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Passive optical position measurement system

  • US 4,576,481 A
  • Filed: 12/13/1982
  • Issued: 03/18/1986
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1982
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A passive optical position measurement system for determining and displaying the position of an object within a three-dimensional work area comprising:

  • (a) at least two position sensing detectors positioned a pre-determined spaced distance apart from one another and positioned in substantially a common plane substantially adjacent to the periphery of said work area;

    (b) first reflecting means located within said work area and adapted to be attached to a first object, the position of which is to be detected;

    (c) second reflecting means located within said work area and adapted to be attached to a second object, the position of which is to be detected;

    (d) light source means positioned adjacent each position sensing detector, said light source means including distinct light sources, each generating a distinct different light wavelength, the number of distinct light sources corresponding to the number of objects;

    (e) each reflecting means including distinct filter means positioned in front of the reflective portion, each filter means allowing light therethrough with only one of said wavelengths and each said filter means corresponding to a wavelength different from all other filter means;

    (f) means controlling said position sensing detectors and light source means whereby said light source means may be activated to emit light therefrom, said controlling means sequentially pulsing said light sources of distinct different wavelengths, said light from each respective said light source means reflecting from said reflecting means directly back to the position sensing detector adjacent to the respective said light source means and said controlling means receiving signals from said position sensing detectors to calculate and display the position of said first and second objects in three dimensions;

    (g) a further light source means generating light at a distanct wavelength from the wavelengths of said light sources corresponding to said objects;

    said further light source means each being positioned adjacent a position sensing detector; and

    (h) said controlling means pulsing said further light source means and including means for interpreting signals received by said position sensing detectors from said further light source means to allow compensation for scattering objects within said work area, the position of which is not desired to be detected and displayed.

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