Sensor apparatus and method for use in imaging features of an object
First Claim
1. A sensing device for use in imaging surface features of an object, comprising a. a surface configured to enable an object to slide thereon in a predetermined direction, b. an array of contact sense elements disposed on said surface, and configured to form (i) a single array of contact sense elements oriented transverse to said predetermined direction and (ii) at least one additional contact sense element in spaced relation to the single array of contact sense elements in a manner that enables a velocity measurement, each contact sense element configured to produce data corresponding to a single pixel of an image, c. a scanning device configured to provide a scan of the array of contact sense elements, and d. a processor in circuit communication with said scanning device and configured to receive data from said scanning device and to produce image and velocity data related to the object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensing device and method for use in imaging surface features of an object is provided. A surface along which an object can slide in a predetermined direction includes an array of contact sense elements configured to form a single array oriented transverse to the predetermined direction and at least one additional contact sense element located in spaced relation to the single array in a manner that enables a velocity measurement of the object in the predetermined direction. A scanning device is configured to provide a periodic scan of the array of contact sense elements, and a processor in circuit communication with the scanning device is configured to receive data from the scanning device and to produce image and velocity data related to the object. Preferably, the contact sense elements are electrically conductive elements disposed on a ceramic or polymeric substrate, using printed circuit board construction. A technique is described that enables the reconstruction of an object from such a device
228 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A sensing device for use in imaging surface features of an object, comprising
a. a surface configured to enable an object to slide thereon in a predetermined direction, b. an array of contact sense elements disposed on said surface, and configured to form (i) a single array of contact sense elements oriented transverse to said predetermined direction and (ii) at least one additional contact sense element in spaced relation to the single array of contact sense elements in a manner that enables a velocity measurement, each contact sense element configured to produce data corresponding to a single pixel of an image, c. a scanning device configured to provide a scan of the array of contact sense elements, and d. a processor in circuit communication with said scanning device and configured to receive data from said scanning device and to produce image and velocity data related to the object.
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10. A sensing method for use in imaging surface features of an object, comprising the steps of
a. providing a surface, and sliding an object along the surface in a predetermined direction, b. providing an array of contact sense elements disposed on the surface, configured to form a single array of contact sense elements extending transverse to said predetermined direction and at least one additional contact sense element in spaced relation to the single array of contact sense elements in a manner that enables a velocity measurement in the direction of movement of said object, each contact sense element configured to produce data corresponding to a single pixel of an image, c. providing periodic scans of the array of contact sense elements, as the object slides along the array of contact sense elements, and d. processing the scan data to produce image and velocity data related to the object.
Specification