Patent ID: 6410930
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
A method of aligning a color scannerless range imaging system of the type having an illumination system for illuminating a scene with modulated infrared illumination, a color image sensor, image forming optics for forming an image of the scene, an optical arrangement for forming first and second optical paths between the image forming optics and the image sensor, a transponder subject to modulation that is located in the first optical path for amplifying and converting infrared light to visible light to form a range image on the image sensor, said method comprising the steps of:a) providing a target having alignment indicia that can be imaged in both infrared and visible regions of the spectrum; b) capturing an infrared image of the target using the first optical path; c) capturing a color image of the target using the second optical path; and d) adjusting at least one of the optical paths so that the captured images are coincident.