Patent Application
20190369307
The present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation detector assembly which is useful in detecting objects of interest when it is used in a sorting device, and more specifically, to an electromagnetic radiation detector assembly which selectively detects, with an improved signal-to-noise ratio, bulk, and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation, and then generates a resulting image signal having greatly improved contrast.
The use of laser scanners, and the detectors for same in sorting machines or devices of various designs has long been known. Prior art laser scanner detectors have traditionally been configured to detect electromagnetic radiation having different degrees of either bulk scattered, or surface scattered radiation. These detectors have operated by utilizing one or more different shapes, and sizes of spatial input filters or apertures, and which are placed in front of an optical electromagnetic radiation input of these same detectors. In the case of detecting surface scatter electromagnetic radiation, the selected spatial input filter can take on the form of a central obscuration surrounded by an open, or transmissive ring that is a toroidal or donut shaped, and which is located in front of the optical input of the detector. Such spatial input filters typically favor bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation over surface scattered electromagnetic radiation. It should be understood that selecting different sized central obscurations, and ring diameters, can adjust the degree and the amount of the bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation which is collected by a laser scanner detector equipped with this type of detector arrangement.
One of the known advantages of a laser scanner employed in sorting devices as compared to other image capturing devices employed with such devices, is that multiple electromagnetic radiation detectors may be configured, and arranged, to detect multiple electromagnetic radiation effects, or other characteristics generated by a common laser source. More specifically, from just one laser electromagnetic radiation output there can be multiple detectors provided, and which further are optimized to detect different, and selected degrees of bulk scattering, surface scattering, polarization or even florescence. Obviously, more sophisticated sorting machine arrangements which might include, for example, multiple lasers having different electromagnetic radiation wavelengths, may also be present in the resulting laser scanner design. In these increasingly sophisticated designs, each laser which is provided may be associated with multiple different electromagnetic radiation detectors.
As should be appreciated, and as is well known in the art, laser scanner detectors associated with a common laser, and therefore a common electromagnetic radiation wavelength, presently cannot now be opto-mechanically arranged so as to share a common, optical return electromagnetic radiation signal path, and which might include bulk scattered and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation signals, as well as polarization information, by way of dichroic beam splitters. It should be appreciated that these common-laser detectors are traditionally arranged around or operationally cooperate with fractional amplitude optical beam-splitters that deviate the path of a common, optical return, electromagnetic radiation signal by a given amplitude. For example, there are commercially available 50/50 beam-splitters; 60/40 beam-splitters and 70/30 beam-splitters, etc.
While the use of fractional, amplitude beam-splitters is well known, such methods and arrangements for operably coupling and orienting laser scanner electromagnetic radiation detectors used in the past have limited the amount of the signal amplitude of every associated detector to something less than 100%. Thus, every associated laser scanner detector has reduced signal-to-noise ratios, which in turn, limits the amount of image contrast that can be generated in any resulting image signal provided by the electromagnetic radiation detectors which are utilized. Furthermore, and in order to achieve even an enhanced contrast, precise, highly accurate, opto-mechanical alignment devices are normally employed with a laser, and with the associated electromagnetic radiation detectors; beam-splitters and spatial input filters. Those skilled in the art will recognize that even with a small amount of misalignment or lack of orientation, of a detector, a beam-splitter or a spatial input filter, can result in significant and adverse effects on the electromagnetic radiation detector's response to the return electromagnetic radiation coming from an object of interest, for example, that is being sorted. Such opto-mechanical alignment is typically tedious, and time consuming, and further can require multiple, expensive, kinematic-type opto-mechanical mounts to co-align the related components in any sorting device which employs same.
The present invention avoids the prior art shortcomings, noted above, by providing an electromagnetic radiation detector which repeatedly demonstrates improved signal-to-noise ratios, enhanced alignment precision, and a novel means by which bulk scattered and surface scattered electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of an inspection zone may be received, and then processed in a manner not possible, heretofore.
