Method and apparatus for combining views in three-dimensional surface profiling
OwnerLyle G. Shirleyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for combining multiple views of an object using a three-dimensional surface profiling apparatus, which compensates for depth of field effects, is described. The apparatus utilizes a single source and a single receiver to acquire the multiple views of small objects. A lens or a system of lenses adjust the focal plane to account for the shorter distance that the radiation will travel along a first optical path than along a second optical path, so that both images are in focus on the detector at substantially the same time. For large objects, a three-dimensional surface profiling apparatus utilizing more than one camera is used.
Claims27
An apparatus for compensating for depth of field effects when measuring an object having a first object surface and a second object surface, the apparatus comprising:
- an optical source;
- a first optical path in optical communication with said optical source;
- a second optical path in optical communication with said optical source;
- and
- a detector in optical communication with said first and said second optical paths,
- wherein a first image from said first object surface directed to said detector by said first optical path and a second image from said second object surface directed to said detector by said second optical path are in focus at substantially the same time.
A method for compensating for depth of field effects comprising the steps of:
- illuminating two surfaces of an object with fringes;
- transmitting a first image of a first surface of said object illuminated by said fringes to a detector using a first optical path;
- transmitting a second image of a second surface of said object illuminated by said fringes to said detector using a second optical path;
- and
- maintaining said first image and said second image of said object in focus on said detector substantially simultaneously.
An apparatus for compensating for depth of field effects when measuring an object having a first object surface, a second object surface, and a third object surface, the apparatus comprising:
- an optical source;
- a beam splitter in optical communication with said optical source;
- a first mirror in optical communication with said beam splitter, wherein said first mirror is in optical communication with said first object surface;
- a second mirror in optical communication with said first object surface,
- a first lens;
- a third mirror in optical communication with said second mirror, wherein said third mirror is in optical communication with said first lens;
- a fourth mirror in optical communication with said beam splitter, wherein said fourth mirror is in optical communication with said second object surface;
- a fifth mirror in optical communication with said second object surface,
- a sixth mirror in optical communication with said fifth mirror, wherein said sixth mirror is in optical communication with said first lens;
- a second lens in optical communication with said third object surface, wherein said second lens is in optical communication with said first lens;
- a detector in optical communication with said first lens, wherein a first image from said first object surface directed to said detector, and a second image from said second object surface directed to said detector, and a third image from said third object surface directed to said detector are in focus at substantially the same time.
An apparatus for compensating for depth of field effects when measuring an object having a first object surface and a second object surface, the apparatus comprising:
- an optical source;
- a first optical path in optical communication with said optical source;
- a second optical path in optical communication with said optical source;
- a first detector in optical communication with said first optical path;
- and
- a second detector in optical communication with said second optical path;
- wherein a first image from said first object surface directed to said first detector by said first optical path and a second image from said second object surface directed to said second detector by said second optical path are in focus at substantially the same time on their respective detectors.
A method for compensating for depth of field effects comprising the steps of:
- illuminating two surfaces of an object with fringes;
- transmitting a first image of a first surface of said object illuminated by said fringes to a first detector using a first optical path;
- transmitting a second image of a second surface of said object illuminated by said fringes to said second detector using a second optical path;
- and
- maintaining said first image on said first detector and said second image on said second detector in focus at substantially the same time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.