Apparatus and method for optically converting a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional planar image
AssigneeElectro Scientific Industries, Inc.
InventorLeo Benedict Baldwin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device and method for optically converting a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional planar image includes a camera, a lighting source and a concentric-shaped mirror positioned about a concentric inspection surface of an object to be inspected. A planar image of the object inspection surface about 360 degrees is generated and inspected for defects, marking indicia or other qualities of interest without having to rotate the camera or object.
Claims20
An imaging device for use in optically transforming a surface of a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional planar image, the image device comprising:
- an image taking device for capturing two-dimensional optical images of a three-dimensional object positioned along an optical axis;
- an illumination source for directing illumination rays toward the object;
- and
- a mirror concentrically shaped and positioned about the optical axis around the object and oriented to initially direct the incident illumination rays toward a concentric surface of the object to be inspected and to redirect reflected image rays of the object inspection surface back toward the image taking device.
A method for use in optically imaging a three-dimensional object surface into a two-dimensional planar image, the method comprising:
- providing an image capturing device having an optical axis;
- positioning a three-dimensional object along the optical axis, the object having an inspection surface;
- positioning a concentrically-shaped mirror about the optical axis and concentrically around and directed toward the object inspection surface;
- illuminating the mirror with illumination rays to direct the illumination rays toward the inspection surface;
- receiving reflected inspection surface image rays from the mirror by the image capturing device;
- and
- generating a planar image of the received object inspection surface image rays.
An imaging device for use in optically transforming an inspection surface of a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional planar image, the image device comprising:
- means for providing an image capturing device having an optical axis;
- means for positioning a three-dimensional object along the optical axis, the object having an inspection surface;
- means for positioning a concentrically-shaped mirror along the optical axis and concentrically around and directed toward the object inspection surface;
- means for illuminating the mirror with illumination rays;
- means for receiving reflected inspection surface image rays from the mirror by the image capturing device;
- and
- means for generating a planar image of the received object inspection surface image rays.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.