A first broad aspect of the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation detector assembly which includes a source of electromagnetic radiation which is directed at an object of interest, and which is further scattered, at least in part, from the object of interest in bulk, and/or from a surface thereof, and which further moves in a direction towards the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly; an optical scatter mirror made integral with the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly, and which simultaneously optically interacts with the source of the bulk and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation coming from the object of interest so as to function, at least in part, as either a bulk scattered, and/or a surface scattered spatial input filter; and individual electromagnetic radiation detectors which are made integral with the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly, and which are further spatially oriented in fixed, predetermined locations relative to the optical scatter mirror, so as to selectively detect, with an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation; the surface scattered electromagnetic radiation; and/or another source of electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of the object of interest, and then generate a resulting image signal having improved contrast.
Still another aspect of the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation detector assembly which includes a housing having a main body with an outside facing surface, and an opposite, inside facing surface which defines an internal cavity having multiple discreet regions; an optical scatter mirror located within a first discreet region of the internal cavity, and wherein the optical scatter mirror has an aperture which is formed therein, and which passes therethrough; an optical beam splitter located within a second discreet region of the internal cavity, and which is further positioned in an optical receiving relationship relative to the aperture formed in the optical scatter mirror; a first electromagnetic radiation detector mounted in a first, predetermined location on the outside facing surface of the housing, and in a first, optical receiving orientation relative to the optical beam splitter; a second electromagnetic radiation detector mounted in a second, predetermined location on the outside facing surface of the housing, and in a second, optical receiving orientation receiving orientation relative to the optical beam splitter; a third electromagnetic radiation detector mounted in a third, predetermined location on the outside facing surface of the housing, and in an optical receiving orientation relative to the optical scatter mirror; and an optical bandpass filter which is mounted on the housing and disposed in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the optical scatter mirror, and which further passes a source of electromagnetic radiation which is optically scattered, at least in part, from an object of interest in bulk, and/or from a surface thereof, into the first discreet region of the internal cavity and to the optical scatter mirror which is located within the first discreet region of the internal cavity, and wherein the optical scatter mirror reflects and/or passes, at least in part, a portion of the scattered electromagnetic radiation which is passed by the optical band pass filter.
Still further and more specifically the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation detector assembly which includes a selectively adjustable base plate for supporting the electromagnetic radiation detector in a predetermined horizontal and vertical orientation, and wherein the base plate has an upwardly, and outwardly facing supporting surface, and which is further defined, in part, by a peripheral edge; a housing having a main body which defines an internal cavity having predetermined first, second, third and fourth regions, and which further has spaced apart, upper and lower outwardly facing surfaces, and first, second, third and fourth, outwardly facing sidewall surfaces which individually extend between the upper and lower outwardly facing surfaces of the housing, and wherein the lower and outwardly facing surface of the housing is mounted on the upwardly, and outwardly facing supporting surface of the selectively adjustable base plate; an optical scatter mirror mounted in a predetermined spatial and optical reflecting and transmitting orientation within the first region of the internal cavity as defined by the housing, and wherein the optical scatter mirror has an aperture formed therein, and which further extends therethrough; an optical beam splitter positioned within the second region of the internal cavity as defined by the housing, and wherein the optical beam splitter is located in a predetermined, spaced relationship, and in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical scatter mirror; a first lens received, and supported, at least in part, within the third region of the internal cavity as defined by the housing, and wherein the first lens is positioned in a predetermined, spaced relationship, and in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical beam splitter, and wherein the optical scatter mirror, optical beam splitter and first lens are linearly aligned along a first, predetermined line of reference, one relative to the others; a first electromagnetic radiation detector which is mounted on the third, outwardly facing sidewall surface of the housing, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the first lens; a second lens received and supported, at least in part, within