US6043873A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Position tracking system
Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
•
Filing: 1997-01-10
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Granted: 2000-03-28
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Expires: 2017-01-10
Abstract
Abstract An optical position tracking system that tracks the position of objects, using light intensity and/or frequency with the application of geometry and ratios of detector responses, is provided, having light distributing and light detecting components that employ the concepts of constructive occlusion and diffuse reflection. Diffusely reflective cavities, masks and baffles are used to improve certain radiating characteristics of the distributing components and certain response characteristics of the detecting components, to tailor the radiation and detection profiles thereof, including them substantially uniform for all angles within a hemispheric area which the distributing and detecting components face. The distributing and/or detecting components are partitioned with specially-configured baffles. A partitioned distributor has distinct emission sections where the sections can emit spectrally-different or distinguishable radiation. A partitioned detector has distinct detection sections where the sections can detect radiation from different directions. The system may be variously configured, to use different combinations of partitioned and nonpartitioned devices. In most configurations, a single head module provides one set of directional data about two coordinates (e.g., rho and THETA ) for one reflector. An additional head module remotely positioned from the first head module can provide a second set of directional data for the reflector (e.g., rho 2 and THETA 2), for cross-referencing with the first set of directional data to obtain positional data in three dimensions of the object being tracked. The system can also track multiple objects, using spectrally-different (or at least spectrally distinguishable reflectors) in conjunction with correspondingly spectrally-compatible sensors.
Inventors
- 👤 David P. Ramer
- 👤 Jack C. Rains, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 02:02
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S5/00; G01S5/16; G01S5/163; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/06; G01S17/42; G01S7/00; G01S7/48; G01S7/481; G01S7/4816; G01S17/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 109
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
An optical position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to the object; a light source; a light detector having a detection surface, a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface, and a baffle positioned in a region between said mask and said detection surface, said baffle partitioning said region into sections, said light detector generating signals representative of light incident on said detection surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
An optical position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to the object; a light source; a light detector having a detection surface, a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface, and a baffle positioned in a region between said mask and said detection surface, said baffle partitioning said region into sections, said light detector generating signals representative of light incident on said detection surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said light detector comprises a plurality of sensors, each generating signals representative of light incident on a distinct section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source has an emitter surface and an emitter mask positioned a predetermined distance from said emitter surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 3, wherein said light source has a diffusely reflective emitter cavity having an emitter aperture that provides said emitter surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source comprises a scanning light mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source comprises a pulse emitter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said light detector has a diffusely reflective detection cavity having a detection aperture that provides said detection surface, and said baffle includes an extended portion that divides said cavity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said baffle includes two intersecting members that form four of said sections.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said mask and said baffle have diffusely reflective surfaces.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 1, further comprising a processor that processes said signals from said light detector.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 2, further including a second reflector, and said light detector includes a second plurality of sensors, each of said second sensors also generating signals representative of light incident on said respective distinct section.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 4, wherein said detector mask of said light detector has a structure that is configured with said emitter cavity of said light source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a light source affixed to said object; a light detector including: a detection surface; a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface; a baffle positioned in a region between said mask and said detection surface, said baffle dividing said region into sections.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
56 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a light source affixed to said object; a light detector including: a detection surface; a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface; a baffle positioned in a region between said mask and said detection surface, said baffle dividing said region into sections.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 13, wherein said light detector includes a diffusely reflective cavity having an aperture that provides said detection surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 14, wherein said baffle includes an extended portion that divides said cavity.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
70 words
An optical position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to the object; a diffusely reflective cavity having an aperture; a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said aperture; a light source; a light detector; a baffle having members that divide a region between said cavity and said mask into sections, wherein said light detector generates signals representative of light incident on said aperture.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
70 words
An optical position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to the object; a diffusely reflective cavity having an aperture; a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said aperture; a light source; a light detector; a baffle having members that divide a region between said cavity and said mask into sections, wherein said light detector generates signals representative of light incident on said aperture.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
An optical position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said light detector includes a plurality of sensors, each of which is associated with a distinct section.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
An optical position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of emitters, each positioned within a distinct section.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said light source emits pulses of radiation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
69 words
An optical position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said baffle has a first portion extending below said aperture and a second portion extending above said aperture, said first portion dividing said cavity into lower sections, said second portion forming upper sections between said aperture and said mask, and said light detector comprises a plurality of sensors, each of which is positioned within a distinct upper section.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
