Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for characterizing interaction between surfaces, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at a known first illumination orientation relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; and a computing system configured to operate the detector to detect at least a portion of light directed from the deformable transmissive layer, to determine surface orientations pertaining to positions along the interface membrane based at least in part upon interaction of the fi

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for characterizing interaction between surfaces, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at a known first illumination orientation relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; and a computing system configured to operate the detector to detect at least a portion of light directed from the deformable transmissive layer, to determine surface orientations pertaining to positions along the interface membrane based at least in part upon interaction of the fi

Abstract: A topographical measurement system may include a tactile sensor using a contained fluid as an imaging medium.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to an ultrasound-integrated system for geometric surface characterization, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to a mounting structure and to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer using a lighting control layer, the lighting control layer configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at one or more known first illumination orientations relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; and an ultrasound-integrated computing system configured to utilize determined surface orientations to characterize a geometric profile of the surface of the object as inter

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for geometric surface characterization, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to a mounting structure and to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer using a lighting control layer, the lighting control layer configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at one or more known first illumination orientations relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; and a computing system configured to utilize determined surface orientations to characterize a geometric profile of the surface of the object as interfaced against the interface membrane.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for geometric surface characterization, comprising: a deformable and controllably movable transmissive layer coupled to a mounting structure and to an interface membrane; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at a known first illumination orientation; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; a computing system configured to operate the detector to detect at least a portion of light directed from the deformable transmissive layer, to determine surface orientations pertaining to positions along the interface membrane based at least in part upon interaction of the first illumination light with the deformable transmissive layer, and to utilize the determined surface orientations to characterize a geometric profile of the surface of the object as interfaced against the interface

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for geometric surface characterization, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to a mounting structure and to an interface membrane; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at a known first illumination orientation; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; a computing system configured to operate the detector to detect at least a portion of light directed from the deformable transmissive layer, to determine surface orientations pertaining to positions along the interface membrane based at least in part upon interaction of the first illumination light with the deformable transmissive layer, and to utilize the determined surface orientations to characterize a geometric profile of the surface of the object as interfaced against the interface membrane; and a secondary

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for characterizing interaction between surfaces, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at a known first illumination orientation relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; a computing system configured to operate the detector to detect at least a portion of light directed from the deformable transmissive layer, to determine surface orientations pertaining to positions along the interface membrane based at least in part upon interaction of the first

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: A retrographic sensor includes a clear elastomer substrate, a deformable reflective layer, and a contact surface with an array of rigid, non-planar features formed of a material or a pattern of particles to mitigate adhesion to a target surface while permitting the egress of trapped air around a region of interest. This combination of features permits the contact surface of the sensor to more closely conform to the target surface while physically transferring the topography of the target surface to the deformable layer for imaging through the substrate.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for characterizing interaction between surfaces, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at a known first illumination orientation relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; and a computing system configured to operate the detector to detect at least a portion of light directed from the deformable transmissive layer, to determine surface orientations pertaining to positions along the interface membrane based at least in part upon interaction of the fi

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: Continuous measurement of surfaces larger than a sensor is facilitated by the use of a sensor matrix of a clear elastomer and a reflective surface that scrolls, rolls, or otherwise moves over a target surface. A variety of web materials, camera configurations, and handling systems are described to achieve continuous three-dimensional measurement in this context.

Abstract: Continuous measurement of surfaces larger than a sensor is facilitated by the use of a sensor matrix of a clear elastomer and a reflective surface that scrolls, rolls, or otherwise moves over a target surface. A variety of web materials, camera configurations, and handling systems are described to achieve continuous three-dimensional measurement in this context.