the fourth region of the internal cavity as defined by the housing, and wherein the second lens is positioned in optical receiving relation relative to the optical beam splitter, and is further spatially oriented, laterally outwardly relative to the first, predetermined line of reference as defined, at least in part, by the optical scatter mirror, optical beam splitter, and the first lens; a second electromagnetic radiation detector mounted on the second, outwardly facing sidewall surface of the housing, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the second lens; a sensor mounting plate having a predetermined, spaced, outwardly facing, top and bottom surfaces, and which further defines an optical passageway which communicates with both of the outwardly facing, top, and bottom surfaces thereof, and wherein the outwardly facing, bottom surface of the sensor mounting plate is mounted on the upper, outwardly facing surface of the housing, and wherein the optical passageway of the sensor mounting plate is oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical scatter mirror, and which is further located within the first region as defined by the internal cavity of the housing; a third lens which is received and supported, at least in part, within the optical passageway as defined by the sensor mounting plate, and wherein the third lens is oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the first region of the internal cavity as defined by the housing; a third electromagnetic radiation detector which is mounted on the top, outwardly facing surface of the sensor mounting plate, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the third lens; an optical bandpass filter which is mounted in a spaced relationship relative to the first, outwardly facing sidewall of the housing, and which is further positioned in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the first region of the internal cavity, as defined by the housing, and the optical scatter mirror which is positioned within the first region, and wherein the optical band pass filter is further oriented along the first, predetermined line of reference; a first, optical polarizing lens which is mounted on the first, outwardly facing sidewall of the housing, and which is further oriented in a spaced, optical receiving relationship relative to the optical band pass filter, and wherein the first, optical polarizing lens is further positioned in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the first region of the internal cavity, as defined by the housing, and the optical scatter mirror which is positioned within the first region, and wherein the first, optical band pass filter is further oriented along the first, predetermined line of reference; and a second, optical polarizing lens which is mounted on the outside facing, bottom surface of the sensor mounting plate, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the first region of the internal cavity of the housing, and the optical scatter mirror which is positioned within the first region of the housing, and wherein the second, optical polarizing lens is further positioned in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the third lens which is supported, at least in part, within the optical passageway as defined by the sensor mounting plate, and wherein the optical scatter mirror; second, optical polarizing lens; third lens; and the third electromagnetic radiation detector are each oriented along a second, predetermined line of reference which is oriented in a perpendicular relationship relative to the first, predetermined line of reference.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.
This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
The electromagnetic radiation detector assembly of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in
The electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10 includes a housing 30 which is operable to be attached to the upwardly, and outwardly facing surface 13 of the selectively adjustable base plate 11. The housing 30 is defined, at least in part, by an outwardly facing surface 31, and an opposite, inwardly facing surface 32. The inside facing surface 32 defines an internal cavity 33. The aforementioned internal cavity 33 has discreet first, second, third and fourth regions, and which are generally indicated by the numerals 34, 35, 36 and 37, respectively. The respective regions of the internal cavity 33 are operable to optimally position various subcomponents of the present invention, and which will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.
The housing 30, as discussed, above, is defined, at least in part, by an upper, top or outwardly facing surface 40, and a lower, bottom or outwardly facing surface 41, and which is disposed in a predetermined, substantially parallel, spaced relationship, one relative to the other. Still further the housing 30 is defined, at least in part, by first, second, third and fourth outwardly facing sidewall surfaces, and which are generally indicated by the numerals 42, 43, 44 and 45, respectively. These respective first, second, third and fourth outwardly facing surfaces generally define a rectangular housing structure providing at least some outer peripheral boundaries for the first, second, third and fourth regions of the internal cavity 33. While the housing 30, as seen in the drawings is depicted as a generally rectangular shaped structure, it is conceivable that other shapes could work with equal success assuming the spatial orientations of the components of the invention, as will be discussed, hereinafter, could be achieved by the new housing shape which was selected.
