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System for position and orientation determination of a point in space using scanning laser beams

  • US 6,417,839 B1
  • Filed: 05/20/1999
  • Issued: 07/09/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/20/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A system for position and orientation measurement of a point in a prescribed space, comprising:

  • a) a source of light including three scanning, non-coplanar fan-shaped rotating light beams, each beam having known position and orientation at any particular time;

    b) at least two of said light beams being uniquely polarized at angles of polarization different from one another;

    c) a sensor device movable within said space and carrying sensor means for sensing said light beams;

    d) said sensor means comprising three separate detectors including;

    i) a first detector always exposed to light from said light beams;

    ii) second and third detectors at least partially exposed to light from said light beams; and

    iii) one of said three detectors being polarized at a particular angle of polarization; and

    e) computer means for receiving signals from said detectors and, therefrom, measuring position and orientation of said point.

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