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Synchronized target subsystem for automated docking systems

  • US 6,091,345 A
  • Filed: 12/10/1998
  • Issued: 07/18/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A synchronized target subsystem for use in automated docking or station keeping systems wherein a chase vehicle is docked with a target vehicle, said synchronized target subsystem comprising:

  • a. a video camera mounted on the chase vehicle, said camera being capable of providing frames of video images each having a predetermined time duration,b. a light source mounted on the target vehicle,c. means on the target vehicle for applying power to the light source to cause the light source to flash at a frequency which has a time duration which is a multiple of the time duration of said frame, during each cycle said light source being on for at least one frame duration and off for the rest of said cycle,d. an image processing unit connected to the video camera for processing signals from said camera to provide a signal representing two adjacent frames, said image processing unit subtracting one of the frames from the other to detect whether the target light appears in one frame, both frames or neither frame, ande. a timing circuit for receiving a signal from the image processing unit when the unit detects a light in both or neither of the frames and feeding a signal to the video camera to advance said camera one frame, said process continuing until the video image shows the target light in one frame and no target light in said adjacent frame.

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