Abstract: An object is to provide a three-dimensional data input apparatus that enables data currently required by the user to be easily extracted from the stored past three-dimensional data, shooting position data or shooting direction data. When the user provides the three-dimensional measuring device 1 with a measurement instruction, the portions operate through control by the central processing portion 17 to obtain the three-dimensional data SS and the two-dimensional image data SN of the object Q. The group of the three-dimensional data SS, the two-dimensional image data SN, the position data SP and the attitude data SA that are in the one-to-one correspondence with one another as described above are stored in the storage portion 18 every time the three-dimensional data of the object Q is measured.

Abstract: A displacement sensor includes a light emitter for emitting light towards a target object, a detector for receiving reflected light from the target object and generating a detection signal which depends on the distance to the target object, a signal processor for calculating the distance to the target object from the detection signal. The signal processor receives from another sensor a data item representing a distance value calculated by the latter and carries out a specified calculation using also the result of calculation with the calculated distance obtained by itself and said calculated distance data item and to output the result of said calculation.

Abstract: In a method for determining the absolute coordinates of an object (1), the object (1) is exposed to light (3) through a projection grid (2). The light (4) reflected by the object 1 is registered by a sensor (5). The image picked up by the sensor is evaluated. In order to improve such a method, the projection grid (2) comprises a first grid with a first grid vector (G1), and a second grid with a second grid vector (G2) which differs from said first grid vector. The sensor (5) is arranged at a distance (b) from the projection grid (2) such that the projections (bx, by), of the base vector (b) leading from the first and from the second grids to the sensor (5), onto the associated grid vectors (G1, G2) differ in size.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape measuring method and a three-dimensional shape measuring apparatus of excellent measurement accuracy. An optical system comprises a light source, a pattern forming unit which is disposed on the optical axis of the light source to form slit light from the light from the light source, and a projection lens to collect the slit light on the object for measurement. An asymmetric diaphragm having an aperture in which the size in the direction perpendicular to the slit direction is smaller than the size in the slit direction is provided in order to stop the slit light. An image pickup optical system is provided to measure the three-dimensional shape of the object for measurement on the basis of the slit light reflected from the object for measurement.

Abstract: A method of locating articles on a carrier plane on the basis of data obtained by a relative movement extending in a transport direction parallel to the carrier plane between a scanning plane and the articles and by repeatedly carrying out a total scan of the position of points on the articles and which include information on the position of the article points detected in the scanning plane, and on the basis of information on the relative position of the scanning plane and the articles in the direction of transport during a total scan. The method repeatedly reads the data on the position of the article points on the articles in the scanning plane and detects information on the relative position of the scanning plane and articles in the transport direction for a current total scan. The positions and extents of flanks of the articles, which substantially form a right angle with the carrier plane, are determined from the data of the current total scan.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming face masks are disclosed. Embodiments may utilize computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to form custom fitted face masks. System software may be configured to acquire facial topography information, design a mask based on the topography information, and send mask information to a computerized manufacturing device. The software may communicate with a scanning device for facial topography acquisition and a milling machine for pattern fabrication. In an embodiment, the scanning device may include a linear scan non-contact laser imager. In an embodiment, the scanning device may be manually moved with respect to an individual being scanned, thereby eliminating the need for motive apparatus. In such embodiments, position information may be determined based on data from a position sensor coupled to the scanning device.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device for determining the three-dimensional geometry of a bent extruded section which is held in a feed and fixing unit in the region along a first rectilinear center axis (A) of the extruded section and is bent through a predeterminable bending angle a by means of a bending device, in such a manner that the region of the first rectilinear center axis (A) adjoins one side of a bent region of the extruded section which has been produced by the bending operation and a region having a second rectilinear center (B) adjoins the opposite side. The invention also describes a corresponding bending device.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatuses for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies and methods for determining a system of coordinates for measuring points on an apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies. The apparatus and the method are characterized by particular simplicity and easy implementation. Advantageously, this makes the apparatus and method applicable in production sites for special workpieces. This opens up a wide and highly cost-efficient range of uses. Before the workpieces are measured, a system of coordinates for three-dimensional matching of the workpiece geometry is determined in a first measurement. A body with known dimensions of its edges or lines is placed on any position on the turntable and measured during one rotation using the triangulation sensor. The apparatus according to the invention is thus characterized by its minimal design. The low number of movements required, i.e.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based electro-optical sensors, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Preferred embodiments utilize addressable line or pixel based cameras to effect triangulation based and other machine vision sensing of objects.

