Inventors:
Eric P. Rudd - Hopkins MN
William P. Kennedy - Golden Valley MN
Troy R. Pesola - Champlin MN
David D. Madsen - Lakeland MN
Assignee:
CyberOptics Corporation - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G01B 1106
US Classification:
356631, 356623, 356 306, 25055927, 25055931, 25055938
Abstract:
A digital range sensor comprises a light source, an optical element to focus the light from the source down to a small spot on a target, a second optical element that is mounted obliquely from the source axis, and a prism mounted on a multi-element detector, which in turn is mounted at the focus of the light returning from the target. The purpose of the prism on the detector is to direct the light onto the active surface of the detector at an angle closer to normal incidence than would otherwise be possible. The detector produces digital data which is transferred to a control module for processing and to produce a numerical range measurement.