Patent ID: 6256099
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
Method of measuring three-dimensional spatial coordinates, comprising the following operational steps:A. synchronizing at least two cameras in order to capture simultaneous images;B. directing said cameras, kept in a fixed relationship, towards the surface of an object to be measured;C. projecting a simple pattern onto a portion of the surface of said object, which portion is in the field of view of said cameras;D. capturing simultaneous images of said projected simple pattern in said cameras;E. using a computer, provided with software, using conventional algorithms, for:1. finding images of said projected simple pattern within said captured images;2. discarding said captured images and capturing new ones if images of said pattern are not found within said captured images;3. calculating centroids of said projected simple pattern on image planes of said cameras;4. grouping said calculated centroids into homologous pairs, and5. calculating three-dimensional coordinates from each of said homologous pairs of centroids, internal and external camera calibrations being known.