69 words
An optical position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said baffle has a first portion extending below said aperture and a second portion extending above said aperture, said first portion dividing said cavity into lower sections, said second portion forming upper sections between said aperture and said mask, and said light source comprises a plurality of emitters, each of which is positioned within a distinct upper section.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said mask and said baffle have diffusely reflective surfaces.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 16, further comprising a processor processing said signals to provide directional data of said object.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 17, wherein said light source comprises a second diffusely reflective cavity having an emitter aperture and an emitter mask positioned a predetermined distance from said emitter aperture.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 18, wherein said light detector comprises a second diffusely reflective cavity having a detection aperture and a detection mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection aperture.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 18, wherein each of said emitters is of a distinguishable spectral characteristic.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 17, further including a second reflector, wherein said light detector includes a second plurality of sensors, each of which is associated with a distinct section.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 17, wherein said sensors detect light intensity.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said light source emits pulses of radiation and said light detector measures elapsed time of said pulses.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said cavity is hemispherical.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 16, wherein said light source includes a scanning light mechanism.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
79 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to said object; a scanning light mechanism generating a radiation beam; a light detector having two portions each configured to provide a diffusely reflective cavity defining an aperture and including a mask positioned above said aperture, said detector generating signals in response to detection of light; a processor that processes said signals to provide directional data representative of a directional location of said reflector.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
79 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to said object; a scanning light mechanism generating a radiation beam; a light detector having two portions each configured to provide a diffusely reflective cavity defining an aperture and including a mask positioned above said aperture, said detector generating signals in response to detection of light; a processor that processes said signals to provide directional data representative of a directional location of said reflector.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 32, wherein said scanning light mechanism includes a light source generating a light beam and a positioner that moves the light beam in a predetermined pattern.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
112 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to the object; a scanning light mechanism generating a radiation beam; a light detector having two portions each configured to provide a diffusely reflective cavity defining an aperture and including a mask positioned above the aperture, the detector generating signals in response to detection of light, wherein each of the portions further includes a baffle that divides each of the cavities into lower sections and a region between the respective mask and the respective aperture into upper sections; and a processor responsive to the signals for providing directional data representative of a directional location of the reflector.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
112 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a reflector affixed to the object; a scanning light mechanism generating a radiation beam; a light detector having two portions each configured to provide a diffusely reflective cavity defining an aperture and including a mask positioned above the aperture, the detector generating signals in response to detection of light, wherein each of the portions further includes a baffle that divides each of the cavities into lower sections and a region between the respective mask and the respective aperture into upper sections; and a processor responsive to the signals for providing directional data representative of a directional location of the reflector.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
63 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a light source affixed to said object; a light detector including a detection surface, a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface, and a baffle that divides a region between said detection surface and said mask into sections; and a plurality of sensors, each associated with a distinct section.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
63 words
A position tracking system for determining the position of an object, comprising: a light source affixed to said object; a light detector including a detection surface, a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface, and a baffle that divides a region between said detection surface and said mask into sections; and a plurality of sensors, each associated with a distinct section.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
A position tracking system as defined by claim 35, wherein said light detector includes a diffusely reflective cavity having an aperture that provides said detection surface, and said baffle has an extended portion that divides said cavity.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 36, wherein said cavity is hemispherical and has an interior surface that is diffusely reflective.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 35, wherein said baffle includes two intersecting planar members that form four sections.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 35, wherein said mask and said baffle have diffusely reflective surfaces.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
33 words
A position tracking system as defined in claim 35, further comprising a processor, associated with the detector, for processing said signals to provide directional signals indicative of a directional location of said object.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
77 words
An optical device, comprising: a first structure having a first optical surface that faces a first direction; a second structure having a second optical surface that faces a second direction; said first and second structures situated angularly offset from each other wherein each of said structures masks the optical surface of the other from either emitted radiation from or incidental radiation on said other optical surface within a distinct range of angles relative to said optical device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
77 words
An optical device, comprising: a first structure having a first optical surface that faces a first direction; a second structure having a second optical surface that faces a second direction; said first and second structures situated angularly offset from each other wherein each of said structures masks the optical surface of the other from either emitted radiation from or incidental radiation on said other optical surface within a distinct range of angles relative to said optical device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
An optical detector in accordance with claim 41, wherein said first and second optical surfaces are substantially normal to each other.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
An optical detector in accordance with claim 41, wherein said range of angles are substantially at an horizon defined relative to the device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
