(19)

(11)

EP 0 946 856 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 06.10.1999 Bulletin 1999/40 (21) Application number: 97952572.0 (22) Date of filing: 19.12.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01B 11/ 24( . ) G06T 1/ 00( . ) G01B 11/ 25( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/023626 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/028593 (02.07.1998 Gazette 1998/26)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 20.12.1996 US 19960033893P (71) Applicant: Pacific Title and Mirage, Inc. Newton, MA 02159 (US)	(72) Inventors: HUNTER, Ian, W. Lincoln, MA 01773 (US) CHARETTE, Paul, G. Lexington, MA 02173 (US) (74) Representative: Froud, Clive, et al  Elkington and Fife Prospect House 8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR (GB)