As seen in the drawings, and more specifically by reference to
As best seen by reference to
A filter detector mounting plate 70 (
Referring now to
Referring still to
As further seen in
As best seen in
A third, surface scattered electromagnetic radiation detector 130 is located laterally, outwardly relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and which further receives a source of bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of an object of interest, and which further is reflected by the optical scattering mirror 80, and in the direction of the third electromagnetic radiation detector 130. This aspect of the invention will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. The third electromagnetic radiation detector 130 includes an electrical coupler 131 which allows the third electromagnetic radiation detector to send, to a controller, electrical signals having improved contrast thereby allowing better sorting decisions to be made, for example, during a sorting operation, and which is being done on a stream of objects of interest passing through an inspection station. The third surface scattered electromagnetic radiation detector 130 further includes a sensor element 132 (
Referring now to
The prior art sorting device or machine 200, as seen in
As will be appreciated from a study of the drawings (
Referring now to
Similar to what was discussed with regard to the prior art device 200, as seen in
The first, second and third electromagnetic radiation detectors 111, 112, and 130, respectively, each generate an electrical image signal 350, 351 and 352 respectively. These signals are in response to the bulk and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation received by their respective electromagnetic radiation sensors. These respective electrical signals 350, 351 and 352, respectively, are each supplied to a controller 370, and which then takes these same electrical signals and then processes them into electrical images which are then utilized by the controller 370 to determine whether the object of interest 303 has acceptable features, or unacceptable features, from a sorting perspective. The controller 370 is well known in the art, and further produces a controller signal 372 which operably controls each of the electromagnetic radiation detectors 111, 112, and 130. Still further the controller 370 receives and provides electrical signals 371 from or to the laser scanning mirror 312, and which operably controls the speed of rotation of the rotating laser scanning mirror 312 so that a determination can be made by the controller 370 as to the location of any object of interest 303, and which is moving along the line of sight 302. Similar to the prior art device 200, in the event the controller 370 identifies an object of interest having undesirable characteristics, the controller 370 can then send a control signal 374 to a prior art pneumatic ejector 373, and which can then be used to remove any undesirable object of interest 303 from a product stream passing through the inspection station 301, and which was discussed, above.
The present invention 10, as described, above, also relates to a method for detecting an object of interest 303, as earlier described. In this regard, the methodology includes a first step of providing a source of electromagnetic radiation 310, and directing the source of electromagnetic radiation 310 toward an object of interest 303 to be detected, and which is further optically scattered from the object of interest in bulk 314, and/or from a surface thereof 315, and which further travels in a direction away from the object of interest 303, along a common, return, electromagnetic radiation signal pass 316. This methodology includes another step of providing a housing 30, and positioning the housing 30 along the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316, and further defining within the housing 30, an internal cavity 33, having a first and second discreet regions 34 and 35, respectively. The methodology as shown in the attached drawings further includes a step of positioning an optical scattering mirror 80 in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316, and within the first region 34, of the internal cavity 33. This step includes another step of forming a predetermined aperture 83, in the optical scattering mirror 80, and which further extends therethrough. The methodology of the present invention includes another step of positioning an optical beam-splitter 90, within the second, discreet region 35 of the internal cavity 33, of the housing 30, and in an optical receiving relationship relative to the predetermined aperture 83, and which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80. The method of the present invention includes another step of positioning a first electromagnetic radiation detector 111, on the housing 30, and then orienting the first electromagnetic radiation detector 111 in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical beam-splitter 90. The optical scattering mirror 80, optical beam-splitter 90, and the first, electromagnetic radiation detector 111 are co-axially oriented relative to the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. The method of the present invention includes another step of positioning a second, electromagnetic radiation detector 112 on the housing 30, and then orienting the second, electromagnetic radiation detector 112 in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical beam-splitter 90, and laterally, outwardly, relative to the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 313. The methodology of the present invention includes another step of positioning a third, electromagnetic radiation detector 130 on the housing 30, and then orienting the third, electromagnetic radiation detector 130 in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and which is further located in the first discreet region 34 of the internal cavity 30, and laterally, outwardly, relative to the common electrical signal path 316. The method includes another step, and wherein the housing, optical scattering mirror 80, optical beam-splitter 90, and first and second and third electromagnetic radiation detectors 111, 112 and 130 respectively, in combination, form the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10. Finally, the present methodology includes a step of adjustably positioning, by means of the adjustable base plate 11, the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10 in a predetermined vertical and horizontal orientation 18 and 19, respectively, so as to orient, in unison, the optical scattering mirror 80; optical beam-splitter 90; and first, second, and third electromagnetic radiation detectors 111, 112 and 130, respectively, in an optimal position so as to selectively detect, with an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation 314; the surface scattered electromagnetic radiation 315; and/or another source of electromagnetic radiation 317, such as the electromagnetic radiation being generated by an energized background 305, and then generating image signal 350, 351, and 352, respectively, having improved contrast.
