Apparatus for combining optical images

• US 4,439,010 A
• Filed: 04/01/1982
• Issued: 03/27/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Spectron Development Laboratories
• Original Assignee: Spectron Development Laboratories
• Inventors: Doty, James L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Corbin, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vandenburgh, Lynn
• Application Number:
  US06/364,317
• Time in Patent Office: 726 Days
• Field of Search: 350/174, 350/512, 356/390
• US Class Current: 359/630
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/1066 for enhancing image performance, like resolution, pixel numbers, dual magnifications or dynamic range, by tiling, slicing or overlapping fields of view
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/143 using macroscopically faceted or segmented reflective surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/144 using partially transparent surfaces without spectral selectivity G02B27/147 takes precedence

Abstract

An apparatus for combining optical images which is particularly suited for use in integrated circuit lead wire gang bonding systems is disclosed. The apparatus includes an objective lens to gather and focus light rays reflected from an object, such as a microelectronic device. A beamsplitter provides first and second images of the object which are inverted with respect to one another. The images are directed onto mirrowed prism surfaces, such that only selected portions of the first and second images actually strike each prism face. That portion of each image which does strike the respective prism face is reflected upward and combined to form one resulting image. Viewing means are provided to view the resultant image.

Claims

1. An apparatus for viewing selected portions of an object, comprising:

light gathering means for gathering and focusing light rays from said object;

a first light reflecting surface;

a second light reflecting surface oriented substantially 90 degrees with respect to said first light reflecting surface;

beamsplitting means for splitting said light rays into first and second object images, said first and second object images having different spatial orientations such that said second object image is inverted with respect to said first object image;

light directing means for selectively directing at least some portion of said first object image onto said first reflecting surface, and for directing at least some portion of said second object image onto said second reflecting surface, such that said first and second object images reflected from said surfaces form a single resultant image;

positioning means for selectively positioning said first and second surfaces along an axis defined by the bisector of said 90 degree angle between said surfaces, such that only a desired portion of said first and second object images is directed onto said reflecting surfaces;

viewing means positioned above said first and second light reflecting surfaces for viewing said resultant image;

whereby selected portions of said object image are combined to form a single resultant image.

2. The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein said first and second light reflecting surfaces comprise surfaces of a prism.

3. The apparatus as defined by claim 2, wherein said object images are directed onto said respective light reflecting surfaces at generally a 45 degree angle relative to the normal of each surface.

4. The apparatus as defined by claim 3, further including:

beamsplitting means for splitting said first object image;

additional viewing means for viewing said first object image.

5. An apparatus for combining images of a first and second object, comprising:

first light gathering means for providing an image of said first object;

second light gathering means for providing an image of said second object;

a first light reflecting surface;

a second light reflecting surface;

said first and second light reflecting surfaces being oriented substantially 90 degrees with respect to one another;

light directing means for selectively directing at least some portion of said first object image onto said first light reflecting surface, and for directing at least some portion of said second object image onto said second light reflecting surface, such that said first and second object images reflected from said surfaces form a single resultant image;

positioning means for selectively positioning said first and second surfaces along an axis defined by the bisector of said 90 degree angle between said surfaces, such that only a desired portion of said first and second object images is directed onto reflecting said surfaces;

viewing means positioned above said first and second light reflecting surfaces for viewing said resultant image;

whereby selected portions of said first and second object images are combined to form a single resultant image.

6. The apparatus as defined by claim 5, wherein said first and second light reflecting surfaces comprise surfaces of a prism.

7. The apparatus as defined by claim 6, wherein said first and second object images are directed onto said respective light reflecting surfaces at generally a 45 degree angle relative to the normal of each surface.

8. An apparatus for viewing selected portions of an object, comprising:

light gathering means for gathering and focusing light rays from said object;

a prism including a first light reflecting surface, and a second light reflecting surface oriented substantially 90 degrees with respect to said first light reflecting surface;

first beamsplitting means for splitting said light rays into first and second object images, said first and second object images having different spatial orientations, such that said second object image is inverted with respect to said first object image;

light directing means for selectively directing at least some portion of said first object image onto said first reflecting surface, and for directing at least some portion of said second object image onto said second reflecting surface, such that said first and second object images reflected from said surfaces form a single resultant image, said object images being directed onto said respective light reflecting surfaces at generally a 45 degree angle relative to the normal of each surface;

positioning means for selectively positioning said prism along an axis defined by the bisector of said 90 degree angle between said first and second surfaces, such that only a desired portion of said first and second object images is directed onto said surfaces;

second beamsplitting means for splitting said first object image;

first viewing means positioned above said prism for viewing said resultant image, and second viewing means in optical alignment with said second beamsplitter for viewing said first object image;

whereby selected portions of said object image are combined to form a single resultant image.