Patent ID: 6128071
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
A system for determining range data relevant to a three-dimensional object, wherein the range data comprises a distance between a point on the object and the system, the system comprising:a lens having a known focal length;a sensor array mounted substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the lens, the sensor array being adapted for sensing radiation from the object, the radiation having passed from the object and through the lens to the sensor array, the sensor array producing radiation information from the radiation sensed;an adjusting means for changing a distance between the lens and the sensor array in response to a drive signal; anda processor module coupled to the sensor and to the adjusting means, the processor module for implementing a process comprising:sending a drive signal to the adjusting means to adjust the distance between the lens and the sensor array;receiving an image of the object, the image comprising radiation information produced by the sensor array;identifying a point of maximum focus in the image of the object, wherein the point of maximum focus corresponds to a point on the object;determining an image distance between the point of maximum focus and the lens; andcalculating the distance between the corresponding point on the object and the lens of the system based on the focal length of the lens and the image distance.