Optical path alignment guide

Abstract

It is critical to take high resolution images of the sides of a train while the train is moving. A lens cap with a slit will be placed over the camera lens to direct the focus of the camera, which is likely a line scan camera. In addition to the lens cap a pair of blinders will extend a certain distance outward from the camera to block dust and debris and ambient light. A anti-reflective surface will be placed on the interior of the surface of the blinders to prevent glare and ambient light from interfering with the image that will be taken by the camera.

Claims

1. An optical path alignment guide, which is comprised of a. a camera; wherein the camera has a first end and a second end; wherein a bracket base is attached to the first end of the camera; wherein a groove base is attached to the bracket base; wherein the camera has a lens; wherein the camera produces an image; b. a lens cover; wherein the lens cover is a predetermined size; said lens cover fits over the lens of the camera; wherein a slit is provided on the lens cover; c. a pair of blinders, wherein the pair of blinders are a predetermined shape; wherein the pair of blinders have an interior surface and an exterior surface; wherein the pair of blinders extend a predetermined distance from the first end of the camera; wherein the pair of blinders are parallel to each other; wherein the pair of blinders are positioned perpendicular to the camera; an antireflective surface; wherein an anti-reflective surface is placed on the interior surface of the pair of blinders; d. a means to secure the blinders provided where the blinders are secured to the groove base; e. external lighting; wherein external lighting is provided.

2. The optical path alignment guide wherein the camera is a line scan camera.

3. The optical path alignment guide wherein the image from the camera is in a range of fourteen micrometers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the camera with the blinders attached to the side of the camera.

(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the blinders and the attachment means

(3) FIG. 3 is a top view of the blinders

(4) FIG. 4 is a side view of the blinders

(5) FIG. 5 is a front view of the blinders.

(6) FIG. 6 is an in-use view of the lighting and cameras with the blinders installed on a truss in the field.

NUMBERING REFERENCES

(7) 5 Camera 10 Blinders 15 Bracket Base 20 Groove Base 25 Pan Head Screw 30 Anti-Reflective Wall 40 Truss 45 Truss Lighting

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(8) A plurality of cameras 5 will take high speed resolution images of the sides of a train as the train passes through a truss 40 such as depicted in FIG. 6. The cameras with the blinders 5 are placed on the side of the truss 40; a source of external lighting 45 is provided on the sides including the top of the truss as the train moves through the truss.

(9) The external lighting 45 is designed to provide sufficient light for the cameras to take high quality images while at the same time to prevent any ambient light from interfering with the quality of the image that is taken by the cameras that are taken.

(10) As depicted in FIG. 6 the lighting and the camera placement are positioned on opposite sides of the truss and the top structure. The operation of the lighting and the cameras are activated as the train approaches the truss structure; the lighting and the cameras are shut off after the train has left the truss.

(11) As the train passes through the truss 40 the plurality of cameras 5 will take high quality images. The images may be stitched together and forwarded to a remote location for examination. It is anticipated that the camera be a line scan camera that will have a range of 14 micrometers. These images from the camera may also be stitched together to form the image of each individual train car; each individual train car may then be stitched together to form a train. The re-stitched images will then be compiled together and sent electronically to a remote facility for appropriate action.

(12) Before the images can be taken, it is critical that the lens of the camera be kept as clean as possible and that the image is not affected by dust or other environment debris and ambient light. Dust and debris are commonplace while a train is moving over the tracks.

(13) If debris is on the lens of the camera, it will distort the image that is taken by the camera and produce less than high resolution images. In addition to the lens cap with a slit, a pair of blinders 10 will be mounted on the camera and extend outward from the camera a predetermined distance.

(14) A bracket base 15 on the surface of the camera is provided to mount the blinders 10. A groove base 20 will mount to the bracket base and the blinders 10 will be secured to the groove base 20. The blinders 10 will extend a predetermined distance away from the camera 5.

(15) The blinders 10 will be mounted on the groove base 20 with screws 25 with appropriate lock nuts and washers. Other means to mount the blinders to the camera may also be provided. Regardless of the means to mount the blinders 10 the type of mechanism should be sturdy and durable to not be loosened by the vibration that is caused by the train.

(16) It is important that the groove base which mounts the blinders 10 are positioned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the camera.

(17) On the interior surface of the blinder will be antireflective surface or wall 30. The anti-reflective surface 30 will reduce the glare that would interfere with the image that is taken by the camera.

(18) The blinders 10 can be easily removed from the groove base 20; the groove base 20 in turn is also removable from the bracket base 15. This allows easy replacement of the blinders if the blinders become damaged.