Computer aided three dimensional positioning sensing system and method
US5137354A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/87
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A position sensing system calculates the X-Y-Z coordinates of a point in space using triangulation and determines the orientation of an object located at that point. The triangulation calculation is based on the coordinates of at least three retroreflective elements spaced apart from each other 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-Z coordinates 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.