Method and Apparatus for Real-Time Projection onto an Object of Data Obtained from 3-D Measurement
First Claim
1. A method for displaying a tangible image of metrological data on a measured object having a surface characterized by three-dimensional features, the method comprising:
- a. characterizing distances from the surface of the object to a fiducial reference along a plurality of distinct lines of sight;
b. processing the distances to obtain metrological data;
c. converting the metrological data to projection format data; and
d. projecting the projection format data as a tangible image of the metrological data onto the surface of the measured object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for projecting a tangible image of data characterizing an object onto a surface of the object itself. Three-dimensional measurements of the object are obtained, the measurements are processed for projection, and a tangible image is projected onto the object, the image conveying information based on the three-dimensional measurements. The image may be projected concurrently with performance of measurements. In an exemplary dental context, information derived in part from three-dimensional measurements of a tooth or replica may be projected onto the actual tooth or replica. In interactive application, a work piece is be measured during the course of fabrication, and three-dimensional information, derived from contemporaneous non-contact measurement, is projected onto the work piece in order to direct the user with the formation of the work piece.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for displaying a tangible image of metrological data on a measured object having a surface characterized by three-dimensional features, the method comprising:
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a. characterizing distances from the surface of the object to a fiducial reference along a plurality of distinct lines of sight; b. processing the distances to obtain metrological data; c. converting the metrological data to projection format data; and d. projecting the projection format data as a tangible image of the metrological data onto the surface of the measured object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for displaying a tangible image of metrological data on a measured object having a surface, the apparatus comprising:
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a. an optical sensor for obtaining distances to the surface of the object; b. a processor for receiving the distances and for generating metrological data; and c. a projector for projecting the metrological data onto the surface of the object. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification