Tandem linear scanning confocal imaging system with focal volumes at different heights
First Claim
1. A confocal imaging system for inspecting and/or imaging an object, comprising:
- means for conveying the object along a path;
means for providing focused radiation in a pattern of multiple focal volumes at different heights and which are spatially separated from each other in a lateral direction in relation to said object in said path along which said object is conveyed, said radiation being transmitted or reflected in response to the topography of said object as it moves along said path;
an array of detectors in an expanded pattern matched with said pattern of multiple focal volumes of focused radiation, each of said detectors in said array being sensitive to radiation from only one focal volume; and
means for directing and focusing said transmitted or reflected radiation from said object onto said array of detectors.
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Abstract
A confocal imaging system utilizes an opaque mask with a slit and a row of pinpoint sensors or utilizes an opaque mask with a skewed pattern of pinholes and an array of isolated pinpoint sensors in a matching pattern in order to obtain sufficient data to provide a complete image for imaging and/or inspecting an object such as electronics in a single one-dimensional scan. The system also simultaneously produces multiple images at different heights in the single one-dimensional scan of the viewed object, and also simultaneously produces images taken in different spectral bands in the same one-dimensional scan of the object to be imaged and/or inspected. The relative height or depth of the different images can be modified by simply adjusting the inclination between the confocal imaging system and a path followed by the object that is to be imaged and/or inspected during the one-dimensional scan. The optical confocal imaging system requires no moving parts and the only moving parts of the system are for motorized conveying of the object to be imaged and/or inspected along the path. In one arrangement of the confocal imaging system, color imaging and/or inspecting of the object can be performed. In another arrangement of the confocal imaging system, simultaneous brightfield and darkfield imaging and/or inspecting of an object can be performed.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. A confocal imaging system for inspecting and/or imaging an object, comprising:
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means for conveying the object along a path; means for providing focused radiation in a pattern of multiple focal volumes at different heights and which are spatially separated from each other in a lateral direction in relation to said object in said path along which said object is conveyed, said radiation being transmitted or reflected in response to the topography of said object as it moves along said path; an array of detectors in an expanded pattern matched with said pattern of multiple focal volumes of focused radiation, each of said detectors in said array being sensitive to radiation from only one focal volume; and means for directing and focusing said transmitted or reflected radiation from said object onto said array of detectors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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10. The confocal imaging system of claim wherein said means for providing focussed radiation in a pattern of multiple focal volumes comprises:
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a mask with a pattern of multiple confocal apertures; a source for directing radiation through said multiple confocal apertures; and a condenser positioned to collect light from said source and an array of lenses positioned to receive said collected light and direct said light through said multiple confocal apertures in said mask.
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29. A method for inspecting and/or imaging an object, comprising the steps of:
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conveying an object along a path; providing focused radiation in a pattern of multiple focal volumes at different heights and which are spatially separated from each other in a lateral direction in relation to said object in said path along which said object is conveyed; and detecting radiation that is transmitted or reflected in response to the topography of said object as it moves along said path with an array of detectors in an expanded pattern matched with said pattern of multiple focal volumes with each detector in said array detecting radiation from only on focal volume. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification