US4830443A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three-dimensional volumetric sensor
Assignee: Acuity CiMatrix Inc
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Filing: 1985-02-04
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Granted: 1989-05-16
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Expires: 2005-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A three-dimensional optical measurement system, where it is desired to move the light beam or plane to more than one position to increase the amount of data acquired. A rotating disk is provided with segments of lenses, zone plates or other rotationally invariant grating patterns on it. The beam or plane is passed through the segments as the disk rotates and is deflected to predetermined angles. The accurate repeatability of this arrangement allows the use of calibration data and encoding of the light planes for ambiguity resolution to provide an accurate measurement system. Diverging beam light sources are readily accommodated. Similarly translating frames with segments of translationally invariant lenses or grating patterns may be used. Two-dimensional holographic gratings may be used to generate raster scans.
Inventors
- 👤 Joel Hecker
- 👤 Howard Stern
- 👤 Tom Heydenburg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:13
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/10; G02B26/106; G02B26/0875; G02B5/00; G02B5/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a narrow spectral band light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a rotatable disk having zone plate segments with different focal lengths; means for driving said disk; a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a narrow spectral band light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a rotatable disk having zone plate segments with different focal lengths; means for driving said disk; a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said segments have different constant radial grating periods.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said segments have different constant angular grating periods.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including beam expanding optical means for producing a light plane deflected at said predetermined angles, for repeatedly scanning a narrow spectral band light plane for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to the next.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said segments have different constant radial grating periods.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said segments have different constant angular grating periods.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said source beam of light is diverging.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first beam deflection means having a rotatable disk with rotationally symmetric lens segments having different focal lengths, means for driving said disk, a light surface for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; a second rotatable disk having rotationally symmetric lens segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first beam deflection means having a rotatable disk with rotationally symmetric lens segments having different focal lengths, means for driving said disk, a light surface for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; a second rotatable disk having rotationally symmetric lens segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated narrow spectral band light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first beam deflection means having a rotatable disk with zone plate segments having different focal lengths, means for driving said disk, a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; a second rotatable disk having segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beams of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated narrow spectral band light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first beam deflection means having a rotatable disk with zone plate segments having different focal lengths, means for driving said disk, a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; a second rotatable disk having segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beams of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a translatable frame having translationally symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths; means for translating said frame; a light source for directing a beam of light through said frame and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a translatable frame having translationally symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths; means for translating said frame; a light source for directing a beam of light through said frame and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 10, including beam expanding optical means for producing a light plane deflected at said predetermined angles.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
Appartus as defined in claim 10, wherein said source of light is diverging.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a narrow spectral band light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a translatable frame having segments of translationally invariant grating patterns with varying spacing for focusing at different focal lengths; means for translating said frame; a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said frame and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
76 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a narrow spectral band light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a translatable frame having segments of translationally invariant grating patterns with varying spacing for focusing at different focal lengths; means for translating said frame; a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said frame and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 13, where said segments have different constant grating periods in a direction perpendicular to translation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 13, where said segments have different constant grating periods in the direction of translation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 13, including beam expanding optical means for producing a light plane deflected at said predetermined angles.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said segments have different constant grating periods in a direction perpendicular to translation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said segments have different constant grating periods in the direction of translation.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said source of light is diverging.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a light source for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; second means having symmetric lens segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a light source for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; second means having symmetric lens segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated narrow spectral band light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having zone plate segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; and second means having segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a collimated narrow spectral band light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having zone plate segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; and second means having segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a light surface for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; second means having symmetric lens segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first means orthogonal to said first direction; at least said first means comprising a translatable frame having translationally symmetric lens segments.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a light surface for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; second means having symmetric lens segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first means orthogonal to said first direction; at least said first means comprising a translatable frame having translationally symmetric lens segments.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
109 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a narrow spectral band light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having zone plate segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; and second means having segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction; at least said first means comprising a translatable frame having translationally symmetric lens segments.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
109 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a narrow spectral band light beam for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: first means having zone plate segments with different focal lengths, means for moving said segments, a source of narrow spectral band light for directing a beam of light through said first means and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles in a first direction; and second means having segments for deflecting by predetermined angles the output beam of said first deflection means orthogonal to said first direction; at least said first means comprising a translatable frame having translationally symmetric lens segments.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a rotatable disk having rotationally symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths, said rotatable disk having an axis of rotation, said lens segments having optic axes; said optic axes of said lens segments being substantially colinear with said axis of rotation of said disk; means for driving said disk; a light source for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for repeatedly scanning a light beam for three-dimensional area measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan comprising: a rotatable disk having rotationally symmetric lens segments with different focal lengths, said rotatable disk having an axis of rotation, said lens segments having optic axes; said optic axes of said lens segments being substantially colinear with said axis of rotation of said disk; means for driving said disk; a light source for directing a beam of light through said disk and said segments for deflecting said beam through predetermined angles.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 24, wherein said source beam of light is diverging.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 24, including beam expanding optical means for producing a light plane deflected at said predetermined angles for repeatedly scanning a light plane for volumetric three-dimensional measuring with substantially high repeatability from one scan to a next scan.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
97 words
Apparatus for generating a large number of deflected light beam paths, comprising: a light source for directing a collimated light beam through segmented deflectors; a first segmented deflector for deflecting said beam by a first set of predetermined angles; and a second segmented deflector placed in the path of said deflected light beam for deflecting said beam by a second set of predetermined angles to increase the overall deflection angles to the product of N 1 and N 2 , where N 1 and N 2 are defined as the first and second sets of predetermined angles.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
97 words
Apparatus for generating a large number of deflected light beam paths, comprising: a light source for directing a collimated light beam through segmented deflectors; a first segmented deflector for deflecting said beam by a first set of predetermined angles; and a second segmented deflector placed in the path of said deflected light beam for deflecting said beam by a second set of predetermined angles to increase the overall deflection angles to the product of N 1 and N 2 , where N 1 and N 2 are defined as the first and second sets of predetermined angles.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-05-15 | 1992-11-14 | 1993-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-15 | 1996-11-14 | 1997-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-15 | 2000-11-14 | 2001-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |