Surface topography measurement systems
AssigneeGelSight, Inc.
InventorsJanos Rohaly, Edward H. Adelson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.
Claims20
A retrographic sensing device for making a contact measurement of a surface geometry of a specimen, the retrographic sensing device comprising:
- a camera;
- an illumination system;
- a cartridge including a substrate formed of a rigid, optically clear material, a clear elastomer supported by the substrate, and a reflective coating for a surface of the clear elastomer opposing the substrate;
- and
- a housing shaped and sized to removably and replaceably receive the cartridge in a predetermined position and orientation with the illumination system positioned to illuminate one or more sides of the substrate and the camera positioned to view the reflective coating through the substrate and the clear elastomer.
A device comprising:
- an optical element having an interior including a rigid, optically transparent material;
- a first surface of the optical element, the first surface including a region with an optically transparent surface for capturing images through the optical element;
- a second surface of the optical element opposing the first surface;
- a center axis of the optical element passing through the first surface and the second surface;
- a layer of optically transparent elastomer disposed on the second surface and attached to the second surface, a first side of the layer adjacent to the second surface of the optical element having a second index of refraction matched to a first index of refraction of the second surface, and a second side of the layer opposing the second surface of the optical element having an optical coating with a predetermined reflectance;
- a sidewall around the interior of the optical element between the first surface to the second surface, the sidewall including one or more light shaping features configured to control an illumination of the second surface through the sidewall;
- and
- a mechanical key for enforcing a predetermined position and orientation of the optical element within a fixture of an imaging system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.