Abstract: A laser digitizer system provides a visual three-dimensional image of a real-world object such as a dental item through a laser digitization. The laser digitizer captures an image of the object by scanning multiple portions of the object in an exposure period.

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting a reference distance of a laser displacement sensor is capable of extending the measuring range in a laser displacement sensor having a fixed reference distance and a fixed measurement range by smoothly changing the traveling path of the laser beam by selectively inserting the transparent members having a refraction index different from that of the air into the optical path of the laser beam. The apparatus mounted on the laser displacement sensor provided with a laser beam source for generating a laser beam and a laser beam reception member, includes a transparent member having a refraction index being different from a refraction index of an air and a holder for supporting the transparent member in such a way that the transparent member is placed in an optical path of the laser beam. The transparent member changes a reference distance of the laser displacement sensor by changing the optical path of the laser beam.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for accurately measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measuring subject independent of the surface shape of the measuring subject, and another object thereof is to shorten the time from the measurements of the measuring subject until three-dimensional shape data is obtained so as to carry out efficient measuring operations. In a three-dimensional measuring system 1 that measures a three-dimensional shape of a measuring subject, two three-dimensional measuring devices 10, 20 are placed. The three-dimensional measuring device 10 measures a measuring subject placed in a measuring space 3 by allowing a laser slit light L1 in a longitudinal direction to scan in a lateral direction. Moreover, the three-dimensional measuring device 20 measures the measuring subject placed in a measuring space 3 by allowing the laser slit light L1 in a lateral direction to scan in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In a shape measuring device comprising a measuring head for measuring the shape of an object to be measured at a plurality of measuring positions on a guide rail while moving along the guide rail, the guide rail is in a U shape, and the measuring head makes measurement for measuring the shape of the object to be measured which is arranged inside the U-shaped guide rail at the plurality of measuring positions on the guide rail while moving along the guide rail.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable device (1) for measuring the position, shape and/or size of an object. The device comprises a carrier element (2), at least one transmission unit for generating and transmitting visible radiation towards the object and at least one receiving unit for receiving the radiation imaging the object. The transmission unit and receiving unit are mounted in a defined position relative to each other on the carrier element (2). Modular construction provides high variability of the device (1) so that it can be used flexibly for various applications.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: A non-contact gauging system and method profiles a workpiece to accurately determine cylindrical surface profiles. The system includes a sensor head for performing reflected light measurements. The sensor head couples to a sensor arm that is movable in longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions. A computer controls operation of the sensor head and arm to perform various proximity measurements of the workpiece. Proximity measurements are made along at least three parallel, lateral tracks that extend along a longitudinal length of the workpiece surface. The sensor head takes proximity measurements as it is moved continuously along each lateral track. The computer determines the diameters of the workpiece along the longitudinal length based on the proximity measurements and generates a profile.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing information regarding a surface including a first plurality of optical elements arranged to acquire two dimensional information about a surface, a second plurality of optical elements arranged to acquire topographical information about the surface, wherein the first plurality and the second plurality of optical elements are arranged to simultaneously provide the two dimensional information and the topographical information to at least partially non-overlapping portions of a single sensor array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the three-dimensional surface shape of an object using color informations of light reflected by the object. The method and apparatus for measuring the three-dimensional surface shape of the object, in which a real-time measurement of the three-dimensional surface is performed by projecting a beam of light having color information onto the object and detecting color distribution information according to levels of the object, thereby obtaining level information of the object.

Abstract: A device for the medical treatment of the eye with laser radiation uses auxiliary radiation for determining the eye position. With the aid of the auxiliary radiation, pictures are taken by means of a solid state image camera for determining eye movements and for causing the laser treatment radiation to follow accordingly. Infrared radiation sources, which are arranged in a triangle above the eye to be treated, are used for the auxiliary radiation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method is provided for the optical detection of a contrast line in which the area or spatial coordinates of the contrast line are detected, with the detection being performed by a scanner, preferably a laser scanner, which scans the contrast line in a linear manner. An apparatus is also provided for the optical detection of a contrast line having a laser diode, a deflection apparatus for the deflection of the laser beam emitted from the laser diode and having a detector for the detection of the reflected beams, with the deflection apparatus being designed movably such that the laser beam emitted from the laser diode can be shifted in parallel by an amount depending upon position of the deflection apparatus and where the spatial coordinates of the contrast line can be detected by analyzing the beams detected by the detector.

