Manipulation of Objects

• US 20140244035A1
• Filed: 05/08/2014
• Published: 08/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: New York University
• Original Assignee: New York University
• Inventors: Perlin, Kenneth, Rosenfeld, Daniel A., Kollin, Joel S.
• Granted Patent: US 9,760,093 B2
• 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. An apparatus for locating a plurality of objects comprising:

a planar element having a surface; and

a plurality of sensors sensing the locations of at least two of a plurality of objects in a time slice based on light that is transmitted through the planar element inside its surface.

2. An apparatus for locating a plurality of objects comprising:

a planar element having a surface, the planar element containing a dye; and

a plurality of sensors sensing the locations of at least two of a plurality of objects based on light that is transmitted through the planar element inside its surface at a wavelength in the absorption band of the dye.

3. A method for locating a plurality of objects comprising the steps of:

moving the objects; and

sensing the locations of at least two of a plurality of objects based on light that is transmitted through an edge of a planar element with a plurality of sensors.