Development of an edge detection sensor for planar objects

Using multiple light colours and optical fibres as a distributed vision sensor

Master thesis (2022)

Authors

M.B. van der Wielen Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

R.A.J. van Ostayen Mechatronic Systems Design - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
J.F.L. Goosen Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
G.J. Verbiest Dynamics of Micro and Nano Systems - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2022 Matthijs van der Wielen
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Published Date

09-11-2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

The use of optical fibres as distributed vision sensor within a contactless handling system is discussed in this study. The three primary light colours and a volume diffuser will be used to detect the edge of an object levitating on an air-bearing table. One building block of a bigger system is used that consists of one receiving fibre in the centre surrounded by three transmitting fibres, with each transmitting one primary light colour. Various experiments were executed to find a range where the object edge can be detected. The transition range for horizontal and vertical movement is found. The backscattering of light within the volume diffuser turned out to be much larger than thought. This backscattering causes a small light intensity range. Also, some disruptions in the emitted light caused no logical transition ranges. A model is made to see what happens to the transition ranges when the disruptions are eliminated. The red transmitting fibre is investigated to see the individual contribution to the light intensity received in the receiving fibre. The transition range got from that measurement is translated into the transition range for the green and blue transmitting fibres. Through interpolating the ranges, a total measurement range is found where the object edge can be detected at whatever angle the object is positioned. A bigger system can be made by connecting more building blocks. The proposal for future research is to investigate the positive or negative effects of connecting multiple building blocks.