Patent ID: 7417738
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. A device for analyzing a characteristic of a material disposed on a lower surface, and having an upper surface comprising: a first light source for directing a first beam of light at a first beam angle onto the upper surface forming a first spot; an image recording device for capturing an image of the first spot on the upper surface; and computational means for determining a depth of the material based on the first beam angle and a distance between the first spot from the image and the reference point indicative of the lower surface; and a relative position compensator for use in calculating the depth of the material as the relative position of the first light source and the lower surface changes; wherein the relative position compensator comprises an inclinometer disposed proximate to the first light source for providing an accurate measure of the position of the first light source relative to the lower surface during movement of the first light source.