Parallel-processing, optical distance-measuring device
AssigneeHeidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
InventorsBernard Beier, Bernd Vosseler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device determines the positional deviation of n points (P) from their reference positions using a source of electromagnetic radiation (1), imaging optics (2, 4, 9), and a photosensitive detector (10), which converts the positional information into information on intensity. Simultaneous or concurrent in time n signals are produced by the detector (10), each of the n signals being uniquely assigned to one of the reflection points (P). The generated signals can be used to control an autofocusing device or to control the intensity of light sources in devices for imaging printing forms.
Claims21
A device for determining a positional deviation of n points, n being a natural number equal to or greater than 2, from n disjunct reference positions of the n points, comprising:
- a source of electromagnetic radiation;
- imaging optics for the electromagnetic radiation;
- and
- a photosensitive detector receiving the electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation when passing through at least a part of the imaging optics forming a light section impinging upon the location of all n points, positional information from the detector being converted into information on intensity, wherein simultaneous or concurrent in time n signals are produced by the detector, each of the n signals being uniquely assigned to one of the n points;
- wherein the deviation in the position of at least one of the n points from the reference position of the at least one of the n points leads, in a defined relationship, to a different light path than a path of the light reflected from the at least one of the n points, through the imaging optics, into the reference position of the at least one of the n points;
- the positional information of the at least one of the n points thereby being converted into path information;
- wherein the imaging optics includes at least one element converting the path information on the light through the imaging optics into information on light intensity.
A method for determining a positional deviation of n points from n reference positions of the n points, n being a natural number, comprising the steps of:
- illuminating each individual one of the n points using electromagnetic radiation;
- converting positional information on the points into path information on the radiation;
- converting the path information into intensity information;
- and
- discriminatingly detecting reflected light from at least two of the n points;
- wherein the steps are carried out simultaneously or concurrently in time for all n points.
A device for determining a positional deviation of n points, n being a natural number equal to or greater than 2, from n disjunct reference positions of the n points, comprising:
- a source of electromagnetic radiation;
- imaging optics for the electromagnetic radiation;
- and
- a photosensitive detector receiving the electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation when passing through at least a part of the imaging optics forming a light section impinging upon the location of all n points, positional information from the detector being converted into information on intensity, wherein simultaneous or concurrent in time n signals are produced by the detector, each of the n signals being uniquely assigned to one of the n points,
- wherein a section of the imaging optics is arranged downstream from a carpet of light, the section including at least two optical elements having cylindrically symmetric axes orthogonal to one another.
A device for determining a positional deviation of n points, n being a natural number equal to or greater than 2, from n disjunct reference positions of the n points, comprising:
- a source of electromagnetic radiation;
- imaging optics for the electromagnetic radiation;
- and
- a photosensitive detector receiving the electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation when passing through at least a part of the imaging optics forming a light section impinging upon the location of all n points, positional information from the detector being converted into information on intensity, wherein simultaneous or concurrent in time n signals are produced by the detector, each of the n signals being uniquely assigned to one of the n points,
- wherein the imaging optics include an optical element having positionally dependent transmittance, an intermediate image being produced in a conversion plane in which the optical element is located.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.