The methodology of the present invention includes another step of positioning an optical band pass filter 72, on the housing 30, and then mounting the optical band pass filter 72 in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and further optically transmitting with the optical band pass filter 72 the source of electromagnetic radiation 310 which is optically scattered 314, and 315, at least in part, from the object of interest 303; and/or from a surface of the background element 304, into the first discreet region 34, of the internal cavity 33, and to the optical scattering mirror 80 which is located within the first discreet region 34, of the internal cavity 33. The method of the present invention includes another step, and wherein the step of forming the aperture 83 in the optical scattering mirror 80 further comprises forming the aperture 83 having a given shape; and orienting the optical scattering mirror 80 in a predetermined, non-perpendicular orientation relative to the common electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. This step further includes correlating the given shape of the aperture 83 with the predetermined, non-perpendicular orientation of the optical scattering mirror 80 as measured relative to the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. This step further includes another step of positioning the aperture 83, having the given shape, along the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316 by adjusting the horizontal and vertical positions 18 and 19, respectively, of the housing 30. The method of the present invention includes another step of positioning a first lens 104, at least in part, within a third discreet region 36 which is defined by the internal cavity 33, of the housing 30, and positioning the first lens 104, in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical beam-splitter 90, and in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the first electromagnetic radiation detector 111. The present methodology includes another step of positioning a second lens 105, at least in part, within a fourth discreet region 37, and which is defined by the internal cavity 33, of the housing 30, and positioning the second lens 105 in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical beam-splitter 90, and in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the second, electromagnetic radiation detector 112. The present methodology includes another step of positioning a third lens 144 in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and further in an optical transmitting relation relative to the third, electromagnetic radiation detector 130. The method of the present invention includes still another step of providing a first optical polarizing lens 65, and positioning the first optical polarizing lens on the housing 30, and further orienting the first optical polarizing lens in a spaced, optical receiving relationship relative to the optical band pass filter 72, and further positioning the first optical polarizing lens 65, in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the first discreet region 33 of the cavity 30 as defined by the housing 30, and along the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. The method of the present invention includes still another step of providing a second optical polarizing lens 66, and which is positioned on the housing 30, and further orienting the second, optical polarizing lens 66 in an optical receiving relationship relative to the first, discreet region 34, of the internal cavity 33, of the housing 30, and the optical scattering mirror 80, which is positioned within the second discreet region of the housing 30. The method includes still another step of positioning the second optical polarizing lens 66 in an optical transmitting relation relative to the third lens 130, and simultaneously orienting the optical scattering mirror 80; second optical polarizing lens 60; third lens 144 and third electromagnetic radiation detector 130 along a predetermined line of reference 52 which is oriented in a perpendicular relationship relative to the common electromagnetic radiation signal path 316, and a line of reference 51.
The operation of the described embodiments of the present invention are believed to be readily apparent, and are briefly summarized in the paragraphs which follow.
In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10 which includes a source of electromagnetic radiation 310 which is directed at an object of interest 303, as seen in
The present invention 10, as described, above, includes a housing 30 which defines an internal cavity 33, and which further encloses the optical scattering mirror 80. The housing 30 further mounts the individual electromagnetic radiation detectors 111, 112 and 130 respectively on given exterior facing surfaces thereof. The housing 30 which carries the respective optical scattering mirror 80, and the individual electromagnetic radiation detectors, as described, above, is selectively movably adjustable in both a predetermined horizontal, and vertical planes 19, and 18, respectively. The present invention 10, and more specifically the source of electromagnetic radiation 310 includes a narrow beam of electromagnetic radiation which includes one or more predetermined bands of electromagnetic radiation. The other source of electromagnetic radiation 317 coming from the direction of the object of interest 303 is typically generated, at least in part, by a selectively energizable background element 305 (Shown in hidden lines in
The present invention 10, and more specifically the electromagnetic radiation 310 as described, above, and which includes bulk and/or surface scattered electromagnetic radiation 314 and 315, respectively, and which comes from the direction of the object of interest 303, each share a common, return, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. As should be apparent by studying
In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, it will be recognized that the optical scattering mirror 80 has a polygonal or block shaped main body 81, and which defines one angled, and planar mirror or reflective surface 82. The reflective surface 82 is oriented in a non-perpendicular, and at least a partially reflecting orientation relative to the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. The optical scattering mirror 80 reflects, at least in part, and passes, at least in part, the scattered electromagnetic radiation 314 and 315, and/or other electromagnetic radiation 317, coming from the direction of the object of interest 303, and in the direction of at least one of the electromagnetic radiation detectors 111, 112 and 130, respectively.
As will be appreciated from a study of the drawings, the optical scattering mirror 80 has an aperture 83 formed in a predetermined location therein, and which extends therethrough. The aperture 83 which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80 is substantially coaxially aligned with the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316 by the adjustment of the position of the housing 30, by utilizing the adjustable base plate 11. The optical scattering mirror 80 is located between the object of interest 303, and at least one of the electromagnetic radiation detectors such as 111, and which is further individually coaxially aligned with the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the aperture 83, which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80 has a given shape which is correlated with the predetermined non-perpendicular orientation of the optical scattering mirror 80, as measured relative to the common, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316. In one possible form of the invention, the aperture 83 which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80 includes a centrally disposed obscuration 86 which renders the optical scattering mirror 80 optically effective to function as a bulk scattered spatial input filter for the electromagnetic radiation 314, 315, and 317, respectively, and which comes from the direction of the object of interest 303. As also seen in the drawings, the aperture 83, which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80, as illustrated, is non-occluded, and which further renders the optical scattering mirror 80 effective to function as a surface scattered spatial input filter for the electromagnetic radiation 314, 315 and 317, respectively, and which further comes from the direction of the object of interest 303. As seen in
The present invention 10 further includes an optical filter 72, and which is mounted on the housing 30, and which further operates to optically select, and then optically pass surface scattered electromagnetic radiation 315 having a predetermined polarization, and which is coming from the direction of the object of interest 303, or the background element 304, for example. The aperture 83 which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80, and as seen in the drawings, is non-occluded, and which further renders the optical scattering mirror 80 operable to function as a polarized, surface scattered spatial input filter for the electromagnetic radiation 314, 315 and 317, respectively, and which comes from the direction of the object of interest 303. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the optical filter 72 having the predetermined polarization optically selects, and then optically passes vertically oriented, surface scattered electromagnetic radiation 315. In another possible form of the invention, the optical filter having the predetermined polarization optically selects, and then optically passes horizontally oriented surface scattered electromagnetic radiation 315.
In one possible form of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10 has at least one electromagnetic radiation detector 111, 112, or 130 which functions as a bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation detector, and which further is coaxially oriented relative to the aperture 83, and which is further formed in the optical scattering mirror 80. The aperture 83 receives, and then optically passes, the bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation 314 which comes from the direction of the object of interest 303. Still further, and in another possible form of the invention, a surface scattered electromagnetic radiation detector is located laterally, outwardly, relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and which further receives the surface scattered electromagnetic radiation 315 from the direction of the object of interest, and which is further reflected by the optical scattering mirror 80, and in the direction of the surface scattered electromagnetic radiation detector, as provided.
