Patents by Inventor Donald J. Svetkoff
Donald J. Svetkoff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20020158052Abstract: A method and system for processing at least one microstructure which is part of a multi-material device containing a plurality of microstructures is provided. The at least one microstructure has a designated region for target material removal. The method includes generating a laser beam, modifying the laser beam to obtain a modified laser beam, and sequentially and relatively positioning the modified laser beam into at least one non-round spot having a predetermined non-round energy distribution on the designated region to remove the target material in the designated region. The predetermined non-round energy distribution covers an area of the designated region such that energy is more efficiently coupled into the designated region for the non-round energy distribution than energy coupled into the designated region for a round energy distribution covering the same area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Jonathan S. Ehrmann, James J. Cordingley, Donald V. Smart, Donald J. Svetkoff
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Patent number: 6452686Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be “noncooperative.” The “non-cooperative” targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus, Jonathan S. Ehrmann
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Publication number: 20020125228Abstract: An energy-efficient method and system for processing target material such as microstructures in a microscopic region without causing undesirable changes in electrical and/or physical characteristics of material surrounding the target material is provided. The system includes a controller for generating a processing control signal and a signal generator for generating a modulated drive waveform based on the processing control signal. The waveform has a sub-nanosecond rise time. The system also includes a gain-switched, pulsed semiconductor seed laser having a first wavelength for generating a laser pulse train at a repetition rate. The drive waveform pumps the laser so that each pulse of the pulse train has a predetermined shape. Further, the system includes a fiber amplifier subsystem for optically amplifying the pulse train to obtain an amplified pulse train without significantly changing the predetermined shape of the pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Applicant: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Smart, Donald J. Svetkoff
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Publication number: 20020105655Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be “non-cooperative.” The “non-cooperative” targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus, Jonathan S. Ehrmann
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Patent number: 6366357Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be “non-cooperative.” The “non-cooperative” targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus, Warren Lin, Jonathan S. Ehrmann
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Patent number: 6340806Abstract: An energy-efficient method and system for processing target material such as microstructures in a microscopic region without causing undesirable changes in electrical and/or physical characteristics of material surrounding the target material is provided. The system includes a controller for generating a processing control signal and a signal generator for generating a modulated drive waveform based on the processing control signal. The waveform has a sub-nanosecond rise time. The system also includes a gain-switched, pulsed semiconductor seed laser having a first wavelength for generating a laser pulse train at a repetition rate. The drive waveform pumps the laser so that each pulse of the pulse train has a predetermined shape. Further, the system includes a fiber amplifier subsystem for optically amplifying the pulse train to obtain an amplified pulse train without significantly changing the predetermined shape of the pulses.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: General Scanning Inc.Inventors: Donald V. Smart, Donald J. Svetkoff
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Patent number: 6249347Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be “non-cooperative.” The “non-cooperative” targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus, Warren Lin, Jonathan S. Ehrmann
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Patent number: 6181425Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be “non-cooperative.” The “non-cooperative” targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus, Warren Lin, Jonathan S. Ehrmann
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Patent number: 6177998Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be “non-cooperative.” The “non-cooperative” targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus, Warren Lin, Jonathan S. Ehrmann
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Patent number: 6098031Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be "non-cooperative." The "non-cooperative" targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis. Digital data is derived from signals produced by the detectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: GSI Lumonics, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus
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Patent number: 6028671Abstract: A method and system are provided for suppressing or filtering multiple reflections which corrupt photometric (grey scale or color) or height measurements within optical systems such as imaging systems. The reflections may originate within the instrument (i.e. back reflections) or may be inter-reflections between one or more surfaces in a scene. In one embodiment, a beam of electromagnetic energy generated by a source is polarized in a first rotational sense, is transmitted to a point of interest (i.e., scene) of an object, is reflected and received by a receiver having a polarizer which passes reflected electromagnetic energy having a second rotational sense opposite the first rotational sense. In this way, unwanted reflections from the point of interest having the first rotational sense are suppressed and back-reflections to the source of electromagnetic energy are substantially eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus
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Patent number: 5822486Abstract: An imaging method and system for optimum sampling, image restoration and enhancement is disclosed where imaging errors associated with scanning a fiber optic image guide are identified and filtered to restore image quality to the available resolution limit. Scanned image samples are synchronized with spot positions corresponding to the center of each fiber to avoid generating spurious data resulting from unwanted modulation of the scanning beam by the fiber optic array, manifested as large amplitude multiplicative noise. A detector, such as a position sensitive device, is utilized which allows for monitoring both spot intensity and position. Peak detection on the intensity waveform determines the instant at which the beam is to be sampled. The method applies to any imaging system where a beam of electromagnetic energy such as radiant energy is scanned through a plurality of optical fibers to irradiate the object under examination.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1995Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus
