Three dimensional graphics tablet
US4477973A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 1982 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B7/004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A three dimensional graphics tablet for determining the three dimensional coordinates of points on an object placed on a supporting plane. The apparatus includes an articulated arm having at least two link elements connecting a contacting tip element to the support for rotational movement about a plurality of mutually angulated axes. By means of the arm articulation, the contacting tip element can be moved to arbitrary locations within a defined volume. Potentiometers are provided for measuring each of the angles of rotation about the mutually angulated axes. These potentiometers generate signals which collectively determine the coordinates of the location of the tip element. Embodiments are disclosed having three and four degrees of freedom.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.