness on elongated material samples, and a device for carrying out the method. <CIT> discloses a process and apparatus for measuring the thickness of a probe during a tension test. <CIT> discloses systems and methods for detecting crack growth in a material test specimen. <CIT> discloses a real-time video extensometer. <CIT> discloses a method of monitoring the surface of the sample under test comprising illuminating the surface with light polarised in a first direction, and viewing light reflected from the surface through a polarising filter arranged at <NUM>° to the first direction. <CIT> discloses apparatuses and methods for warpage measurement including surface flatness, deformation and/or coefficient of thermal expansion.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for conducting deformation (e.g., extension and/or strain) measurements based on characteristics of a test specimen using light sourced from a defined point of view (e.g., a single side of a test specimen). In some examples, the light source is arranged on a single side of the test specimen relative to a back screen yet configured to illuminate both a front surface of the test specimen and the back screen, which is configured to reflect light from the light source to create a silhouette of the test specimen.

This technique allows the width of the test specimen to be measured in multiple axial locations, providing advantages to "single line" measurement technique. In some examples, a back screen is used in combination with the single light source to define a silhouette of the specimen, as viewed from an imaging device arranged on the same side of the specimen as the light source.

In disclosed examples, a single imaging device or camera captures images of one or more markers on the front surface of the test specimen, as well as measuring position of the markers during the testing process. In some examples, the imaging device also measures relative changes in position of the edges of the test specimen during the testing process, by analyzing the edges of the silhouetted image created by the reflective back screen. In addition, one or more image processing algorithms can be executed, to measure a width of the test specimen by identifying the transition edges of the specimen as they appear as a dark silhouette in front of the illuminated back screen.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to develop further improvements with respect to an extensometer system that employs light sourced from a defined point of view and a single imaging device to capture light reflected from one or more markers and/or a reflective back screen.

These and other features and advantages of the claimed invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. According to the claimed invention there is provided a system according to claim <NUM> wherein a back screen is used for imaging the test specimen.

The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:.

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for conducting deformation (e.g., extension and/or strain) measurements based on characteristics of a test specimen using light sourced from a defined point of view (e.g., a single side of a specimen). In some examples, the light source is arranged on a single side of the test specimen relative to a back screen yet configured to illuminate both a front surface of the test specimen and the back screen, which is configured to reflect light from the light source to create a silhouette of the test specimen. In disclosed examples, a light source can be employed to provide both front and rear illumination for image capture of a test specimen's features, when combined with a vision-based camera, to perform deformation measurements. In disclosed examples, the characteristics can include the size, shape, and/or absolute or relative location of the markers and/or the edges of the test specimen.

As described herein, material testing systems, including material testing systems that apply tension, compression, and/or torsion, include one or more components that incur displacement and/or load bearing to apply and/or measure stresses on a test specimen. In some examples, a video extensometer system is employed in specimen strain testing, which can include one or more of collecting high resolution images, providing the images to an image processor, analyzing the images to identify one or more specimen characteristics corresponding to deformation, displacement or strain value, and generating an output corresponding to the characteristics. In a disclosed example, the identified characteristics from the one or more collected images are compared against one or more sources, such as a list of threshold values, a comparison of the characteristic from an image collected previously (i.e. prior to testing). In some examples, a value of the identified characteristic may be applied to one or more algorithms to generate an output corresponding to deformation, displacement or strain value associated with the test specimen.

Video processing that employs extensometers may include an external machine vision imaging device connected to a processing system or computing platform and/or video processing hardware and use software and/or hardware to convert the data from the camera to an electrical signal or having a software interface compatible with the materials testing system.

As disclosed herein, camera based image capture (e.g., vision or video) systems are implemented in materials testing systems for measurement of strain on the test specimen. Such systems collect multiple images of the specimen under test (i.e. during a testing process), with the images being synchronized with other signals of interest for the test (such as specimen load, machine actuator and/or crosshead displacement, etc.). The images of the specimen are analyzed (e.g., in real-time and/or post-test) by algorithms to locate and track specific specimen characteristics as the test progresses. For instance, a change in a location, size, shape, etc., of such characteristics allows for test specimen deformation to be calculated, which leads in turn to analysis and calculation of specimen strain.

