US4744664A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for determining the position of a feature of an object
Assignee: Soluna Holdings Inc
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Filing: 1986-06-03
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Granted: 1988-05-17
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Expires: 2006-06-03
Abstract
Abstract A system for locating a feature of an object disposed in a frame includes a spot projector for projecting a spot in the general vicinity of the feature and an imaging device with a limited field of view. The spot projector is a precision device which projects the spot towards a preselected location on the frame. When the spot and the feature are in the field of view of the imaging device, the absolute location of the feature is determined from its selective distance to the spot. Provisions are also made for determining depth or relief information about the object.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan M. Offt
- 👤 Robert L. Jackson, Jr.
- 👤 Russell P. Kraft
- 👤 John F. Wagner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/06; B; B25; B25J; B25J19/00; B25J19/02; B25J19/021; G01S17/88; G01S17/89; G01S7/00; G01S7/48; G01S7/497; G01S7/4972
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of determining the position of a feature on an object disposed in a frame comprising the steps of: directing an imaging device with a field of vision towards the feature; projecting a relative reference light pattern into the field of vision, said reference light pattern being disposed at a known location with respect to a fixed reference; and measuring the distance between said relative reference light pattern and said feature as indicated by said imaging device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of determining the position of a feature on an object disposed in a frame comprising the steps of: directing an imaging device with a field of vision towards the feature; projecting a relative reference light pattern into the field of vision, said reference light pattern being disposed at a known location with respect to a fixed reference; and measuring the distance between said relative reference light pattern and said feature as indicated by said imaging device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising providing calibrating targets on said frame, for calibrating said reference light pattern.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
107 words
A device for determining the position of a feature on an object comprising: a frame for holding the object; imaging means having a field of view; light pattern projecting means for projecting a pattern or spot to a known location on said field of view; and control means for directing said imaging means towards said field of view and simultaneously directing said light pattern projecting means to project said light pattern within said field of view; whereby the position of the feature with respect to the frame is determined by the position of the light pattern and the position of the feature relative to said light pattern.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
107 words
A device for determining the position of a feature on an object comprising: a frame for holding the object; imaging means having a field of view; light pattern projecting means for projecting a pattern or spot to a known location on said field of view; and control means for directing said imaging means towards said field of view and simultaneously directing said light pattern projecting means to project said light pattern within said field of view; whereby the position of the feature with respect to the frame is determined by the position of the light pattern and the position of the feature relative to said light pattern.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said imaging means comprises a video camera.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said light pattern projecting means comprises a laser and means for directing the laser beam along two axes across the frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 5 wherein the frame comprises a plurality of targets disposed at a preselected distance, and said control means is further provided to calibrate the laser by directing said laser beam to said targets.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said targets comprise an array of photosensitive elements coupled to said control means said elements being activated by said light pattern when the laser beam is directed toward the corresponding target.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said light pattern generating means comprises a second laser for generating a laser beam, and second means for directing said second laser beam toward said frame.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said means for directing the laser beam comprises two mirrors for directing the beam in two orthogical directions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 5, wherein said means for directing the laser beam comprises one mirror mounted on two orthogonal axes for directing the beam in two orthogical directions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4508452A
Cited
US4136957A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-05-17 | 1991-11-16 | 1992-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-17 | 1995-11-16 | 1996-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-11-16 | 2000-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |