A Portable Technology for Measuring Haze Levels in Thick Laminated Glass Panels

Abstract

Increasing security concerns and a trend towards larger glass panels are driving the adoption of thicker laminate glass panels in prominent architectural works worldwide. However, the polymeric materials used in these laminates can lead to haze, a detrimental optical defect that impairs transparency perception, particularly when used in thick, multi-layer laminates. This work presents a novel technology capable of accurately and robustly measuring haze in glass laminates of arbitrary thickness, based on using computer-vision to measure changes in contrast when viewing a standard mask through the material under controlled diffuse lighting conditions. Unlike previous approaches, this technology can be employed on installed glasses without requiring exposed edges for double-sided measurements, making it suitable for on-site work. The experimental evidence provided indicates that its precision and robustness are adequate for quality control.