Three dimensional imaging method and device
US5946645A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T17/10
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A three dimensional imaging method and device including a ranging sensor that is used to produce a series of profiles of a target surface. The profiles comprise one set of profiles nearly parallel to each other and a further such set of nearly parallel profiles, with the profiles of one set extending at an angle to those of the other set to generate a large number of profile crossings. At the location of each crossing the shortest distance between the profiles is detected and represents an energy contribution between this pair of profiles. An energy function is defined as the sum of the energy contributions of all the crossings. Using a known mathematical model, the profiles are then reoriented relative to each other in such a manner as to minimise this total energy. This process can be repeated for higher precision. The finally reoriented profiles can be used to define the desired three-dimensional shape of the target surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.