Hybrid compact sensing apparatus for adaptive robotic processes
US7283892B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hybrid compact sensing apparatus for generating signals usable for guiding a process robot as a function of an object detected in a scene. The apparatus comprises a laser light generator, two optical sensors, one or more ultrasound sensors, and a control unit, all integrated in a same housing. The laser light generator and the optical sensors form a detection arrangement having a limited detection range compared to that of the ultrasound sensors. The control unit has a processing circuit monitoring the distance of the object measured by the ultrasound sensors, and triggering on the laser light generator and triggering use of the depth profile signals produced by the optical sensors among the signals usable for guiding the process robot when the distance measured by the ultrasound sensors falls within the limited detection range. Integration of an audio and video sensing unit to the apparatus enables remote monitoring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.