Abstract This invention consists of an optical tracking apparatus comprising a source of parallel light, such as laser, which irradiates the object to be tracked. A light scanning device, which is disposed between the source of parallel light and the object, is provided to deflect or scan the light from the source across the object to be tracked. A convex lens is provided to focus light reflected from the object. A light detector is provided which receives the reflected light and converts it into an electrical signal. The output of the light detector is fed to a phase detector which senses its phase with reference to the phase of the scanning device. Deviation of the scanning center of the scanned light from a selected position on the object to be tracked is detected, and a servo-system is provided to reduce the deviation to zero.
An apparatus for optically tracking a body comprising: a source of parallel light for irradiating a portion of said body, light scanning means positioned between said source and said body for scanning said parallel light across said portion of said body, lens means for condensing light reflected from said portion of said body, light detector means for sensing said reflected light and for producing an output signal in response thereto; and, control means responsive to said output signal for said light detector means for detecting deviations of said scanning light from said portion of said body, said control means operative to minimize said deviations, slit plate means having a slit therein oriented substantially parallel to the scanning direction of said light scanning means, said slit plate means positioned between said lens means and said light detector meAns.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus for optically tracking a body comprising: a source of parallel light for irradiating a portion of said body, light scanning means positioned between said source and said body for scanning said parallel light across said portion of said body, lens means for condensing light reflected from said portion of said body, light detector means for sensing said reflected light and for producing an output signal in response thereto; and, control means responsive to said output signal for said light detector means for detecting deviations of said scanning light from said portion of said body, said control means operative to minimize said deviations, slit plate means having a slit therein oriented substantially parallel to the scanning direction of said light scanning means, said slit plate means positioned between said lens means and said light detector meAns.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 for optically tracking a body further comprising: an optical density wedge positioned between said lens means and said light detector means, said optical density wedge having a transmission factor which varies in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of said light scanning means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 for optically tracking a body wherein: said portion of said body irradiated by said parallel light source is an edge portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 for optically tracking a body wherein: said light scanning means deflects light from said source substantially orthogonally with respect to said edge portion.