Optical system for developing point coordinate information
US4294543A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 1979 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0423
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for defining coordinates of an object intersecting a predefined plane. More particularly, the invention provides a means for generating first and second light beams and a means for sweeping the first and second light beams across the predefined plane. A continuous optical sensor, which could be a plurality of solar cells, is provided around a portion of the periphery of the predefined plane so that each light beam when swept across the plane intersects a portion of the optical sensor. Each light beam is swept across the plane by a rotating reflective surface. The reflective surfaces are rotated by respective motors which have control systems configured so that both light beams cannot simultaneously irradiate the optical sensor. A means for generating timing pulses when each light beam defines a predetermined reference angle is provided. The invention discloses a means whereby the interruption of each of the swept light beams by the intersecting object generates an interruption pulse which, in conjunction with its associated timing pulse, is used to define the angle of the light beam at the time of intersection with respect to its predetermined reference. The …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.