Specimen characteristics may correspond to markings and/or patterns applied to the surface of the test specimen facing the imaging device. For example, image analysis can be performed by the extensometer system (e.g. via one or more processors) to determine a first or initial location of a mark(s), to track the mark(s) as they move (e.g., relative to one another) as the test progresses. Multiple markings may be applied to the surface of the test specimen facing the imaging device. For example, relative movement of pair groupings is used to gauge lengthbased strain measurement (i.e. axial marks, transverse marks, etc.). Quasi-random speckle patterns of markers may be used as well applying similar tracking and analysis techniques (e.g., via Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques).

As explained herein, conventional systems employ dedicated and precisely controlled rear lighting, which involves creating a consistently lit background (using, for example, an actively lit back screen) positioned directly behind the test specimen as viewed by the extensometer system imaging device. The specimen will then appear as a silhouette against the bright background, and the camera is now able to see a clear delineation of the specimen edges with algorithms applied to make precise specimen width measurements, and in turn compute transverse specimen width deformation during the test.

The invention described in the following sections provides an active lighting solution that enables appropriate lighting conditions to be established for both the front face and background of the specimen, using a single active lighting element.

Conventional video extensometers for tracking and measuring marks on the face of a specimen may use polarizing filters between the front light and the specimen, and between the specimen and imaging lens. This arrangement is to make the marks appear bright against a dark specimen surface. Such systems employ image processing algorithms to determine the locations of the marks on the front of the specimen and thereby calculate the instantaneous specimen gage length as well as the changes in specimen gage length from the value(s) at the start of the test (i.e. axial and/or transverse deformation).

Conventional video extensometers may also track and measure edges of the specimen. For example, the test specimen is silhouetted against a brightly lit background, having a dark appearance to the camera. The image processing algorithms then determine the edges of the specimen and calculate the width of the specimen and track changes in specimen width compared to the initial width at the beginning of the test (i.e. transverse deformation).

As described herein, conventional video extensometers that measure the width of the test specimen require precisely controlled background lighting conditions. This is achieved by including an active backlight system, with its associated cost, mounting requirements as well cable management system. In the case of a video extensometer that will be used to measure features from the front specimen surface (e.g., axial strain markers) as well as the width of the specimen (e.g., transverse specimen edge based strain), there is presently a limitation which imposes the need for two light sources: one to illuminate the front of the test specimen; and one to produce the necessary background illumination to provide a dark specimen silhouette for edge detection.

The present disclosure provides improvements to conventional systems, providing illumination to a test specimen as well as a background to the test specimen by employing light from a single direction and/or a single light source. The disclosed video extensometer system further employs an imaging device to capture images of the test specimen during the test process to measure one or both of a front surface of the test specimen (e.g., one or more marks and/or patterns to calculate axial and/or transverse strain and/or generate strain maps) and edge-based measurements (e.g., to calculate strain based on changes in test specimen width).

In some examples, a single light source (or multiple light sources arranged on a single side of the test specimen relative to the back screen) is used to perform two distinctly separate illumination tasks within the test system. The light source provides even illumination to a surface of the test specimen facing the light source. In some examples, the light source provides light directly toward the surface of the test specimen and the back screen (e.g., at a <NUM>-degree angle to the surface) sufficient to illuminate both. In this manner, marks and/or patterns are applied to that surface are directly illuminated by the light source. Additionally, the light source provides a reflective (i.e. passive) back screen with illumination, which in turn provides a bright background upon which the specimen is silhouetted and contrasted against.

In some examples, the light source is arranged at a non-orthogonal angle to one or both of the test specimen and the back screen. In such an example, a material and/or surface of one or both of the marks, patterns, or back screen may be configured to reflect incident light to an image capture system. For instance, the image capture system may be arranged collinear with the light source, and/or at an angle complementary to the light source (i.e. with respect to an angle of incidence on one or both of the test specimen or the back screen).

