Patent ID: 8422030
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: G01B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A probe comprising: an insertion tube; a plurality of light emitters disposed in parallel on the distal end of the insertion tube, wherein the plurality of light emitters are spaced apart along an axis perpendicular to the light emitters; at least one intensity modulating element comprising a plurality of columns of a plurality of grating elements having a grating period, wherein the plurality of columns of the plurality of grating elements are parallel to the plurality of light emitters, and wherein the light from the plurality of light emitters is passed through the at least one intensity modulating element to project a plurality of fringe sets onto a surface, each of the plurality of fringe sets comprising a structured-light pattern projected when one emitter group of at least one of the plurality of light emitters is emitting; an imager for obtaining at least one image of the surface; a processing unit that is configured to perform phase-shift analysis on the at least one image; an inspection light delivery system which delivers light from an inspection light source to the surface; wherein the inspection light delivery system outputs light from the distal end of the insertion tube during inspection mode; wherein the intensity of light output from the inspection light delivery system is automatically decreased during measurement mode; and wherein the probe operates in measurement mode when at least one of the plurality of fringe sets is projected onto the surface.