Portable 3-D scanning system and method for rapid shape digitizing and adaptive mesh generation
Patent 5870220 Issued on February 9, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date: 
July 12, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
July 12, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesRecording images of a three-dimensional surface by focusing on a plane of light irradiating the surface Apparatus for measuring contour configuration of articles Interlocking electric connectors Examining a gemstone Arrangement of eliminating erroneous data in three-dimensional optical sensors Method and apparatus for the fabrication of custom-shaped implants Three dimensional imaging method and device Three dimensional imaging device Optical three-dimensional digital data acquisition system Rapid three-dimensional surface digitizer InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 679498 filed on 07/12/1996US Classes:359/216, Having multifaceted rotating element250/559.22, Profile356/608, Scan356/613, Silhouette359/17, Scanner359/18, Flat rotating disk359/196DEFLECTION USING A MOVING ELEMENT OR MEDIUM (OFFSETTING OR CHANGING AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE BEAM)ExaminersPrimary: Phan, JamesAssistant: Schuberg, Darren Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG02B 026/08AbstractA portable 3D scanning system collects 2D-profile data of objects using a combination of a laser-stripe positioning device and a video camera which detects the images of the laser stripe reflected from the object. The scanning system includes a laser-stripe generator, a video camera, a scanning mirror attached to a continuously rotating motor, an encoder or a photodiode operationally coupled to the motor, and associated electronics. As the rotating, scanning mirror reflects the laser stripe and variably positions the laser stripe across the object, the encoder or the photodiode generates signals indicating the angular position of the mirror. The video images of the reflected laser stripes are stored on a storage medium, while data relating to the angular positions of the laser stripes recorded in the video images are simultaneously stored on a storage medium. A computer subsequently synchronizes and processes the recorded laser stripe data with the angular-position data to generate a 3D model of the object by applying triangulation calculation and other post-scanning methods, e.g., multi-resolution analysis and adaptive-mesh generation. The multi-resolution analysis, which applies more points to resolve fine details and fewer points for smooth regions of the objects, leads to significant data compression. The adaptive mesh, which include connected polygonal elements and which may have multiple resolutions and tolerances, is generated by the adaptive-mesh generating routine.Other References
Field of SearchScannerFlat rotating disk DEFLECTION USING A MOVING ELEMENT OR MEDIUM (OFFSETTING OR CHANGING AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE BEAM) Using a periodically moving element (periodic change of optically reflecting, refracting or diffracting element) Having multifaceted rotating element With facets parallel to rotation axis Having six, seven, or eight facets Having five or fewer facets Profile With triangulation | |