In another possible form of the invention at least one of the electromagnetic radiation detectors 111, 112 and 130, respectively operates as a surface scattered electromagnetic radiation detector which is coaxially oriented relative to the aperture 83 which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80, and which further receives, and then optically passes the surface scattered electromagnetic radiation which comes from the direction of the object of interest 303. Still further a bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation detector is located laterally outwardly relative to the optical scattering mirror 80 and which further receives the bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of the object of interest 303, and which is further reflected by the optical scattering mirror 80 in the direction of the bulk scattered electromagnetic radiation detector. In another possible form of the invention an electromagnetic radiation polarizer detector 65 and 66, respectively, are provided and which are borne by the housing 30 of the electromagnetic detector assembly 10. The electromagnetic radiation polarizer detector 65 is further coaxially oriented relative to the non-occluded aperture 83, and which is formed in the optical scattering mirror 80 so as to detect a given polarization of the surface scattered electromagnetic radiation which is received by the optical scattering mirror 80. In still another possible form of the invention a fluorescent electromagnetic radiation detector may be mounted on the housing 30, and further is positioned in a given orientation relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and which additionally detects a given fluorescent electromagnetic radiation coming from the direction of the object of interest 303.
More specifically the present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10 which includes a selectively adjustable base plate 11 for supporting the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10 in a predetermined horizontal, and vertical orientation 19, and 18, respectively. The base plate 11 has an upwardly, and outwardly facing supporting surface 13, and which is further defined, in part, by a peripheral edge 15. The present invention includes a housing 30 having a main body which defines an internal cavity 33. The internal cavity is further defined, in part, by predetermined, first, second, third and fourth regions, 34 through 37, respectively. The housing 30 is further defined, in part, by spaced apart, upper and lower outwardly facing surfaces 40 and 41, respectively, and first, second, third and fourth outwardly facing sidewall surfaces 42 through 45, and which further individually extend between the upper and lower outwardly facing surfaces 40 and 41, of the housing 30. The lower and outwardly facing surface 41, of the housing 30 is mounted on the upwardly, and outwardly facing supporting surface 13, of the selectively adjustable base plate 11. The present invention 10 includes an optical scattering mirror 80 which is mounted in a predetermined spatial, and optical reflecting, and transmitting orientation within the first region 34 of the internal cavity 33, as defined by the housing 30 and which further optically interacts with electromagnetic radiation which comes from the direction of the aforementioned inspection station and toward the electromagnetic radiation detection assembly 10. The optical scattering mirror 80 has an aperture 83 which is formed therein, and which further extends therethrough. The present invention 10 also includes an optical beam splitter 90 which is positioned within the second region 35, of the internal cavity 33, as defined by the housing 30. The optical beam splitter 90 is located in a predetermined, spaced relationship, and in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical scattering mirror 80. The present invention 10 further includes a first lens 104 which is received, and supported, at least in part, within the third region 36, of the internal cavity 33, as defined by the housing 30. The first lens 104 is positioned in a predetermined, spaced relationship, and in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical beam splitter 90. The optical scattering mirror 80, optical beam splitter 90, and the first lens 104 are coaxially aligned along a first predetermined line of reference 51, one relative to the other.
The present invention as described in the paragraphs, above, further includes a first electromagnetic radiation detector 111 which is mounted on the third outwardly facing sidewall surface 44 of the housing 30, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the first lens 104. Still further, the present invention includes a second lens 105 which is received, and supported, at least in part, within the fourth region 37, of the internal cavity 33, as defined by the housing 30. The second lens 105 is positioned in optical receiving relation relative to the optical beam splitter 90, and is further spatially oriented laterally, outwardly, relative to the first predetermined line of reference 51, as defined, at least in part, by the optical scattering mirror 80, optical beam splitter 90, and the first lens 104. The present invention 10 includes a second electromagnetic radiation detector 112 which is mounted on the second, outwardly facing sidewall surface 43, of the housing 30, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the second lens 105.
