Patent ID: 7518718
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of optically inspecting an object for indicating a condition of the object, comprising the steps of: sending a beam of radiation; modifying the beam of radiation and reflecting the modified beam of radiation from a face of an area of the object so that the reflected beam alternately arrives at a first area sensor and a second area sensor; sensing the reflected beam that arrives at the first area sensor by the first area sensor and generating first output signals in response; sensing the reflected beam that arrives at the second area sensor by the second area sensor and generating second output signals in response; repeating a cycle of modifying, reflecting and sensing until a predefined portion of the object is radiated, wherein during each cycle, at least one of the first and second output signals are available to be processed; and processing the first and second output signals to provide an indication of the condition of the predefined portion of the object.