The arrangement of components in the disclosed extensometer system provides for capture of both front lit and rear lit specimen features, with the use of a single active lighting source. Backlighting conditions sufficient to create a dark silhouette of the test specimen are achieved by the addition of a simple, low cost, passive back screen. Thus, an advantage over conventional designs that require the addition of expensive secondary active backlight sources.

Moreover, illumination changes and balancing of front and rear relative brightness levels can be achieved by adjustments in the absolute positions and angular orientations of the camera, the light source, test specimen, and/or back screen.

Advantageously, by use of the unique arrangement of components, accurate and consistent tracking of such marks/patterns is achieved without dedicated and precisely controlled light sources for each of the specimen and the screen, as required in conventional systems. Similarly, determination of transverse specimen strain is achieved by identification and tracking of edges of the test specimen during the test process.

In disclosed examples, an extensometer system for measuring deformation on a test specimen includes one or more light sources to direct light to a surface of a test specimen and a screen, wherein the test specimen is arranged between the one or more light sources and the screen; and an imaging device to capture images of the test specimen while subjected to a stress-inducing force via a testing system, the imaging device configured to transmit the images to a processor to calculate deformation of the test specimen as a result of the stress-inducing force.

In some examples, a processor configured to receive two or more images of the test specimen from the imaging device; and compare a first image to a second image to determine a change in a characteristic of the test specimen as a result of the stress-inducing force.

In some examples, the test specimen further comprises one or more markers arranged on the surface of the test specimen. In examples, the characteristic is one of a size, shape or location of the one or more markers. In examples, the characteristic is one of a size, shape or location of an edge of the test specimen.

In some examples, deformation is determined in two orthogonal directions. In examples, deformation is determined in the axial direction and in the transverse direction.

The light source emits infrared light. In some examples, the light source emits polarized light. In some examples, the imaging device is configured to capture polarized light or polarized infrared light reflected from the screen or the test specimen, wherein the markers reflect light from the light source to the imaging device and the screen reflects light to create a dark silhouette of the test specimen for edge analysis.

In examples, the light source or the imaging device further comprises a filter.

In some examples, an auxiliary camera link connector input for receiving an image of the test specimen, which is subjected to a stress-inducing load. In examples, the processor includes a field programmable gate array. In examples, the processor and the field programmable gate array are located on the single circuit board.

In disclosed examples, an extensometer system for measuring deformation on a test specimen includes a testing system to subject a test specimen to one or more forces; one or more light sources to direct light to a surface of the a test specimen and a screen, wherein the test specimen is arranged between the one or more light sources and the screen; and an imaging device to capture images of the test specimen while subjected to a stress-inducing force via the a testing system, the imaging device configured to transmit the images to a processor to calculate deformation of on the test specimen as a result of the stress-inducing force.

The screen further comprises a collimating filter. In some examples, the collimating filter comprises a first collimating filter and a second collimating filter, the first collimating filter arranged in a first orientation on the screen and the second collimating filter arranged in a second orientation on the screen different from the first orientation. In examples, the screen further comprises a reflective filter.

In disclosed examples, an extensometer system for measuring deformation on a test specimen includes a screen comprising a reflective surface; one or more light sources to direct light to a surface of the a test specimen and the reflective surface of the screen, wherein the test specimen is arranged between the one or more light sources and the screen; and an imaging device to capture images of the test specimen while subjected to a stress-inducing force via the a testing system, wherein the images are generated from light reflected from one or markers on the test specimen or from light reflected from the screen to create a silhouette of the test specimen.

In some examples, the imaging device is configured to transmit the images to a processor to calculate deformation of on the test specimen as a result of the stress-inducing force. In examples, a testing system to subject the test specimen to one or more forces to provide the stress-inducing force.

As used herein, a "crosshead" refers to a component of a material testing system that applies directional (axial) and/or rotational force to a specimen. A material testing system may have one or more crossheads, and the crosshead(s) may be located in any appropriate position and/or orientation in the material testing system.