The present invention 10 includes a sensor mounting plate 133 having predetermined, spaced, outwardly facing, top and bottom surfaces, and which further defines an optical passageway 135 which communicates with both of the outwardly facing top and bottom surfaces thereof. The outwardly facing bottom surface of the sensor mounting plate 133 is mounted on, or juxtaposed relative to, the upper, outwardly facing surface 40, of the housing 30. The optical passageway 135, which is defined by the sensor mounting plate 133, is oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical scattering mirror 80. As earlier discussed, the optical scattering mirror 80 is located within the first region 34, as defined by the internal cavity 33, of the housing 30. The present invention 10 also includes a third lens 144 which is received, and supported, at least in part, within the optical passageway 135 as defined by the sensor mounting plate 133. The third lens 144 is oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the first region 34, of the internal cavity 33, as defined by the housing 30. The present invention as seen in the drawings also includes a third, electromagnetic radiation detector 130 which is mounted on the top, outwardly facing surface of the sensor mounting plate 133, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the third lens 144.
The present invention 10, as described in the paragraphs, above, further includes an optical band pass filter 72 which is mounted in a spaced relationship relative to the first, outwardly facing sidewall 42 of the housing 30, and which is further positioned in an optical transmitting relation relative to the first region 34, of the internal cavity 33, as defined by the housing 30, and is further disposed in spaced relation relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and which is positioned within the first region 34. The optical band pass filter 72 is further oriented along the first, predetermined line of reference 51. A first, optical polarizing lens 65 is mounted on the first outwardly facing sidewall 42 of the housing 30, and is further oriented in a spaced, optical receiving relationship relative to the optical band pass filter 72. The first optical polarizing lens 65 is further positioned in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the first region 34, of the internal cavity 33, as defined by the housing 30. Still further, the polarizing lens 65 is coaxially oriented relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and which is positioned within the first region 34. The first optical polarizing lens 65 is further oriented along the first predetermined line of reference 51.
The present invention further includes a second, optical polarizing lens 66 which is mounted on the outside facing, bottom surface of the sensor mounting plate 133, and which is further oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the first region 34, of the internal cavity 33, of the housing 30. The second, optical polarizing lens 66 is also oriented in an optical receiving relationship relative to the optical scattering mirror 80, and which is positioned, as discussed, above, within the first region 34, of the housing 30. The second, optical polarizing lens 66 is further positioned in an optical transmitting relationship relative to the third lens 144, and which is further supported, at least in part, within the optical passageway 135, as defined by the sensor mounting plate 133. The optical scattering mirror 80, second, optical polarizing lens 65, third lens 144, and the third electromagnetic radiation detector 130 are each oriented along a second, predetermined line of reference 52 which is oriented in a perpendicular relationship or orientation relative to the first, predetermined line of reference 51.
The present invention 10, as described in the paragraphs immediately, above, is operable to process a source of electromagnetic radiation 310 which is first directed at an object of interest 303, and which is further optically scattered, at least in part, from the object of interest, in bulk 314, and/or from a surface thereof 315, and which further moves in a direction towards the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10. As discussed, above, the optical scattering mirror 80 which is made integral with the electromagnetic radiation detector 10 simultaneously interacts with the source of the bulk and/or surface scatter electromagnetic radiation 314 and 315, respectively, and which is coming from the direction of the object of interest 303 or background element 304, so as to function, at least in part, as a bulk scattered, and/or surface scattered spatial input filter. It is important to note that the optical scattering mirror 80 does not function to pass generated electromagnetic radiation which is moving in a direction towards the objects of interest 303, and which are passing through an inspection station as seen in
Therefore it will be seen that the present invention 10 provides many advantages over the prior art teachings which have been utilized in various sorting devices, and other machines in the past. In particular, the present invention avoids many shortcomings of the prior art inasmuch as the selectively adjustable housing 30 provides a very convenient means by which the electromagnetic radiation detector assembly 10 can be precisely oriented or positioned so as to be placed along the common, return, electromagnetic radiation signal path 316, as illustrated in
In compliance with the statute, the present invention has been described in language more or less specific, as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalence.
