Method of measuring in three-dimensions at high speed
US4630910A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1984 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B29/00
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus with a common aperture and multiple image recording surfaces with individual filters and/or controlled shutters enables the implementation of several methods of 3-D measurement systems. The parallel nature of the device lends to short measurement times suitable for measuring moving objects. A similar apparatus may be constructed to project multiple images simultaneously or in rapid succession. Elimination of mechanical motion within the projectors and cameras of the prior art reduce the measurement time significantly. A new method of 3-D measurement employing a sweeping light plane and time encoded image recording uses the apparatus. An alternate method maintains a stationary projected light plane through which an object moves as it is measured in 3-D. Another method uses simultaneous projection of light patterns at different frequencies. Another method employs the time of flight of a light pulse and time encoded recording of the reflected energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.