Manipulation of objects

• US 20050065649A1
• Filed: 04/09/2004
• Published: 03/24/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: New York University
• Original Assignee: New York University
• Inventors: Rosenfeld, Daniel A., Kollin, Joel S.
• Application Number:
  US10/822,133
• Publication Number:
  US 20050065649A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/245
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0231 using optical position detecting means position-fixing by using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. optical position detecting means G01S5/16
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/04 for teaching control of land vehicles

Abstract

A system for manipulation of objects. The system includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and a mechanism for controlling and 2D locating of the N objects. A method for manipulating objects. The method includes the steps of receiving information from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, at a centrally controlling and 2D locating controller; determining 2D locations by the controller of the N objects; and transmitting from the controller directions to the N objects for the N objects to move. An apparatus for tracking. The apparatus includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, each object having an emitter which emits light; and a mechanism for 2D sensing of the N objects over time from the light emitted by each emitter. The present invention pertains to a method for tracking. The method includes the steps of emitting light from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects.

Claims

1. A system for manipulation of objects comprising:

N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and

means for controlling and 2D locating of the N objects.

2. A system as described in claim 1 wherein the controlling means includes indicators disposed on the object.

3. A system as described in claim 2 wherein the controlling means includes sensing means for locating the objects.

4. A system as described in claim 3 wherein position indicators include emitters which indicate a position of an object.

5. A system as described in claim 4 wherein the objects are vehicles.

6. A system as described in claim 5 wherein the controlling means includes a vehicle controller disposed with each vehicle.

7. A system as described in claim 6 wherein the vehicle controller of each vehicle includes an MCU.

8. A system as described in claim 7 wherein the sensing means includes sensors.

9. A system as described in claim 8 wherein the emitters include LEDs.

10. A method for manipulating objects comprising the steps of:

receiving information from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, at a centrally controlling and 2D locating controller;

determining 2D locations by the controller of the N objects; and

transmitting from the controller directions to the N objects for the N objects to move.

11. A method as described in claim 10 wherein the transmitting step includes the step of transmitting from the controller kinematic parameters to the N objects.

12. An apparatus for tracking comprising:

N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, each object having an emitter which emits light; and

means for 2D sensing of the N objects over time from the light emitted by each emitter.

13. An apparatus as described in claim 12 including a planar element on which the N objects are disposed, and wherein the sensing means includes at least 2 1-D sensors that sense the light emitted from the edge of the planar element on which the objects are disposed.

14. A method for tracking comprising the steps of:

emitting light from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and

sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects.

15. A method as described in claim 14 wherein the sensing step includes the step of sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects through an edge of a planar element on which the N objects are disposed.