Computer aided positioning system and method
US5076690A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C15/002
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A position sensing system calculates the X-Y coordinates of a point using triangulation and determines the direction in which the point is moving. The triangulation calculation is based on the coordinates of at least three retroreflective elements spaced apart from each other around the periphery of a two-dimensional coordinate frame, and the measured angles between the lines projected radially outward from the point to each of the retroreflective elements. The accuracy of the measured angles is achieved by using a rotating member supported by dedicated hardware and controlled by software. The member rotates with a beam of light generated by a light transmitting and detecting device positionable at the point. The light transmitting and detecting device receives the beam of light reflected back from the retroreflective elements and generates an output signal in response thereto. A computer processes the output signals for use in calculating the X-Y position of the point and the orientation of the light transmitting and detecting device when it is positioned at the point.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.