Patent · US Expired

Focusing system for use in imaging systems

US6835921B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
8References
1Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 11, 2002
Grant dateDec 28, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 24, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B27/40
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An imaging system is disclosed including a first illumination source for producing a first illumination field, a modulation system for modulating the first illumination field, and an optical imaging system for directing the modulated illumination field to an imaging surface along a first optical path. In accordance with an embodiment, the imaging system includes a second illumination source for producing a second illumination field, a first sub-assembly, a second sub-assembly and a control assembly. The first sub-assembly is for directing the second illumination field toward the imaging surface along a second optical path that is different than and non-parallel with said first optical path. The first sub-assembly includes a beam splitter sub-assembly that includes a beam splitter and at least one lens. The second sub-assembly is for receiving a portion of the second illumination field from the imaging surface, and includes a lens and a sensor for producing a sensor output signal. The control assembly is for adjusting a focal point of the optical imaging system responsive to the sensor output signal.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.