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:
Aug. 15, 2006
Filed:
Nov. 17, 2003
Cary B. Cox, Clinton, MS (US);
James A. Evans, Tallulah, LA (US);
Charles R. Welch, Vicksburg, MS (US);
Barry W. Mccleave, Vicksburg, MS (US);
Lewis B. Smithhart, Utica, MS (US);
Cary B. Cox, Clinton, MS (US);
James A. Evans, Tallulah, LA (US);
Charles R. Welch, Vicksburg, MS (US);
Barry W. McCleave, Vicksburg, MS (US);
Lewis B. Smithhart, Utica, MS (US);
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army, Washington, DC (US);
Abstract
An application of phase profilometry to determine the 3-D configuration of normally obscured structure. In one application, the undercarriage of a vehicle is captured in a 3-D profile while the vehicle is operating normally. The system may use a digital camera; a computer for control, communications, processing, comparing configurations and database storage; a broadband light source; and a device positioned between the light and structure that enables an alternating strip or strips of light and shadows to impinge the obscured surface. A preferred embodiment uses a single straight edge as the device. In addition to profiling the undercarriage of a vehicle and comparing it to an expected configuration of a like vehicle, the system may be used for such diverse applications as determination of correct toll at toll booths, quality inspection in an assembly line, safety and security inspections, and access control.