SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING OPTICAL SENSOR FOCUS TO IDENTIFY FEATURE HEIGHTS ON OBJECTS BEING PRODUCED IN A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRINTER

摘要

A three-dimensional object printer generates image data of an object being formed in the printer with an optical sensor and identifies the heights of object features above a substrate on which the object is being formed. A controller operates one or more actuators to move the optical sensor at a plurality of distances above the object to generate image data of the object at a plurality of heights above the object. The controller identifies the distances of the features of the object with reference to the image data generated by the optical sensor and the focal length of the optical sensor.

主权项

1. A printer comprising:
a substrate positioned opposite a material applicator to enable an object to be formed on the substrate with material received from the material applicator; an optical sensor having at least one light source and a plurality of photo detectors arranged in a linear array, the optical sensor being configured to generate data corresponding to an upper surface of the object on the substrate; at least one actuator operatively connected to the optical sensor or the substrate; and a controller operatively connected to the optical sensor and the at least one actuator, the controller being configured to operate the at least one actuator to move the optical sensor or the object to a plurality of distances between the object and the optical sensor to enable the optical sensor to generate image data of features of the object as the optical sensor moves relative to the object across a width or length of the object, and to identify features of the object with reference to the data received from the optical sensor and a focal length of the optical sensor.