Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
An optical scanner comprising a light source - (23); a detector (28); and lens means (16) having first and second opposed surfaces (18,20) struc. tured and arranged to distribute light from the source incident on the first opposed surface (18) a: a beam of illumination emerging from the seconc opposed surface (20), whereby the beam of illu. mination is focussed over a range of focus by the opposed surfaces, the intensity of the beam being substantially uniform over an area including ar image of the detector (28) and throughout the range of focus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
An optical scanner comprising a light source - (23); a detector (28); and lens means (16) having first and second opposed surfaces (18,20) struc. tured and arranged to distribute light from the source incident on the first opposed surface (18) a: a beam of illumination emerging from the seconc opposed surface (20), whereby the beam of illu. mination is focussed over a range of focus by the opposed surfaces, the intensity of the beam being substantially uniform over an area including ar image of the detector (28) and throughout the range of focus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A scanner according to claim I, wherein at leas one of the first and second surfaces (18, 20) includes a third surface (22) to collect and direct light reflected from a surface within the range of focus towards the detector (28).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A scanner according to claim ( or claim 2 wherein the lens means (16) is fabricated as ε single piece of optical plastic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An optical scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first opposed surface
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
8 words
(18) is structured to collimate light incident thereon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
8 words
(18) is structured to collimate light incident thereon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An optical scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least portions of one of the first and second opposed surfaces (18, 20) is hyperboloidal in form.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
An optical scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first opposed surface
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
(18) is decentered with respect to the second opposed surface (20).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
(18) is decentered with respect to the second opposed surface (20).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An optical scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the firsl and second opposed surfaces (18,20) is aspheric ir form.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the range of focus thereof is substantially 3.8mm.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
An optical scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the f/number thereof is substantially 0.6.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
An optical scanner according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second opposed surface (20) is formed to have overcorrected spherical aberration.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
A probe comprising a cylindrical, tubular housing (14) supporting within it an optical scanner (10) according to any of the preceding claims, the optical axis (OA c ) of the lens means (16) being substantially coincident with the axis (Y) of the housing.