Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for determining a three dimensional shape of an object

US7447558B2 · kind B2 · utility

29Cited by
54References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 16, 2005
Grant dateNov 4, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 31, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S623/901
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An apparatus is described that uses cameras arranged on, in, or about a structure adapted to fit over, around, or about an object to be measured. Projectors are arranged on, in, or about the structure to project light toward the object. The projectors and/or the cameras may be electronically connected to a computer processor which controls their operation. A light pattern is projected onto the object to be measured while the cameras capture images of the object from several angles about the object. The data collected from the images taken of the pattern on the object may be used to form a mathematical three-dimensional data model of the object. The three-dimensional model may be displayed in digital form on a visual display device of a personal computer. The three-dimensional model of the object may be used in the manufacture of fitments or coverings for the object. In one example, the apparatus is used by a prosthetist to map the stump of an amputee to properly fit the amputee with a prosthetic device.

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