Methods, systems, and apparatus for multi-sensory stereo vision for robotics
US10412368B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/47
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention include multi-sensory stereo vision sensors suitable for use in robotics, navigation, machine vision, manufacturing, and other applications. In some cases, a sensor includes a stereo camera that produces image data for use in generating disparity maps to determine the positions of objects in the scene and/or the position of the sensor itself. The stereo sensor may include image sensors that are fastened to a unitary frame to prevent undesired drift and a thermal pad that wicks heat away from a processor. The processor may provide an efficient means to directly compute stereo disparity maps onboard the sensor. A sensor can also include a laser rangefinder that provides range data suitable for calibrating the stereo camera and for improving its accuracy in certain environments. In some cases, the laser is coupled to a spindle, which in turn is driven by a geartrain through a slipping clutch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.