Patent US 4,089,608

A non-contact digital contour generator is provided for generating the X, Y and Z coordinates of the complex contoured surface of a three-dimensional model. The generator includes an illuminator digitally movable along the Z axis for providing contour lines about the model at successive levels or planes thereof. A camera having its optical axis disposed perpendicular to the Z planes is also digitally movable along the Z axis and provides for focussing the images of the contour lines on the model onto the X-Y image plane of the camera. Located within the camera so as to lie in the image plane thereof are scanning means including photosensitive means operable to digitally scan the image plane and thereby provide X and Y coordinates of the images of the contour lines which together with the Z coordinates of the illuminator define the surface of the model.