Method and apparatus useful for determining an angle between a virtual optical axis and a planar surface
AssigneeIndustrial Technology Research Institute
InventorsYung-Sheng Chang, Shing-Seng Wang, Ming-Daw Chen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A line is extended along a virtual optical axis of an objective lens. The line extends between a transparent plate, which is attached to the lens, and another transparent plate which is secured to a planar surface. The objective lens is part of an optical measuring instrument. An angle indicator is secured to the planar surface. The angle indicator is rotatable so that where the line touches the angle indicator, the angle between the planar surface and the virtual optical axis may be read with respect to azimuth and elevation.
Claims34
A method useful for determining an angle between a virtual axis and a planar surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- identifying a virtual optical axis between an objective lens and a planar surface of an object;
- extending a visible line element between an objective lens and a planar surface;
- coinciding the extended visible line element with the virtual optical axis;
- and
- determining an angle between the extended visible line element and the planar surface with respect to azimuth and elevation, the angle being indicative of the angle between the virtual optical axis and the planar surface, the step of determining taking place after the step of coinciding.
An apparatus useful for determining an angle between a virtual axis and a planar surface, comprising:
- means for identifying a virtual optical axis between an objective lens and a planar surface of an object;
- means for holding a visible line element between said objective lens and said planar surface;
- means for coinciding the visible line element with the virtual optical axis;
- and
- means for determining an angle between the extended visible line element and the planar surface with respect to azimuth and elevation, the angle being indicative of the angle between the virtual optical axis and the planar surface.
An apparatus useful for determining an angle between a virtual optical axis and a planar surface, comprising:
- a base element defining an inner space;
- an azimuth angle element being freely rotatable within said space and having a surface which extends along a plane;
- azimuth gradations marked on at least one of said base element and said azimuth angle element;
- an elevation angle element mounted on said azimuth angle element so as to project substantially perpendicular from said surface of said azimuth angle element;
- elevation gradations marked on said elevation angle element;
- and
- means for retaining a line element at a radial center area of said azimuth angle element so that the line element extends from said plane and along a virtual optical axis of an objective lens and be touching said elevation angle element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.