Operating Principles

Quartz scanners all employ Phase Vision's SmartFringe technology. This is a 3rd generation structured light system (sometimes known as fringe projection system). This offers great resilience to ambient light, and allows measurement of challenging surfaces and materials.

The system operates by projecting sequential patterns onto the object being inspected or measured. These "structured light" patterns are captured with a camera, the results analysed, and the dimensions of the object computed.

The SmartFringe technology brings many benefits over older white–light technologies. Principle amongst these is the capability to operate with reduced contrast between the black and white stripes of the structured light pattern.

This is a significant breakthrough, as compared with competing technologies it allows scanning of:

• Surfaces with high levels of light absorption – such as carbon fibre and composites
• "Bright" surfaces, such as many machined metals
• Components in bright environments, such as workshops, factories or hangars
• Larger components, where the projected light energy is spread over a large area

Wherever real–world environments or difficult materials challenge optical measurement systems, SmartFringe technology brings a significant benefit.

SmartFringe

The Quartz scanners use proprietary advanced numerical algorithms to ensure robust, accurate measurements.

SmartFringe algorithms detect the lowest fundamental frequencies for the light patterns – essentially detecting polarised/orthogonal sinewaves. This allows the system to "work with nature". We no longer have to project sharp, focused stripes as older structured light systems do. By eliminating those sharp edges, we minimise the load on the optics – enabling better measurements.

The orthogonal polarisation of the light patterns enables additional diagnostics and health checking, ensuring that outliers are rejected mathematically – and enabling the scanner to monitor its own calibration status.

Why not contact us for a demo to learn what it can do for you?