Patent ID: 8194251
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a multi-beam chromatic confocal point sensor system for simultaneously measuring two surface regions, the method comprising: providing a multi-beam chromatic confocal point sensor system configured to simultaneously measure two surface regions, the system comprising an optical pen having a confocal aperture and providing two measurement beams simultaneously along different measuring paths; positioning a first measurement beam from the system on a first surface region and a second measurement beam from the system on a second surface region, wherein at least the first surface region is located on a workpiece; receiving workpiece measurement light arising from the first and second measurement beams back through the system and the confocal aperture; determining at least one set of measurements comprising first and second distance measurements arising from the first and second measurement beams, respectively; and determining at least one of a workpiece feature measurement and a change in position of a workpiece feature, based on the at least one set of measurements.