Referring now to the figures, <FIG> is an example extensometer system <NUM> to measure changes to one or more characteristics of a test specimen <NUM> undergoing a mechanical property testing. The example extensometer system <NUM> may be connected to, for example, a testing system <NUM> capable of mechanical testing of the test specimen <NUM>. The extensometer system <NUM> may measure and/or calculate changes in the test specimen <NUM> subjected to, for example, compression strength testing, tension strength testing, shear strength testing, bend strength testing, deflection strength testing, tearing strength testing, peel strength testing (e.g., strength of an adhesive bond), torsional strength testing, and/or any other compressive and/or tensile testing. Additionally, or alternatively, the material extensometer system <NUM> may perform dynamic testing.

In accordance with disclosed examples, the extensometer system <NUM> may include the testing system <NUM> for manipulating and testing the test specimen <NUM>, and/or a computing device or processing system <NUM> communicatively coupled to the testing system <NUM>, the light source, and/or the imaging device, as further shown in <FIG>. The testing system <NUM> applies loads to the test specimen <NUM> and measures the mechanical properties of the test, such as displacement of the test specimen <NUM> and/or force applied to the test specimen <NUM>.

The extensometer system <NUM> includes a remote and/or an integral light source <NUM> (e.g., an LED array) to illuminate the test specimen <NUM> and/or a reflective back screen <NUM>. The extensometer system <NUM> includes a processing system <NUM> (see also <FIG>) and a camera or imaging device <NUM>. The light source <NUM> and the imaging device <NUM> are configured to transmit and receive in the infrared (IR) wavelengths; however, other wavelengths are similarly applicable in other examples outside the scope of the appended claims. In some examples, one or both of the light source <NUM> or the imaging device <NUM> include one or more filters (e.g., a polarizing filter), one or more lenses. In some examples, a calibration routine is performed (e.g., a two-dimensional calibration routine) to identify one or more characteristics of the test specimen <NUM>, one or more markers <NUM> (including a pattern of markers), is additionally used.

In some examples, the back screen <NUM> is configured to reflect light from the light source <NUM> back to the imaging device <NUM>. For example, a surface of the back screen <NUM> may be configured with properties to enhance reflection and/or direct reflected light toward the imaging device. Properties can include a shape of the back screen <NUM> (e.g. in a parabolic configuration), and/or a treatment to increase reflection (e.g., application of cube corner reflectors, a reflective material, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a filter <NUM> can be arranged and/or applied to a surface to increase the amount of reflection and/or direct reflected light in a desired direction and/or wavelength.

The filter <NUM> is configured at least as a collimating filter, to provide as much reflected light as possible toward the imaging device <NUM> and away from other nearby components. For instance, the collimating filter directs light toward the imaging device <NUM>, regardless of angle of incidence of the light from the light source <NUM> on the test specimen <NUM> and/or back screen <NUM>. In some examples, the light source <NUM> and imaging device <NUM> are arranged on a single side of the test specimen <NUM> and/or back screen <NUM>. Thus, the reflected light might otherwise reflect off of the screen at an angle away from the imaging device <NUM>. The use of a collimating filter concentrates the reflected light in a desired direction (e.g., toward the imaging device). In some examples, the collimating filter includes two or more collimating filters, with a first collimating filter arranged in a first orientation on the back screen <NUM> and the second collimating filter arranged in a second orientation on the back screen <NUM> (e.g., orthogonal to the first orientation).

In disclosed examples, the computing device <NUM> may be used to configure the testing system <NUM>, control the testing system <NUM>, and/or receive measurement data (e.g., transducer measurements such as force and displacement) and/or test results (e.g., peak force, break displacement, etc.) from the testing system <NUM> for processing, display, reporting, and/or any other desired purposes. The extensometer system <NUM> connects to the <NUM> and software utilizing standard interfaces that includes Ethernet, analog, encoder or SPI. This allows the device to be plugged into and used by existing systems without the need for specialized integration software or hardware. The extensometer system <NUM> provides axial and transverse encoder or analog information in real-time to materials testing machine <NUM>. Real-time video extensometer <NUM> and materials testing machine <NUM> exchange real-time test data, including deformation, extension and/or strain data, with the external computer <NUM>, which may be configured via a wired and/or wireless communications channel. The extensometer system <NUM> provides measurement and/or calculation of deformation, extension and/or strain data captured from the test specimen <NUM> subjected to testing in the materials testing machine <NUM>, which in turn, provides stress and deformation, extension and/or strain data to the processor <NUM>.

