Moiré pointer for measurement instruments
Emin Gabrielyan
Switzernet Sàrl, Scientific
emin.gabrielyan@switzernet.com
Abstract
In mechanical measurement devices where measured values are indicated with a mechanical pointer and a graduated scale, the observation precision is increased often by adding an auxiliary mechanical pointer with a sub graduated scale. The auxiliary pointer moves in synchronization with the main pointer but at a higher speed. A constant velocity ratio between the auxiliary pointer and the main pointer is maintained via cogwheel type gearboxes. Mechanical solutions are not always suitable. A challenging idea is to use moiré phenomenon for its well known magnification and acceleration properties. Sharp moiré shapes with good luminosity and contrast can be however obtained only in highly periodic patterns. The periodic nature of patterns makes them inapplicable for indication of values. We present new discrete patterns assembled from simple moiré patterns of different periodicity. The elevation profile of our discrete pattern reveals a joint moiré shape with an arbitrarily long period. The luminosity and the sharpness of our shapes are as high as in simple highly periodic moiré.
Animated GIF files of this article are available at the following mirror web sites:
http://switzernet.com/people/emin-gabrielyan/070804-multi-ring-moire-indicator
http://4z.com/people/emin-gabrielyan/public/070804-multi-ring-moire-indicator
http://www.unappel.ch/people/emin-gabrielyan/public/070804-multi-ring-moire-indicator
The text on the web sites with the animations may contain more details than the text of the article. The number of figures, equations and sections may differ.
[Gabrielyan07a] Emin Gabrielyan, "The basics of line moiré patterns and optical speedup", arXiv, 9 pages, 8 March 2007, http://www.arxiv.org/abs/physics/0703098, paper [CH], [US], web [CH], [CH2], [US]
[Gabrielyan07b] Emin Gabrielyan, "Moiré pointer for measurement instruments", Switzernet Research Reports, 4 August 2007, http://switzernet.com/people/emin-gabrielyan/070804-moire-rings
[Gabrielyan07c] Emin Gabrielyan, "Moiré pointer for measurement instruments", SPIE Optics + Photonics :: Optical Engineering + Applications, 24 pages, 2007, [CH], [CH2], [US]