An inspection system for detecting optical defects in a transparency includes a first rounded array of first elongated light elements, and a second rounded array of second elongated light elements. The second rounded array is positionable radially outboard of the first rounded array. The inspection system further includes a light-element-moving system configured to radially translate at least the first elongated light elements. The inspection system also includes an image recording device positionable on a side of the transparency opposite the first and second rounded arrays and configured to record images of the transparency during radial translation of at least the first elongated light elements during backlighting of the transparency. The inspection system includes a processor configured to analyze the images recorded during radial translation of at least the first elongated light elements, and detect optical defects in the transparency based on analysis of the images.

A method is provided for measuring optical characteristics of a glass sheet as the glass sheet is conveyed in a system for fabricating glass sheets including one or more processing stations and one or more conveyors for conveying the glass sheet during processing. The method comprises providing a background screen including contrasting elements arranged in a pre-defined pattern and a camera for acquiring an image of the background screen; acquiring data associated with a shape of a glass sheet travelling on a conveyor upstream from the background screen; removing the glass sheet from the conveyor; and positioning the glass sheet between the camera and the screen and thereafter acquiring an image of the background screen; re-positioning the glass sheet for continued movement of the glass sheet on the conveyor; and performing one or more processing operations using the acquired image data to analyze the optical characteristics of the glass sheet.

In a rainfall amount measurement apparatus, raindrop amount information corresponding to an attachment amount of raindrops attached to an outer wall surface of a windshield of the vehicle in a measurement period is acquired based on an output of a detector configured to generate an output corresponding to the attachment amount of raindrops. The raindrop amount information is used to set a wiping interval in a wiper wiping the raindrops attached to the outer wall surface. The measurement value of a rainfall amount per unit time is calculated based on the raindrop amount information, and outputted to an outside of the vehicle.

A simulation method, implemented by computer, simulates the optical power of a laminated glass of given shape liable to be obtained by laminating at least two glass sheets and at least one lamination interlayer, the laminated glass being liable to have an edge, a first main face, and a second main face. The method is suitable for determining a minimum value of optical quality index which a combination of glass sheets must satisfy so as to form a laminated glass of given shape with a given optical quality constraint.

An abnormality in an imaging apparatus configured to generate an image or in an optical member located on an optical path for capturing the image can be accurately determined, irrespective of the environment. An image processing apparatus includes a first receiver configured to receive a first image, a second receiver configured to receive a second image having an imaging range that includes at least a portion of an imaging range of the first image, and a controller configured to determine an abnormality in the first image or the second image based on a common portion in the imaging ranges of the first image and the second image.

A glass sheet acquisition and positioning system and associated method are utilized in a glass sheet optical inspection system installed in-line in a glass sheet processing system. The acquisition and positioning system include an exterior support frame and a moveable glass sheet support frame connected to the exterior support frame such that the glass sheet support frame may be selectively positioned from first orientation whereby a glass sheet is removed from a conveyor and retained on the support frame, to a second orientation whereby the glass sheet is positioned for processing by the optical inspection system. The system may also include a glass sheet part identifier and a programmable control including logic for analyzing acquired image data and identifying the glass sheet as one of a set of known part types and thereafter securing and positioning the glass sheet on the glass sheet support frame based upon the part-shape analysis.

A method and apparatus are disclosed which enable the analysis of a break in a vehicle glazing panel without the attendance of a technician, the method and apparatus utilize capturing an image of the break and processing the image of the break to enable the suitability for repair or replacement of the glazing panel to be determined.

An optical rain sensor including a plurality of light detecting elements and a plurality of peripheral light emitting elements disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and surrounding a central light emitting element disposed on the PCB, wherein, in a first mode of operation, the central light emitting element is configured to emit light beams toward the plurality of light detecting elements, and wherein, in a second mode of operation, each of the peripheral light emitting elements is configured to emit light beams toward the plurality of light detecting elements.

The present invention relates to a testing device for a variable light transmittance window, and a testing device for a variable light transmittance window according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light source unit for irradiating light to a variable light transmittance window to measure optical characteristics of a suspended particle device (SPD) film; a detection unit for detecting the light irradiated from the light source unit and transmitted through the variable light transmittance window and outputting an electrical signal by means of the detected light; an AC power supply unit for supplying AC power to the variable light transmittance window; and a terminal for calculating the optical characteristics of the light transmittance variable window by using the electrical signal output from the detection unit. According to the present invention, there is an effect that makes it possible to automatically measure a physical parameter for confirming the optical characteristics of the variable light transmittance window.

A system and method are provided for inspecting an aircraft window for anomalies by directing light that is polarized at a first angle at the window and analyzing light emerging from the window. The light emerging from the window may be polarized at a second angle. One or both of the angles may be adjustable and, in a nominal position, the second angle may be rotated about 90-degrees relative to the first angle. A camera may record the light as polarized at the first and second angles. For a window installed on an aircraft, a vacuum hood may produce a pressure on the window. An analysis subsystem may be coupled to the camera to receive and analyze the image from the camera of light as polarized at the first and second angles. The analysis subsystem may use a database of information relating to light patterns for anomalous and non-anomalous windows.