3839results about "Angle measurement" patented technology

A measurement device is provided that allows for determining distance, range and bearing of a target of interest. The distance, range and bearing to the target of interest are determined relative to the position of the measurement device and are stored in memory. The device is further operative to translate these relative positions of the target to an absolute position at the time of measurement, or, when the position of the measurement device becomes known. The absolute position of the measurement device may be determined utilizing GPS technologies or through the measurement of geophysical reference points. Measurement of the relative location of target(s) of interest is performed utilizing an electronic range finding device and elevation and heading sensors. The resulting information is stored in memory for conversions to vector information that may be utilized to generate, for instance, topographical images.

A laser tracker system for measuring six degrees of freedom may include a main optics assembly structured to emit a first laser beam, a pattern projector assembly structured to emit a second laser beam shaped into a two-dimensional pattern, and a target. The target may include a retroreflector and a position sensor assembly. A center of symmetry of the retroreflector may be provided on a different plane than a plane of the position sensor assembly. A method of measuring orientation of a target may include illuminating the target with a laser beam comprising a two-dimensional pattern, recording a position of the two-dimensional pattern on a position sensor assembly to create a measured signature value of the two-dimensional pattern, and calculating an orientation of the target based on the measured signature value.

A system and methods for transprojection of geometry data acquired by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM acquires geometry data corresponding to 3D coordinate measurements collected by a measuring probe that are transformed into scaled 2D data that is transprojected upon various digital object image views captured by a camera. The transprojection process can utilize stored image and coordinate information or perform live transprojection viewing capabilities in both still image and video modes.

Structures and methods for three-dimensional image sensing using high frequency modulation includes CMOS-implementable sensor structures using differential charge transfer, including such sensors enabling rapid horizontal and slower vertical dimension local charge collection. Wavelength response of such sensors can be altered dynamically by varying gate potentials. Methods for producing such sensor structures on conventional CMOS fabrication facilities include use of “rich” instructions to command the fabrication process to optimize image sensor rather than digital or analog ICs. One detector structure has closely spaced-apart, elongated finger-like structures that rapidly collect charge in the spaced-apart direction and then move collected charge less rapidly in the elongated direction. Detector response is substantially independent of the collection rate in the elongated direction.

A computerized system for displaying, geolocating, and taking measurements from captured oblique images includes a data file accessible by the computer system. The data file includes a plurality of image files corresponding to a plurality of captured oblique images, and positional data corresponding to the images. Image display and analysis software is executed by the system for reading the data file and displaying at least a portion of the captured oblique images. The software retrieves the positional data for one or more user-selected points on the displayed image, and calculates a separation distance between any two or more selected points. The separation distance calculation is user-selectable to determine various parameters including linear distance between, area encompassed within, relative elevation of, and height difference between selected points.

A method for the at least partial calibration of a distance image sensor for electromagnetic radiation mounted on a vehicle is described by means of which a detection range along at least one scanned area can be scanned and a corresponding distance image can be detected in relation to an alignment of the scanned area or of the distance image sensor relative to the vehicle. Distances between the distance image sensor and regions on at least one calibration surface are found by means of the distance image sensor and a value for a parameter which at least partly describes the alignment is determined using the distances that are found.

Positions can be precisely and accurately fixed instantaneously within a three-dimensional workspace. A system of two or more transmitters each continuously sweep the workspace with two fanned laser beams which are preferably about 90 degrees apart on the rotational axis of the transmitter. A receiving instrument includes, preferably, two light detectors which detect the time at which each fanned laser beam is incident thereon. The light detectors also detect a synchronization pulse from each transmitter that is emitted once per revolution. Beams from different transmitters are differentiated by different rotational speeds and, therefore, different beam incidence cycles. Because three intersecting planes uniquely define a point in three-dimensional space, by detecting at least three of the fan beams from the transmitters, the receiving instrument can calculate its position in the workspace. A Quick Calc setup procedure allows the use to define a desired coordinate system within the workspace.

A system for tracking a movable structure, comprising: at least one fiducial; and at least one video camera; wherein either the camera or the fiducial is mounted on the movable structure, so that the camera can capture an image of the fiducial as the structure moves. The image from the video camera is captured. From this, the heading of the movable structure is resolved.

An absolute distance measurement device is provided, including reference and measurement laser signal paths, comprising a laser source providing a laser signal and a chopper assembly, comprising a rotatable surface defining at least one aperture provided through a portion of the rotatable surface; wherein the laser signal is directed to different points on the rotatable surface of the chopper assembly such that as the rotatable surface is rotated, the aperture selectively permits transmission and selectively prevents transmission of each of said at least two laser signal paths.

An alignment method for aligning each shot area on a photosensitive substrate with a reticle according to array coordinate predicted by a statistical technique with an improved alignment precision without inviting degradation of throughput, wherein a plurality of alignment marks 29-1, 30-1, 34-1, 35-1 in a short area 27-1 and so forth provided on the n-th wafer 8 (1<=n<=N-1) are measured to carry out the alignment of the shot area with the reticle considering the misalignment of the wafer 8 and the distortion of the shot area 27-1 and so forth, and one alignment mark in a shot are 27-1 or another provided on the (n+k)th wafer 8 (1<=k<=N-n) is measured to carry out the alignment of the shot area with the reticle considering the misalignment of the wafer 8 found from the measurement results, and the distortion of the shot area 27-1 and so forth obtained when the nth wafer 8 is processed.

An apparatus includes a strap that is positional about a drill and maintains a static relationship therewith while a drill bit and chuck rotate. The apparatus includes a plurality of light sources and sensors. The light sources and sensors face forwardly and emit corresponding light arrays aligned parallel to the drill bit and measure a linear distance to a target surface respectively. Each light source defines a reflection that has a unique diameter when the drill is not perpendicular, notifying the user to adapt the drill such that identical diameters are reflected on the work surface. A mechanism communicates an output signal to a display screen so that a visual representation of the drill bit location becomes displayed on a display screen. The drill bit is aligned perpendicular to the work surface when the light sources are equidistantly spaced from the work surface.

An embodiment may comprise a camera based target coordinate measuring system or apparatus for use in measuring the position of objects in manner that preserves a high level of accuracy. This high level of measurement accuracy is usually only associated with more expensive laser based devices. Many different arrangements are possible. Other embodiments may comprise related methods of using a camera based target coordinate measuring method for use in measuring the position of objects. Many variations on the methods are possible. For example, a camera based coordinate measuring system for use in measuring the position of a target relative to at least one frame of reference without requiring use of a laser range finder for measuring distance may comprise at least three or more light sources located on a target wherein the light sources are located on the target at known three-dimensional coordinates relative to each other; at least one rotatable mirror rotatable on about a first axis and a second axis; a camera located to receive light emitted by the light sources that is reflected off the minor; two angular measuring devices to measure the angles of rotation of the mirror about the first and second axes; and a processor for determining up to three positional degrees of freedom and up to three rotational degrees of freedom of the target.

There is provided an optical projection system for projecting an image onto an object that is being manufactured and/or inspected. The system includes an image-projecting device, a target-locating device for determining the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object, and an image-rendering device for rendering the image that is projected onto the object. The target-locating device advantageously comprises a camera that locates at least one target in mechanical communication with the object to determine the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object. The image-rendering device advantageously stores a three-dimensional representation of the object that is converted into a two-dimensional image that is projected upon the object. The image projected upon the object is advantageously used during assembly and/or inspection of the object.