Multi-dimensional position sensor using range detectors

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2000

OSTI ID:873225

Vann, Charles S ^[1]

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1. Fremont, CA

A small, non-contact optical sensor uses ranges and images to detect its relative position to an object in up to six degrees of freedom. The sensor has three light emitting range detectors which illuminate a target and can be used to determine distance and two tilt angles. A camera located between the three range detectors senses the three remaining degrees of freedom, two translations and one rotation. Various range detectors, with different light sources, e.g. lasers and LEDs, different collection options, and different detection schemes, e.g. diminishing return and time of flight can be used. This sensor increases the capability and flexibility of computer controlled machines, e.g. it can instruct a robot how to adjust automatically to different positions and orientations of a part.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of Univerity of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 6115128
• OSTI ID: 873225
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

multi-dimensional
position
sensor
range
detectors
non-contact
optical
ranges
images
detect
relative
six
degrees
freedom
light
emitting
illuminate
target
determine
distance
tilt
angles
camera
located
senses
remaining
translations
rotation
various
sources
lasers
leds
collection
options
detection
schemes
diminishing
return
time
flight
increases
capability
flexibility
computer
controlled
machines
instruct
robot
adjust
automatically
positions
orientations
relative position
position sensor
six degrees
computer controlled
light source
light sources
light emitting
computer control
optical sensor
range detectors
controlled machine
sensor increases
non-contact optical
tilt angles
six degree
controlled machines
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