Abstract: A body scanning equipment includes at least two sets of apparatus located at a front and a read respectively of a body (2) to be scanned, and each set of apparatus has a scanning device (4), mirrors (5), (6) spaced on opposing sides of the scanning device for directing radiant energy to opposing sides of the body and a pivotable mirror (7) for directing radiant energy alternatively between the scanning device and the first mirror (5) and the second mirror (6); by providing one pair of sets of apparatus a complete 360° circumference of a body may be scanned. By providing a further pair of sets of apparatus at a different elevation to the first pair of sets, so a complete human body may be scanned The scanning apparatus is located in a booth (1) for installation in a store and output from the scanning apparatus is, preferably, provided to a garment material cutting apparatus (111).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the Z-axis position of a transfer blade on a wafer transfer robot which transfers wafers among multiple chambers in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The invention comprises a CCD laser displacement sensor which measures the height or Z-axis position of the transfer blade and generates an analog voltage the value of which depends on the height of the transfer blade. An analog controller connected to the CCD laser displacement sensor converts the analog voltage signal to physical distance, which may be displayed on an LCD display on the analog controller. The analog controller may further be connected to a robot controller through an interface PCB, in which case a voltage signal corresponding to an abnormal position of the transfer blade is transmitted to the robot controller and the wafer transfer operation is terminated.

Abstract: A method for determining contact coplanarity of packaged semiconductor devices having a plurality of contacts. The method includes the steps of measuring the relative positions of the contacts on a subject semiconductor device; calculating from the measurements seating planes 64 formed by tilting the device to one or more of its corners and/or sides such that each said plane comprises contacts at or adjacent to the corners of the device; using the measured relative contact positions and the calculated seating planes to determine the highest deviation from contact coplanarity for the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging method and system illuminates an object to be imaged with a light pattern that is formed from two or more light sub-patterns. The sub-patterns can each encompass the visible light spectrum or can be spatially varying intensity sub-patterns that each correspond to a red, green, or blue component. The light pattern is generated by a slotted planar member or an optical filter.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a laser three-dimensional digitizing sensor. First, a three-dimensional coordinator X-Y-Z is defined and a calibrating surface is provided. Second, a first mapping table of a two-dimensional digital image to the Z axis is established by translating the calibrating surface along the Z axis. Subsequently, the calibrating surface rotates along the Y axis by a predetermined angle and translates along the Z axis to establish the second mapping table of the two-dimensional digital image and the X axis according to the first mapping table.

Abstract: A shape measuring apparatus for measuring an outer surface of a measurement object, includes: a photo-sensor unit including two photo-sensors each provided with a number of pixels, first and second signal processing sections which executes combination processing to light reception signals outputted from the photo-sensors. The first signal processing section includes a corrector for correcting errors of light reception signals from one photo-sensor with respect to light reception signals from another photo-sensor in the incident direction or the direction perpendicular to the incident direction based on the relative displacement stored in the displacement memory. The second signal processing section includes a corrector for correcting the relative displacement by delaying the sending of the reception signals from one photo-sensor with respect to the sending of the reception signals from another photo-sensor. The first and second signal processing sections are selectively changed over.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.

Abstract: An apparatus for contactlessly measuring a measurement object is proposed, which has an optical sensor, the optical sensor having an optical probe having a light source and a measurement objective for directing a light beam onto a measurement object and a receiver device for detecting a light beam reflected from the measurement object and generating a corresponding measurement signal; an advancing apparatus for altering the distance between the optical sensor and the measurement object in a first coordinate direction in a manner dependent on the measurement signal generated by the receiver device; and an evaluation unit for determining the coordinates of the measurement point on the measurement object.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording medical objects, in particular for recording models of prepared teeth, comprising a position-sensitive sensor (2), which is movable in the projection direction, with a projection unit and a receiving unit (13-15; 18-21), and with a certain triangulation angle (&agr;) located between the projection path of the rays (10) of the projection unit (13-15) and the observation path of the rays (11) of the receiving unit (18-21), and with the projection path of the rays (10) aligned parallel to the direction of movement of the sensor (2), is realized for the accurate recording action of edges and steep surfaces of the type that occur in tooth cavities with a triangulation angle (&agr;) that is smaller than 10°, preferably smaller than 5°.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining three-dimensional shape data of an object including a controller for controlling a light beam, a scanning system for scanning an object by the controlled light beam, and an image receiving system for receiving the light reflected from the object in a prescribed range. A memory stores data for correction of illumination irregularities corresponding to positions in the prescribed range that the light reflected from the object is received, and the controller refers to the stored data according to the position where the reflected light is received by the image receiving system, in order to control the light beam used by the scanning system.

Abstract: An object is to provide a three-dimensional data input apparatus that enables data currently required by the user to be easily extracted from the stored past three-dimensional data, shooting position data or shooting direction data. When the user provides the three-dimensional measuring device 1 with a measurement instruction, the portions operate through control by the central processing portion 17 to obtain the three-dimensional data SS and the two-dimensional image data SN of the object Q. The group of the three-dimensional data SS, the two-dimensional image data SN, the position data SP and the attitude data SA that are in the one-to-one correspondence with one another as described above are stored in the storage portion 18 every time the three-dimensional data of the object Q is measured.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an optoelectronic system (10) is provided for surface digitization of an object using spatiochromatic triangulation. The optoelectronic system (10) includes an illuminating subsystem (12) for illuminating a measuring space (30) that contains an object (16) to be measured, as well as a viewing subsystem (14) for collecting the light reflected by this object (16) and for generating a three-dimensional topography of the object (16) using in depth chromatic coding of the object. More specifically, relay optics (22) are used to image a polychromatic light source (20) onto a source slit (24) which in turn passes images from the slit image onto a dispersing element (26). The object to be measure is illuminated with a continuum of monochromatic images along a cutting, plane (x,z) within the measuring space (30).

Abstract: A 3D shape-measuring apparatus using biaxial anamorphic magnification comprises a light source that projects a light onto an object surface to be sensed. Via an electrical image-grabbing device, such as CCD camera, the light reflected from the object is grabbed to determine the coordinate locations sensed on the object. Before the electrical image-grabbing device, the light reflected from the object passes respectively through a curved reflecting mirror or an assembly of telecentric cylindrical lenses to adjust an image magnification along the light projection direction, and an assembly of cylindrical lenses to adjust an image magnification along a direction perpendicular to the light projection direction. Thereby, resolution nonuniformity with respect to near and far distance is resolved while the observable range of the CCD camera can further be efficiently changed into a measurable field.

Abstract: A method for examining a gemstone includes the steps of coating the gemstone with a removable diffusing coating and determining the silhouette of the gemstone in three dimensions. The method further includes performing structured light triangulation by using laser light to obtain an image of the surface of the gemstone, the gemstone being transparent and/or reflective to the laser light in the absence of the coating. The method further includes the step of using the silhouette in conjunction with the image to determine the location of any recesses on the surface.

Abstract: A distance tracking control system, for use with a working member such as a robotic head, includes a non-contact distance sensor for sensing a distance of the working member from a surface. An actuator is provided for making positional adjustments of the working member in response to changes in the distance sensed by the non-contact distance sensor. A controller is connected to the distance sensor and the actuator. The controller receives data from the non-contact distance sensor and then sends signals to the actuator to make positional adjustments of the working member.

Abstract: A method of inspecting bumps provided on a surface of an object to be inspected includes the steps of: (a) irradiating a first irradiation beam on said object in an oblique direction and (b) imaging a first reflected beam from said object so as to obtain a first reflection image including a first reflection region and a height data of said bump corresponding to said first regular reflection region produced by a part of the first reflected beam reflected near an apex of the bump. The method further includes the steps of (c) shifting a position of said first regular reflection region in said first reflection image in accordance with a value derived from said height data and said predetermined angle, (d) extracting said first regular reflection region within a predetermined region from said first reflection image after said step c), and (e) detecting a height of said bump based on said height data corresponding to the extracted first regular reflection region.

