Object profile sensing
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsJoseph H. Solomon, Mitra J. Hartmann, Christopher L. Schroeder
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Abstract
A method for sensing an object profile shape involves relatively sweeping (whisking or translating) in angular or translational increments an elongated whisker element having a deflectable cantilever region and an object so that the cantilever region bends as a result of sliding along an object periphery. The moment (torque) at a base region of the whisker element as a result of the bending is determined. The method then iteratively determines successive contact point locations on the object periphery based on small successive increments in angle or position of the whisker element and the sensed moment (torque).
Claims13
A method for sensing an object profile shape, comprising relatively sweeping an elongated whisker element having a deflectable cantilever region and an object so that the cantilever region bends as a result of sliding on an object periphery, determining moment at a base region of the whisker element as a result of the bending, and iteratively inferring successive contact point locations on the object periphery based on small successive increments in whisker element displacement and sensed moment.
A method for sensing curvature of an object, comprising relatively sweeping at a known velocity an elongated whisker element having a deflectable cantilever region and an object so that the cantilever region bends as a result of sliding on an object periphery, determining successive radial distances between a base region of the whisker element and a point of contact with the object, and determining curvature of the object using the successive radial distances and known velocity of sweeping.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.