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Patent number: 5815275Abstract: A method and system for three-dimensional imaging of objects, including integrated circuit interconnections and many other microelectronic assemblies and miniature parts, is used to greatly improve the efficiency of triangulation-based laser line scanning systems. A scanning beam is incident at a normal angle to the X,Y inspection plane with the scan line oriented at 45.degree., diagonal to an axis defining a first direction of motion. Motion of the imaging head along the axis is used to acquire line scan images in the non-orthogonal coordinate system having symmetry about the orthogonal axes of motion.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald K. Rohrer, David A. Noblett, Robert L. Jackson
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Patent number: 5812269Abstract: A triangulation-based method and system for high speed 3D and gray scale imaging and associated pre-processing of digitized information allows for estimation or filtering of height and gray scale values based upon the confidence level of the information obtained from a pair of sensors and also based upon knowledge of the object structure and its reflectance characteristics. A modulated laser beam is scanned across the object to create a plurality of spots which are viewed by a pair of well-matched receivers. Each receiver includes a light collection and delivery system, a position sensitive detector, and an associated ratiometric signal processor, or similar means for extraction of height and intensity information or data by triangulation. An optional automatic light control sub-system provides greatly extended dynamic range with control inputs derived from an amplifying detector included in each receiver to maximize occurrences of valid data points.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald K. Rohrer, Robert W. Kelley
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Patent number: 5768461Abstract: An imaging method and system for optimum sampling, image restoration and enhancement is disclosed where imaging errors associated with scanning a fiber optic image guide are identified and filtered to restore image quality to the available resolution limit. Scanned image samples are synchronized with spot positions corresponding to the center of each fiber to avoid generating spurious data resulting from unwanted modulation of the scanning beam by the fiber optic array, manifested as large amplitude multiplicative noise. A detector, such as a position sensitive device, is utilized which allows for monitoring both spot intensity and position. Peak detection on the intensity waveform determines the instant at which the beam is to be sampled. The method applies to any imaging system where a beam of electromagnetic energy such as radiant energy is scanned through a plurality of optical fibers to irradiate the object under examination.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald B. T. Kilgus
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Patent number: 5654800Abstract: A triangulation-based method and system for high speed 3D and gray scale imaging and associated pre-processing of digitized information allows for estimation or filtering of height and gray scale values. This estimation is based upon the confidence level of the information obtained from a pair of sensors and also based upon knowledge of the object structure and its reflectance characteristics. A modulated laser beam is scanned across the object to create a plurality of spots which are viewed by a pair of well-matched receivers. Each receiver includes a light collection and delivery system, a position sensitive detector, and an associated ratio-metric signal processor, or similar means for extraction of height and intensity information or data by triangulation. An optional automatic light control sub-system provides greatly extended dynamic range with control inputs derived from an amplifying detector included in each receiver to maximize occurrences of valid data points.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: General Scanning Inc,Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald K. Rohrer, Robert W. Kelley
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Patent number: 5617209Abstract: A method and system for three-dimensional imaging of objects, including integrated circuit interconnections to improve the efficiency of triangulation-based laser line scanning systems. A scanning beam is incident at a normal angle to the X,Y inspection plane with the scan line oriented at 45.degree., diagonal to an axis defining a first direction of motion. Motion of the imaging head along the axis is used to acquire line scan images in the non-orthogonal coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: View Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Donald K. Rohrer, David A. Noblett, Robert L. Jackson
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Patent number: 5024529Abstract: A method and system for high-speed, high-resolution, 3-D imaging of an object including an anamorphic magnification and field lens system to deliver the light reflected from the object to a small area position detector having a position-sensing direction. Preferably, an acousto-optic deflector together with associated lens elements scans a beam of modulated laser light across the object to produce a telecentric, flat field scan. The deflector has a feedback loop to enable uniform illumination of the object. The light scattered from the object is collected by a telecentric receiver lens. A combined spatial and polarization filtering plane preferably in the form of a programmable mask is provided to control the polarization and acceptance angles of the collected light. A reduction or focusing lens is positioned immediately behind the filtering plane and is utilized as a telescope objective.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1988Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Assignee: Synthetic Vision Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Brian L. Doss
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Patent number: 4928313Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automatically visually inspecting an article such as an electronic circuit wherein both reference and non-reference algorithms are utilized to detect circuit defects. The system includes a pipelined cellular image processor which is utilized to implement the non-reference algorithm and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is coupled to the output of the cellular image processor to perform the reference method. The non-reference method includes a spaces and traces algorithm and the reference method includes a topology matching algorithm. The system also includes an algorithm for locating and gauging critical areas of the circuit with sub-pixel accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: Synthetic Vision Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick F. Leonard, Donald J. Svetkoff, Robert W. Kelley, Donald K. Rohrer, E. North Coleman, Jr.
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Patent number: RE36560Abstract: A method and system for high-speed, high-resolution, 3-D imaging of an object including an anamorphic magnification and field lens system to deliver the light reflected from the object to a small area position detector having a position-sensing direction. Preferably, an acousto-optic deflector together with associated lens elements scans a beam of modulated laser light across the object to produce a telecentric, flat field scan. The deflector has a feedback loop to enable uniform illumination of the object. The light scattered from the object is collected by a telecentric receiver lens. A combined spatial and polarization filtering plane preferably in the form of a programmable mask is provided to control the polarization and acceptance angles of the collected light. A reduction or focusing lens is positioned immediately behind the filtering plane and is utilized as a telescope objective.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Svetkoff, Brian L. Doss