3853results about "Angle measurement" patented technology

The invention is generally related to the estimation of position and orientation of an object with respect to a local or a global coordinate system using reflected light sources. A typical application of the method and apparatus includes estimation and tracking of the position of a mobile autonomous robot. Other applications include estimation and tracking of an object for position-aware, ubiquitous devices. Additional applications include tracking of the positions of people or pets in an indoor environment. The methods and apparatus comprise one or more optical emitters, one or more optical sensors, signal processing circuitry, and signal processing methods to determine the position and orientation of at least one of the optical sensors based at least in part on the detection of the signal of one or more emitted light sources reflected from a surface.

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.

The present invention is a laser ranging device that incorporates an internal tilt sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an internal pressure sensor. The tilt sensor is used to measure the target's vertical angle relative to the horizontal reference plane. Digital signal processing circuitry controls the firing of the laser pulse, calculation of time-of-flight range, measurement of the vertical angle of the tilt sensor, measurement of ambient temperature and storage of tilt sensor and temperature sensor calibration data. The digital signal processing circuitry then provides the user temperature corrected ballistic ranging information, including horizontal range. Additionally, an automatic gain control system minimizes the effects of target to target variance in reflectivity and its associated errors. It is also an object of this invention to electronically minimize errors in the measurement of a vertical angle caused by housing vibration and by temperature variance errors.

An interface for a small form factor electronic device by enabling explicit measurement of extension or retraction of a retractable cord by monitoring the amount of string that passes by sensors, as the string exits the enclosure of the device. Input to such small form factor devices may be provided by sensors that measure the length of a string or wire that has been pulled out of an enclosure, in addition to an angle or direction (e.g., in 1-, 2- or 3-dimensions) at which the string was pulled out. Additionally, the rate of acceleration for the pulling and retracting motion may also be used as additional forms of input. In a further embodiment, a string interface is provided for a small form factor device that communicates information in the form of a pixel display provided integral with the string in response to string manipulation.

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.

The present invention provides for methods and apparatus for locating a capillary channel that is disposed within a lab chip. The method provides for scanning the channel with a light source, monitoring the resulting light at the edges of the lab chip, and interpreting this information whereby the light detected at the edges of the lab chip can be used as a means for characterizing the location of the side walls of the channel within the lab chip. The apparatus provides for a carriage system to which a light source and the lab chip are attached. It also provides for one or more scatter detectors directed towards the edges of the chip and connected to a computer processor for purposes of analysis.

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 method and apparatus for determining a pose of an elongate object and an absolute position of its tip while the tip is in contact with a plane surface having invariant features. The surface and features are illuminated with a probe radiation and a scattered portion, e.g., the back-scattered portion, of the probe radiation returning from the plane surface and the feature to the elongate object at an angle τ with respect to an axis of the object is detected. The pose is derived from a response of the scattered portion to the surface and the features and the absolute position of the tip on the surface is obtained from the pose and knowledge about the feature. The probe radiation can be directed from the object to the surface at an angle σ to the axis of the object in the form of a scan beam. The scan beam can be made to follow a scan pattern with the aid of a scanning arrangement with one or more arms and one or more uniaxial or biaxial scanners. Angle τ can also be varied, e.g., with the aid of a separate or the same scanning arrangement as used to direct probe radiation to the surface. The object can be a pointer, a robotic arm, a cane or a jotting implement such as a pen, and the features can be edges, micro-structure or macro-structure belonging to, deposited on or attached to the surface which the tip of the object is contacting.

The invention is generally related to the estimation of position and orientation of an object with respect to a local or a global coordinate system using reflected light sources. A typical application of the method and apparatus includes estimation and tracking of the position of a mobile autonomous robot. Other applications include estimation and tracking of an object for position-aware, ubiquitous devices. Additional applications include tracking of the positions of people or pets in an indoor environment. The methods and apparatus comprise one or more optical emitters, one or more optical sensors, signal processing circuitry, and signal processing methods to determine the position and orientation of at least one of the optical sensors based at least in part on the detection of the signal of one or more emitted light sources reflected from a surface.

