System for locating an object provided with at least one passive target pattern
US4764668A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 1986 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/74
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The system comprises a plurality of passive target patterns (30, 31, 32, 33) situated on a surface (24) of an object to be located, and an approach sensor (19) including: a source (20) for emitting light towards said patterns; a receiver (22) for receiving light reflected from said object (21); and a processor member (23) connected to said source (20) and said receiver (22). Each passive pattern comprises a series of optically-readable elongate symbols disposed relative to one another in such a manner as to constitute a code, with the approach sensor serving to scan said object optically. The invention is applicable to docking and stowage maneuvers between two space vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.