As disclosed herein, the captured images are input to the processor <NUM> from the imaging device, where one or more algorithms and/or look up tables are employed to calculate multiple axes of deformation, extension and/or strain values for the test specimen <NUM> (i.e., the change or percentage change in inter-target distance as calculated by image monitoring of the markers <NUM> affixed to the test specimen <NUM>). Following computation, the data may be stored in memory or output to a network and/or one or more display devices. I/O devices, etc. (see also <FIG>).

<FIG> is an example test specimen <NUM> for measurement in the extensometer system <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, one or more markings are applied to the surface <NUM> facing the light source <NUM> and imaging device <NUM>. Grip sections <NUM> is configured for placement within a grip of the testing system <NUM> (see also <FIG>), and apply force to the test specimen <NUM>. For example, a cross-member loader applies force to the specimen <NUM> under test, while the grips grasp or otherwise couple the test specimen <NUM> to the testing system <NUM>. A force applicator such as a motor causes the crosshead to move with respect to the frame to apply force to the test specimen <NUM>, as illustrated by double arrow <NUM>. Forces <NUM> pulling the grip sections <NUM> away from one another may elongate the test specimen <NUM>, resulting in the markings moving from a first position 20A to a second position 20B. Additionally or alternatively, the markings may change shape or size, which may also be measured by the processing system <NUM> in view of the captured images. The forces <NUM> may also cause the edges of the test specimen to move from a first position 22A to a second position 22B. For example, at the first or initial position, the edges have a width 24A, which is reduced to width 24B upon application of the forces <NUM>.

Based on the captured images, the processing system <NUM> is configured to implement an deformation, extension and/or strain on measurement process. For example, to detect an deformation, extension and/or strain on the test specimen <NUM>, the processing system <NUM> monitors the images provided via the imaging device <NUM>. When the processing system <NUM> identifies a change in relative position between two or more of the markers and/or the edges of the test specimen <NUM> (e.g., compared to an initial location at a beginning of movement of the crosshead), the processing system <NUM> measures the amount of change to calculate the amount of deformation, extension and/or strain on the test specimen <NUM>. As disclosed herein, the markers are configured to reflect light from the light source to the camera, whereas the back screen reflects light to create a dark silhouette for edge analysis.

<FIG> show arrangements for a video extensometer system <NUM> to measure one or both of axial deformation (based on changes in markers <NUM> and/or a pattern of markers on the test specimen <NUM> front surface <NUM>), and transverse deformation (calculated from changes in width of the specimen <NUM>). The components of the video extensometer system <NUM> are shown in a side perspective in <FIG> and a top perspective in <FIG>, with general locations of each component relative to the others. As shown, the components include an imaging device <NUM> (e.g., a video camera) configured to capture one or more images of the test specimen <NUM> during the physical test (e.g., at regular intervals, continuously, and/or based on one or more threshold values associated with time, force, or other suitable test characteristic).

One or more light sources <NUM> emit light <NUM> to illuminate a surface <NUM> of the test specimen <NUM> and a screen <NUM> that is arranged facing a rear surface of the test specimen <NUM> opposite the light source <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, light <NUM> incident on markers <NUM> is reflected back as light <NUM> directed toward imaging device <NUM>. The reflected light <NUM> is captured by the imaging device <NUM> and provided to the processing system <NUM> to allow for analysis of characteristic changes to the markers <NUM> during the testing process. In some examples, the light source(s) <NUM> are arranged to direct light off-axis (e.g., in an upwards, sideways, and/or downwards direction shown from a top elevation in view of <FIG>), and angled to illuminate both the front surface <NUM> of the test specimen <NUM> and the back screen <NUM>.