An apparatus and method employing principles of stereo vision for determining one or more orientation parameters and especially the second and third Euler angles θ, ψ of an elongate object whose tip is contacting a surface at a contact point. The apparatus has a projector mounted on the elongate object for illuminating the surface with a probe radiation in a known pattern from a first point of view and a detector mounted on the elongate object for detecting a scattered portion of the probe radiation returning from the surface to the elongate object from a second point of view. The orientation parameters are determined from a difference between the projected and detected probe radiation such as the difference between the shape of the feature produced by the projected probe radiation and the shape of the feature detected by the detector. The pattern of probe radiation is chosen to provide information for determination of the one or more orientation parameters and can include asymmetric patterns such as lines, ellipses, rectangles, polygons or the symmetric cases including circles, squares and regular polygons. To produce the patterns the projector can use a scanning arrangement or a structured light optic such as a holographic, diffractive, refractive or reflective element and any combinations thereof. The apparatus is suitable for determining the orientation of a jotting implement such as a pen, pencil or stylus.

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.

The present invention relates to an optical navigation system for determining a pose, which includes the position and orientation of an object in an environment. The optical navigation system uses a number of beacons affixed at known locations in the environment to provide electromagnetic radiation in a sequenced pattern. An on-board optic images the radiation from the beacons onto an on-board centroid sensing device to obtain an imaged distribution of the radiation on the on-board centroid sensing device. The centroid sensing device determines the centroid of the imaged distribution and provides centroid information to a navigation unit for determining the pose of the object from the centroid. The navigation system is particularly well-suited for navigating hand-held objects.

An apparatus and method for determining an inclination angle θ between an axis of an elongate object such as a cane, a pointer or a jotting implement such as a pen, pencil, stylus or the like and a normal to a plane surface at times when a tip of the elongate object is contacting that plane surface. The apparatus has an emitter mounted on the object for illuminating the plane surface with a probe radiation at an angle σ with respect to the axis of the object. The apparatus also has a detector mounted on the elongate object for detecting a radiation characteristic of a scattered portion of the probe radiation returning from the plane surface and a computing unit for deriving the inclination angle θ from the radiation characteristic. A scanning arrangement, such as a uniaxial or biaxial scanner, or a light guiding optic can be used for varying angle σ, and the probe radiation can be emitted in the form of a scan beam. Preferably, the emitter and detector of the scattered portion of the probe radiation are integrated and the scattered portion of the probe radiation whose characteristic is being measured is the back-scattered portion. The radiation characteristic detected by the detector can be the intensity, polarization, time-of-flight or any combination thereof.

A geographic data collecting system, comprising a distance measuring unit for projecting a distance measuring light and for measuring a distance to an object to be measured, a camera for taking an image in measuring direction, a display unit for displaying the pickup image, a touch panel provided to correspond to a screen position of the display unit, a tilt sensor for detecting a tilting of the measuring direction, and an arithmetic unit for calculating a distance to the object to be measured by giving consideration on the tilting in the measuring direction and a point-to-point distance as specified on the image by specifying two or more points of the object to be measured on a displayed image via the touch panel.

The integrated laser and satellite positional system receiver is disclosed. The integrated laser and satellite positioning system receiver can provide a plurality of mobile units with a laser plane data determined with a millimeter relative accuracy. The integrated laser and differential satellite positioning system receiver can also generate and transmit the differential correctional data to a plurality of mobile units. Each mobile unit equipped with a mobile satellite positioning system receiver can use the differential correction data and the high precision laser plane data to improve its position determination capabilities.

A measurement system for determining six degrees of freedom (α, β, d, φ, χ, ψ) of a reflector (2) or of an object (3) on which the reflector is arranged, comprises an angle- and distance measurement apparatus (1), e.g. a laser tracker, operating with a laser beam as a measurement beam (4). The reflector (2) is designed for a parallel reflection of the measurement beam (4) and has an apical opening or surface (6), in a manner such that a part of the measurement beam (4) directed onto the reflector (2), passes through the apical opening or surface (6), and is incident on a light-sensitive surface (7) arranged behind the reflector apex. Five degrees of freedom (α, β, d, φ, χ) of the reflector (2) or the object (3) are computed from measurement data produced by the angle- and distance measurement apparatus (1) and by the light-sensitive surface (7).

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.

An elongate object optically determines at least one of its orientation parameters relative to a plane surface. A probe radiation beam is directed from the object at various angles σ to various locations on the plane, where the angle σ is a periodic function of time. Two angularly-selective radiation detectors oriented at fixed angles τ1 and τ2 sense scattered portions of the beam from two locations at two corresponding times. The orientation parameter is computed from a time difference Δt=t2−t1 between the two times.

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.

Three-dimensional parameters of a tire are measured dynamically in a non-contact way using laser vision technology. Two laser vision sensors are used, which are calibrated and then used for practical measurement. The system offers a wide measuring range, high accuracy and high efficiency, even though the tire is moving, and it minimizes the size of the measuring apparatus, and reduces the cost of the apparatus.

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.