Method and apparatus for machine element control
First Claim
1. A method of monitoring the location, and the orientation of a machine element, comprising:
- providing a plurality of targets in known positions relative to the machine element, providing a total station at a known location near said machine element, repeatedly, successively determining the location of each target using said total station, and determining the orientation of said machine element based on the locations of said plurality of targets.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of monitoring the location, and the orientation of a machine element, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of the machine include a robotic total station and a plurality of targets in known positions relative to the machine element. The total station, located at a known location near the machine element, repeatedly, successively determines the location of each target. Acquisition and re-acquisition of the targets is aided by stored data regarding the prior locations and movements of the targets. Further, active targets may be used to facilitate re-acquisition. The operation of the machine is controlled based upon the location and orientation of the machine element.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring the location, and the orientation of a machine element, comprising:
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providing a plurality of targets in known positions relative to the machine element, providing a total station at a known location near said machine element, repeatedly, successively determining the location of each target using said total station, and determining the orientation of said machine element based on the locations of said plurality of targets. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of controlling the movement of a machine element, comprising:
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providing a plurality of targets in known positions with respect to a moving machine element, providing a total station at a known location near said moving machine element, repeatedly, successively determining the location of each target using said total station, transmitting the location of each target determined by the total station from the total station to the machine, at the machine, determining the orientation of said machine element based on the locations of said targets, and at the machine controlling the movement of the machine element in response to the determined locations of said targets and the determined orientation of said machine element. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for controlling the movement of a machine element on a machine, comprising:
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a control on said machine for control of said machine element;
a plurality of targets mounted in known positions with respect to a moving machine element; and
a total station positioned at a known location near said moving machine element, said total station including a laser light source for providing a beam of laser light on said targets, a target prediction unit for predicting the locations of each of said targets based on previous locations and movement of the targets, a beam control for directing the beam of laser light on said targets and repeatedly, successively determining the location of each target, and a transmitter for transmitting the locations of each of the targets to the control on said machine;
whereby the measured locations of the targets can be used to determine the location, orientation, and movement of the machine element to facilitate control of the machine element. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification