Robot hand including optical approach sensing apparatus
US4766322A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 1986 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J19/021
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A robot hand having six optical approach sensors each including a light emitting element and a light sensing element is disclosed. Each optical approach sensor is adapted to detect an object in the vicinity of the robot hand such that the object may be picked up or avoided. The sensor units are adapted to detect objects by reflecting light therefrom, receiving a portion of the reflected light and providing an output signal, the magnitude of which is proportional to the intensity of received light. An output circuit is responsive to the sensor output for determining the magnitude of the sensor output signal, and hence the distance which separates the approach sensing unit and the object. The output circuit thus provides a plurality of control signals which are used by a motion control processor to control the speed at which the robot moves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.