Gerald N Brown

US Patent:

7196300, Mar 27, 2007

Filed:

Jul 11, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/179047

Inventors:

Cory Watkins - Chanhassen MN, US
Mark Harless - Plymouth MN, US
David Vaughnn - Edina MN, US
Pat Simpkins - Edina MN, US
Shaileshkumar Goyal - Rajasthan, IN
Gerald Brown - Plano TX, US
Brian Delsey - Frisco TX, US

Assignee:

Rudolph Technologies, Inc. - Flanders NJ

International Classification:

G02B 7/04
G01N 21/86

US Classification:

2502012, 25055905, 25055907, 25055929, 25055939, 356601, 356614, 356394

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.

US Patent:

7321108, Jan 22, 2008

Filed:

Jan 22, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/625640

Inventors:

Cory Watkins - Eden Prairie MN, US
Mark Harless - Plymouth MN, US
David Vaughnn - Edina MN, US
Pat Simpkins - Edina MN, US
Shaileshkumar Goyal - Rajasthan, IN
Gerald Brown - Plano TX, US
Brian Delsey - Frisco TX, US

Assignee:

Rudolph Technology, Inc. - Flanders NJ

International Classification:

G02B 7/04
G02B 27/40
G02B 21/36
G01N 21/00

US Classification:

2502012, 2502013, 2502014, 25055905, 25055907, 25055908, 25055929, 356601, 356609, 356614, 356624, 359368, 359379, 359380, 359678, 359694, 359698, 359823, 359432

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.

US Patent:

20040086198, May 6, 2004

Filed:

Nov 5, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/288062

Inventors:

Gerald Brown - Colleyville TX, US
Richard Goedeken - Richardson TX, US
Charles Harris - Dallas TX, US
Hak Sim - Garland TX, US
Weerakiat Wahawisan - Carrollton TX, US

International Classification:

G06K009/36
G01C003/08

US Classification:

382/286000, 356/004080

Abstract:

A system for inspecting components is provided. The system includes a light source illuminating a component feature so as to create a specular or non-lambertian reflection off the component feature. An image sensor is positioned to receive the specular or non-lambertian reflection and to generate point brightness data and point position data, such as for a point of light reflected off the component feature. A height measurement system receives the point brightness data and the point position data and generates feature height data.