As shown, a passive (i.e. lacking active illumination source) back screen <NUM> is arranged to the rear of the test specimen <NUM>, designed with reflective properties and of a size suitable to present a uniformly bright background to the video extensometer imaging device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, light <NUM> incident on back screen <NUM> is reflected back as light <NUM> directed toward imaging device <NUM>. The reflected light creates a darkened silhouette of the test specimen <NUM>, allowing the imaging device <NUM> to capture images of the edges <NUM>, and changes thereof, during the testing process.

The test specimen <NUM> located between the imaging device <NUM> and the back screen <NUM>. The test specimen <NUM> features suitable marks <NUM> on the front facing surface <NUM> of the test specimen <NUM>. Analysis of the one or more images associated with the video extensometer system <NUM> is implemented via processing system <NUM> to perform identification algorithms that allow both the test specimen <NUM> markings <NUM> and the test specimen edges <NUM> to be continuously tracked and measured during the test process.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example extensometer system <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the extensometer system <NUM> includes the testing system <NUM> and the computing device <NUM>. The example computing device <NUM> may be a general-purpose computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device, a server, an all-in-one computer, and/or any other type of computing device. The computing device <NUM> of <FIG> includes a processor <NUM>, which may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU). In some examples, the processor <NUM> may include one or more specialized processing units, such as FPGA, RISC processors with an ARM core, graphic processing units, digital signal processors, and/or system-on-chips (SoC). The processor <NUM> executes machine-readable instructions <NUM> that may be stored locally at the processor (e.g., in an included cache or SoC), in a random access memory <NUM> (or other volatile memory), in a read-only memory <NUM> (or other non-volatile memory such as FLASH memory), and/or in a mass storage device <NUM>. The example mass storage device <NUM> may be a hard drive, a solid-state storage drive, a hybrid drive, a RAID array, and/or any other mass data storage device. A bus <NUM> enables communications between the processor <NUM>, the RAM <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, the mass storage device <NUM>, a network interface <NUM>, and/or an input/output interface <NUM>.

An example network interface <NUM> includes hardware, firmware, and/or software to connect the computing device <NUM> to a communications network <NUM> such as the Internet. For example, the network interface <NUM> may include IEEE <NUM>. X-compliant wireless and/or wired communications hardware for transmitting and/or receiving communications.

An example I/O interface <NUM> of <FIG> includes hardware, firmware, and/or software to connect one or more input/output devices <NUM> to the processor <NUM> for providing input to the processor <NUM> and/or providing output from the processor <NUM>. For example, the I/O interface <NUM> may include a graphics-processing unit for interfacing with a display device, a universal serial bus port for interfacing with one or more USB-compliant devices, a FireWire, a field bus, and/or any other type of interface. The example extensometer system <NUM> includes a display device <NUM> (e.g., an LCD screen) coupled to the I/O interface <NUM>. Other example I/O device(s) <NUM> may include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a pointing device, a microphone, an audio speaker, a display device, an optical media drive, a multi-touch touch screen, a gesture recognition interface, a magnetic media drive, and/or any other type of input and/or output device.

The computing device <NUM> may access a non-transitory machine-readable medium <NUM> via the I/O interface <NUM> and/or the I/O device(s) <NUM>. Examples of the machine-readable medium <NUM> of <FIG> include optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile/video discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks), portable storage media (e.g., portable flash drives, secure digital (SD) cards, etc.), and/or any other type of removable and/or installed machine-readable media.

The extensometer system <NUM> further includes the testing system <NUM> coupled to the computing device <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the testing system <NUM> is coupled to the computing device via the I/O interface <NUM>, such as via a USB port, a Thunderbolt port, a FireWire (IEEE <NUM>) port, and/or any other type serial or parallel data port. In some examples, the testing system <NUM> is coupled to the network interface <NUM> and/or to the I/O interface <NUM> via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.), either directly or via the network <NUM>.

