Topographic comparator

The method of determining x, y, z coordinate information for a remote surface relative to a reference plane comprising the steps of

• illuminating the surface with an array of light beams to effect a discrete pattern of light spots thereon,
• recording an image of the surface scene from a polar aspect angle differing from the light beam angle,
• correlating image light spots with corresponding surface light spots and light beams, and
• determining x,y,z coordinate information as a function of image spot displacement, image recording aspect angle and image to surface conversion factors.

Apparatus for automatically providing unambiguous three dimensional location information relative to a coordinate system for selected points on a remote surface, said apparatus comprising

• a source of illumination for providing an array of light beams to illuminate spots at selected x,y coordinate positions on said remote surface,
• shutter means for controlling said light beams,
• programmable shutter control means controlling said shutter means in accordance with a given space code,
• a scene recording device for providing surface scene images from an aspect angle other than parallel or normal to light beam direction,
• means for synchronizing said scene recording device with said programmable shutter control means,
• means for decoding coded images recorded by said scene recording device,
• means for calculating from said decoded image data illuminated surface positions in three dimensions, and
• means for providing a output responsive thereto in the form of three dimensional image information.

Apparatus for providing three-dimensional information relative to a coordinate system for selected points on a remote surface, said apparatus comprising,

• a single source of laser light illumination for providing an initial coherent light beam,
• lens means to decollimate said coherent light beam,
• first and second shearing plates in intercepting relationship with the decollimated coherent light beam in which the coherent light beam reflects off the front and back surfaces of said first shearing plate and then off the front and back surfaces of said shearing plate to generate an array of a large multiplicity of individual laser beams simultaneously, said array of laser beams comprising a ordered predetermined array, the individual beams in said array having the same properties as the initial laser beam and the pattern of beams generated being a product of diffraction, said pattern being distinguishable at very close and very far distances and not degraded by diffraction limitations, the laser beams in said array being projected to intercept the surface of an object and illuminate discrete spots on x, y coordinate positions, thereon,
• a scene recording device for providing surface scene images from an aspect angle other than parallel or normal to said initial coherent light beam, each said surface scene image having an x, y coordinate system correlated with the surface x, y coordinate system, the elevation dimension of the surface at any selected illuminated x, y coordinate position being a function of (a) the displacement of the corresponding imaged spot from its x, y coordinates, (b) the scene recording device aspect angle and (c) surface to image coordinates system conversion factors,
• a processing device to calculate x, y, z coordinates of selected points on said object surface, and
• output means for indicating the x, y, z coordinates of said selected points.