Abstract: A simple optical position encoder of detecting the position of a light spot generated by any light source of either light generating or light reflecting type, directly in a binary or other encoded format at very high speed, comprises a diffractive optical element including an array of diffractive cells each being formed by a unique arrangement of diffractive sub-cells and being disposed at a predetermined position with respect to a predetermined reference point on the diffractive optical element. Each cell is capable of generating a unique optical diffraction pattern when illuminated. When an image of the light spot is formed on the diffractive element, at least one cell is positioned to receive the light spot input image, generating its unique optical diffraction pattern accordingly at an output image plane, where one or more optical detectors are disposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for measuring the diameter and out-of-roundness of elongate workpieces, particularly those of round products advanced in their longitudinal direction in rolling mill trains. A reliable discrimination of orbiform-curved contours is required in measuring such workpieces. In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus is suggested with three or more laser triangulation devices, which measure the distance from the workpiece surface wherein the lasers of the triangulation device are directed to a common point of intersection which corresponds to the workpiece center and the laser beams of which span a common plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and which are at angular distances which are substantially equal.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for obtaining information regarding a depth of a subject includes: an illumination unit operable to cast a first illumination light beam mainly having a first wavelength and a second illumination light beam mainly having a second wavelength and a third wavelength from optically different emission positions onto the subject, the second and third wavelengths being different from the first wavelength; and a depth calculator operable to calculate a depth-direction distance to the subject based on outgoing light beams from the subject.

Abstract: This invention is related to a three-dimensional measuring device for measuring three-dimensional positions of an objects. The three-dimensional measuring device comprises an optical projection system and an optical reception system. In a preliminary measurement prior to an actual measurement, the optical projection system projects slit light beam on the object with varying projection angle with in a narrow range, and the optical reception system receives the slit light beam reflected by the object and generates image signals corresponding to an amount of the received light synchronously with variation of the projection angle. Measurement conditions including intensity of the light beam and the projection angle for the actual measurement are set in accordance with the image signals of the actual measurement. Under the measurement conditions, the actual measurement is executed by projection the light beam on the object with varying the projection angle within a wide range.

Abstract: A diffracting beam splitter splits an optical beam. The resulting beams are swept over an object by a beam deflector. The beams are mechanically scanned transverse to the beam deflection direction. A position sensitive device receives light reflected from the incident beams and a three dimensional profile of the object is produced.

Abstract: An object is to provide a three-dimensional data input apparatus that enables data currently required by the user to be easily extracted from the stored past three-dimensional data, shooting position data or shooting direction data. When the user provides the three-dimensional measuring device 1 with a measurement instruction, the portions operate through control by the central processing portion 17 to obtain the three-dimensional data SS and the two-dimensional image data SN of the object Q. The group of the three-dimensional data SS, the two-dimensional image data SN, the position data SP and the attitude data SA that are in the one-to-one correspondence with one another as described above are stored in the storage portion 18 every time the three-dimensional data of the object Q is measured.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating reference height data for use in a 3D inspection system are provided wherein local reference areas on an object are initially determined and then the height of these local reference areas are determined to generate the reference height data. When the object is a printed circuit board, the local reference areas are located relative to predetermined interconnect sites where solder paste is to be deposited or components placed and from which the relative height of the solder paste or components is to be determined using the reference height data during the subsequent inspection process.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: An image lift tunnel scanner uses extended depth of field cameras in order to view objects of various shapes and sizes on a conveyor system. The image lift tunnel scanner operates by passing a package first through a dimensioning device, such light curtain that determines the package's height, width, length, orientation and position on the conveyor belt. A bottom scan camera takes a fixed focus image and requires only a trigger and length information from the light curtain. The length information determines the duration of the scan after the camera receives the trigger signal. A top scan camera also requires a trigger and the length information along with the height information so that it can set its focus. Each of two side cameras also receives trigger and length information. If the package is registered on the conveyor belt, the only additional information required is the package width and the package position on the conveyor belt so that the start and stop of the image scan can be calculated.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor takes in a plurality of images of a target object by projecting a slit beam of light and using a two-dimensional image taking element by changing the image taking conditions each time. Parameters defining these conditions affecting the brightness of the obtained image are varied. From each of these images including an image of a portion of the sectional contour line of the target object, a segmented image satisfying a specified maximum brightness condition is extracted and a synthesized image is generated by gathering such segmented images. The target object is inspected from such synthesized image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional scanning system, that scans a three-dimensional object and calculates a three-dimensional coordinate data from a surface of the object. The three-dimensional scanning system has a photoelectron detector, a rotational scanning device, a drive device, an image processing circuit, and an operational control device. The photoelectron detector projects a light plane onto the object and then receives a reflected light stripe. The rotational scanning device couples with the photoelectron detector that rotates on a fixed pivot and allows the light stripe to scan on the object's surface. The drive device couples to and operates the photoelectron detector and the rotational scanning device. The image processing circuit can grab the light stripe instantly. The operational control device couples with the rotational scanning device and the photoelectron detector.