The testing system <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a load cell <NUM>, a displacement transducer <NUM>, a cross-member loader <NUM>, material fixtures <NUM>, and a control processor <NUM>. The frame <NUM> provides rigid structural support for the other components of the testing system <NUM> that perform the test. The load cell <NUM> measures force applied to a material under test by the cross-member loader <NUM> via the grips <NUM>. The cross-member loader <NUM> applies force to the material under test, while the material fixtures <NUM> (also referred to as grips) grasp or otherwise couple the material under test to the cross-member loader <NUM>. The example cross-member loader <NUM> includes a motor <NUM> (or other actuator) and a crosshead <NUM>. The crosshead <NUM> couples the material fixtures <NUM> to the frame <NUM>, and the motor <NUM> causes the crosshead to move with respect to the frame to position the material fixtures <NUM> and/or to apply force to the material under test. Example actuators that may be used to provide force and/or motion of a component of the extensometer system <NUM> include electric motors, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, relays, and/or switches.

While the example testing system <NUM> uses a motor <NUM>, such as a servo or direct-drive linear motor, other systems may use different types of actuators. For example, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, and/or any other type of actuator may be used based on the requirements of the system.

Example grips <NUM> include compression platens, jaws or other types of fixtures, depending on the mechanical property being tested and/or the material under test. The grips <NUM> may be manually configured, controlled via manual input, and/or automatically controlled by the control processor <NUM>. The crosshead <NUM> and the grips <NUM> are operator-accessible components.

The extensometer system <NUM> may further include one or more control panels <NUM>, including one or more mode switches <NUM>. The mode switches <NUM> may include buttons, switches, and/or other input devices located on an operator control panel. For example, the mode switches <NUM> may include buttons that control the motor <NUM> to jog (e.g., position) the crosshead <NUM> at a particular position on the frame <NUM>, switches (e.g., foot switches) that control the grip actuators <NUM> to close or open the pneumatic grips <NUM>, and/or any other input devices to control operation of the testing system <NUM>.

The example control processor <NUM> communicates with the computing device <NUM> to, for example, receive test parameters from the computing device <NUM> and/or report measurements and/or other results to the computing device <NUM>. For example, the control processor <NUM> may include one or more communication or I/O interfaces to enable communication with the computing device <NUM>. The control processor <NUM> may control the cross-member loader <NUM> to increase or decrease applied force, control the fixture(s) <NUM> to grasp or release a material under test, and/or receive measurements from the displacement transducer <NUM>, the load cell <NUM> and/or other transducers.

The example control processor <NUM> is configured to implement an deformation, extension and/or strain measurement process when a test specimen <NUM> is subjected to testing in the testing system <NUM>. For example, to detect an deformation, extension and/or strain on the test specimen <NUM>, the control processor <NUM> monitors the images provided via the imaging device <NUM>. When the control processor <NUM> identifies a change in relative position between two or more of the markers <NUM> and/or the edges <NUM> of the test specimen <NUM> (e.g., compared to an initial location at a beginning of movement of the crosshead <NUM>), the control processor <NUM> measures the amount of change to calculate the amount of extension and/or strain on the test specimen <NUM>. For example, real-time video provided by the imaging device <NUM> captures the absolute position of markers <NUM> and/or edges <NUM>, and monitors their relative movement over the course of the several images to calculate deformation, extension and/or strain in real time. The stress data and the deformation, extension and/or strain data exchanged among the real-time video extensometer <NUM>, the testing system <NUM> and the processing system <NUM>, and typically organized and displayed via the display device <NUM>.

Some implementations may comprise a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., FLASH drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, or the like) having stored thereon one or more lines of code executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to perform processes as described herein. As used herein, the term "non-transitory machine-readable medium" is defined to include all types of machine-readable storage media and to exclude propagating signals.

Claim 1:
An extensometer system (<NUM>) for measuring deformation on a test specimen (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more infrared light sources (<NUM>) to direct infrared light to a surface of a test specimen;
a screen (<NUM>) including a collimating filter (<NUM>), wherein the test specimen is arranged between the one or more infrared light sources and the screen; and
an imaging device (<NUM>) to capture infrared light images of the test specimen while subjected to a stress-inducing force via a testing system, the imaging device configured to transmit the images to a processor to calculate deformation of the test specimen as a result of the stress-inducing force;
wherein the collimating filter is configured to direct infrared light reflected from the surface of the test specimen towards the imaging device.