Edge profilometer
US11072120B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y10/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A profilometer provides, to a controller, a feedback signal indicative of topography of an exposed surface of an object that is being manufactured by a 3d printer. The profilometer includes an emitter and a camera. The emitter illuminates a region of surface of the object with a pattern having an edge that defines a boundary of an illuminated portion of the surface. The camera receives an image that transitions between a first state in which the edge is visible in the image at a location that is indicative of the surface's depth and a second state in which the edge is not visible at all. From this second state, the controller obtains information representative of a depth of the surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.