Patent ID: 6166810
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: G01B,G01C

Abstract:
A method for separating a plurality of light spots, comprising the steps of:obtaining a luminous energy distribution curve created from a plurality of light spots, formed simultaneously on a light receiving surface provided in a photo-detector member of not less than one-dimensional response capability;calculating a maximum value of each peak, minimum values and inflection points in said luminous energy distribution curve;if a plurality of maximum values are present in said luminous energy distribution curve, dividing said luminous energy distribution curves into individual luminous energy distribution curves at either a minimum value or an inflection point surrounding each peak whichever is closer to said maximum values; andif only one maximum value is present in said luminous energy distribution curve, dividing said luminous energy distribution curve into an individual luminous energy distribution curve at inflection points.