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Distance determination in a scanned beam image capture device

  • US 7,312,879 B2
  • Filed: 08/23/2005
  • Issued: 12/25/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for determining a spatial relationship between a probe and a target surface, the method comprising:

  • scanning a beam of light from the probe spatially across the surface;

    sensing, with a light detector of the probe, a specular reflection of the light from the surface, the sensed specular reflection comprising specular image signals;

    determining a specular reflection pattern from the specular image signals; and

    determining a distance between the surface and the probe or an angle between the surface and the probe using at least a geometric characteristic of the specular reflection pattern.

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