System for determining the spatial position of an object by means of a video optical sensor
US5215423A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/89
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
There is disclosed a system for determining the spatial position of an object with a video optical sensor which detects predetermined features of this object and generates signals which correspond to the features, the signals being then processed in an electronic computer connected to a control handling circuit of a handling apparatus, such as a garbage collecting truck provided with a pick-up claw and a lifting and tipping mechanism for picking up the garbage can which is provided with a receiving pocket for the pick-up claw. In the system, the object, such as the garbage can, is provided with at least three retroreflective marks arranged in a predetermined pattern, angularly related to each other and illuminated by a light source, and a semiconductor area having an area sensor disposed in juxtaposition to and in spatial association with the light source so that the pick-up claw is guided into the receiving pocket of the can for lifting and tipping thereof to empty it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.