Pressure sensitive paint system control

A system comprising:

• a light source adapted to emit a train of light pulses directed at a surface;
• a photo sensor having an input for receiving light and adapted to detect said light pulses emitted from said light source and further adapted to output a signal indicative of a light pulse detection;
• a camera adapted to collect light level data from light pulses detected by said photo sensor for determining surface pressure of said surface responsive to a synchronization signal;
• and
• a synchronizer having an input for receiving said light pulse detection signal from said photo sensor and adapted to output said synchronization signal to said camera for coordinating collection of said light level data for a first gate period and a second gate period responsive to receiving said light pulse detection signal, wherein said first gate period and said second gate period are synchronized with the timing of said detected light pulses.

A method comprising the steps of:

• initiating a light source to emit a train of light pulses for reflection from a pressure sensitive surface;
• detecting said light pulses omitted from said light source prior to synchronizing collection of light level data;
• collecting said light level data from said detected light pulses for determining surface pressure of said surface;
• synchronizing said collection of light level data for a first gate period and a second gate period with the timing of said detected light pulses;
• and
• determining a decay time constant from said light level data collected from said first and second gate periods.