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:
Jan. 22, 2008
Filed:
Jan. 22, 2007
Cory Watkins, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Mark Harless, Plymouth, MN (US);
David Vaughnn, Edina, MN (US);
Pat Simpkins, Edina, MN (US);
Shaileshkumar Goyal, Rajasthan, IN;
Gerald Brown, Plano, TX (US);
Brian Delsey, Frisco, TX (US);
Cory Watkins, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Mark Harless, Plymouth, MN (US);
David Vaughnn, Edina, MN (US);
Pat Simpkins, Edina, MN (US);
Shaileshkumar Goyal, Rajasthan, IN;
Gerald Brown, Plano, TX (US);
Brian Delsey, Frisco, TX (US);
Rudolph Technology, Inc., Flanders, NJ (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.