The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 26, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 20, 2000
Henry V. Holec, Mendota Heights, MN (US);
PPT Vision, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Abstract
In the context of a machine-vision system for inspecting a part, a method and apparatus to provide high-speed high accuracy 3D (three-dimensional) inspection of manufactured parts by reducing vibration. One system includes a machine-base unit and a table-base portion supported by the base unit. At least two upright portions are connected to the table-base portion. A first scanner support is coupled to the upright portions. An imager head is coupled to the scanner support, wherein the scanner support moves the imager head in a linear motion to scan the object. A connecting member including at least one vibration-absorbing portion connects to the upright portions to absorb vibrations of the upright portions. Also described is a method of reducing vibration in a three-dimensional scanning apparatus used to determine a geometry of an object having at least one surface to be measured, the scanning apparatus having two or more upright portions and a scanning mechanism coupled the upright portions for moving an imaging head. The method includes supporting the scanning mechanism on the upright portions, dampening vibrations of the upright portions, scanning the imaging head relative to the object, receiving image signals representing a three-dimensional geometry of the object into a computer, and calculating with the computer object-geometry data representing three-dimensional geometry of the object.