Spatial feature tracking impedence sensor using multiple electric fields

Patent · 11 August 1998

OSTI ID:672723

Novak, J L

Linear and other features on a workpiece are tracked by measuring the fields generated between electrodes arrayed in pairs. One electrode in each pair operates as a transmitter and the other as a receiver, and both electrodes in a pair are arrayed on a carrier. By combining and subtracting fields between electrodes in one pair and between a transmitting electrode in one pair and a receiving electrode in another pair, information describing the location and orientation of the sensor relative to the workpiece in up to six degrees of freedom may be obtained. Typical applications will measure capacitance, but other impedance components may be measured as well. The sensor is designed to track a linear feature axis or a protrusion or pocket in a workpiece. Seams and ridges can be tracked by this non-contact sensor. The sensor output is useful for robotic applications. 10 figs.

• Research Organization: AT&T Corporation
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,793,176/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-042,292
• OSTI ID: 672723
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
DEGREES OF FREEDOM
IMPEDANCE
MANUFACTURING
ON-LINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
ROBOTS