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:
Mar. 02, 2004
Filed:
Sep. 29, 2000
David Koizumi, Portland, OR (US);
Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
A 3D encoder includes a body having several pin cavities. Several pins are also provided, wherein each pin is located within one of the pin cavities and wherein each pin is capable of sliding movement within its pin cavity. Each of the pins is capable of being displaced by contact with a surface of a 3D object to be encoded. A sensing mechanism is provided to determine an amount by which each of the pins is displaced due to contact between that pin and the surface of the 3D object. A computer can be used to translate displacement data into a 3D mapping representative of the 3D object being encoded. A method of creating a computerized representation of a 3D object is also provided and includes placing a 3D object in communication with a plurality of pins to deflect a position of each of the pins contacting the 3D object in an amount corresponding to a shape of a surface of the 3D object. An amount of displacement of each of the pins is then determined and computer data representative of the shape of the surface of the 3D object can be generated based on the displacement data.