Multi-dimensional measuring system
OwnerKam C. Lauinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A laser based tracking unit communicates with a target to obtain position information about the target. Specifically, the target is placed at the point to be measured. The pitch, yaw and roll movements of the target, and the spherical coordinates of the target relative to the tracking unit are then obtained. The target can be, for example, an active device incorporated into a moveable device such as a remote controlled robot.
Claims44
A multi-dimensional measuring system comprising:
- a tracking unit that emits laser light and performs tracking using spherical coordinates;
- a target in communication with the tracking unit, the target being capable of making pitch, yaw, and roll movements;
- a distance determining module that determines a distance between the tracking unit and the target;
- and
- an output module that outputs position information about the target relative to the tracking unit based on the spherical coordinates, the pitch, yaw and roll movements, and the distance.
A remote unit associated with a multi-dimensional measuring system comprising:
- a target in communication with a tracking unit of the multi-dimensional measuring system, the target being capable of making pitch, yaw, and roll movements;
- and
- a probe assembly coupled to the target, the probe assembly comprises a probe tip, a probe stem, and a probe base, wherein the probe tip is configured to reach locations not within a line of sight between the tracking unit and the target.
A target associated with a multi-dimensional measuring system comprising:
- a retro-reflector having an apex, wherein the apex is configured to allow at least part of a laser beam light entering the retro-reflector to exit the retro-reflector;
- and
- a laser light sensor configured to detect the at least part of the laser beam light exiting the retro-reflector through the apex.
A method for measuring a position of an object comprising:
- monitoring spherical coordinates of a laser light emitting tracking unit;
- monitoring pitch, yaw, and roll movements of a target in communication with the tracking unit;
- determining a distance between the tracking unit and the target;
- and
- outputting position information about the target relative to the tracking unit based on the spherical coordinates, the pitch, yaw, and roll movements, and the distance.
A system for measuring the position of an object comprising:
- means for monitoring spherical coordinates of a laser light emitting tracking unit;
- means for monitoring pitch, yaw, and roll movements of a target in communication with the tracking unit;
- means for determining a distance between the tracking unit and the target;
- and
- means for outputting position information about the target relative to the tracking unit based on the spherical coordinates, the pitch, yaw, and roll movements, and the distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.