78 words
An optical detector comprising: a detection structure of a closed configuration defining a nonoptical area therein, having at least two distinct substantially equal portions with substantially equal detection surfaces around said area, each of said portions generating a signal responsive to incidental radiation thereon and including: a first detection surface and a second detection surface projecting therefrom at an angle wherein each of said first and second detection surfaces faces a nonparallel direction with respect to the other.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
78 words
An optical detector comprising: a detection structure of a closed configuration defining a nonoptical area therein, having at least two distinct substantially equal portions with substantially equal detection surfaces around said area, each of said portions generating a signal responsive to incidental radiation thereon and including: a first detection surface and a second detection surface projecting therefrom at an angle wherein each of said first and second detection surfaces faces a nonparallel direction with respect to the other.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
41 words
An optical detector of claim 44, wherein said direction of said second detection surface is parallel with an axis substantially normal to a plane defined by said area and said first detection surface is substantially normal to said first detection surface.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical detector of claim 44, wherein said detection structure is configured as a closed loop with four portions.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
An optical detector of claim 44, wherein said angle is substantially 90 degrees.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
An optical detector of claim 44, wherein said first detection surface faces inwardly toward said opening and said second detection surface faces substantially normally thereto.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
An optical detector of claim 44 wherein said detection surface is sensitive to infrared radiation.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optical detector, comprising: a base configured with a plurality of separate detection surfaces; a mask structure positioned a predetermined distance from all of said detection surfaces; a plurality of detector elements, each of which provides signals representative of light incident on a distinct detection surface.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optical detector, comprising: a base configured with a plurality of separate detection surfaces; a mask structure positioned a predetermined distance from all of said detection surfaces; a plurality of detector elements, each of which provides signals representative of light incident on a distinct detection surface.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
33 words
An optical detector as defined in claim 50, wherein said base includes a common plurality of diffusely reflective cavities, each of which provides a distinct detection surface and housing a distinct detector element.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
42 words
An optical device, comprising: a base configured with a plurality of separate emitter surfaces; a mask structure positioned a predetermined distance from all of said emitter surfaces; a plurality of emitter elements, each of which provides illumination for a distinct emitter surface.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
An optical device, comprising: a base configured with a plurality of separate emitter surfaces; a mask structure positioned a predetermined distance from all of said emitter surfaces; a plurality of emitter elements, each of which provides illumination for a distinct emitter surface.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
98 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask constructively occluding said aperture in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
98 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask constructively occluding said aperture in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 53, wherein: the source of light comprises a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; and the system further comprises a illuminator providing substantially uniform illumination over all azimuths of a hemisphere covering the predetermined area.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 54, wherein the illuminator comprises an illumination source and a mask constructively occluding a portion of the illumination source.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
89 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask constructively occluding a portion of the illumination source, for uniformly illuminating all azimuths and elevations of a hemispherical region; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from within the region and provide a signal representative of a direction and intensity of incident light; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
89 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask constructively occluding a portion of the illumination source, for uniformly illuminating all azimuths and elevations of a hemispherical region; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from within the region and provide a signal representative of a direction and intensity of incident light; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
60 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 56, wherein the light detector comprises: a sensor having an aperture; and a mask constructively occluding said aperture in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light reflections is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence in a hemispherical region facing the light detector.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
113 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask constructively occluding a portion of the illumination source, for uniformly illuminating a predetermined area; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from the predetermined area, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask constructively occluding said aperture in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light reflections is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
113 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask constructively occluding a portion of the illumination source, for uniformly illuminating a predetermined area; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from the predetermined area, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask constructively occluding said aperture in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light reflections is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
60 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a constructed occlusion irradiation device oriented to uniformly irradiate a predetermined region; a constructed occlusion radiation detector oriented to uniformly sense radiation reflected from within the predetermined region; and a processing system responsive to at least one output signal from the detector for determining a position of a reflective object within the predetermined region.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
60 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a constructed occlusion irradiation device oriented to uniformly irradiate a predetermined region; a constructed occlusion radiation detector oriented to uniformly sense radiation reflected from within the predetermined region; and a processing system responsive to at least one output signal from the detector for determining a position of a reflective object within the predetermined region.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
103 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask shielding a portion of said aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
103 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask shielding a portion of said aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
113 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, the light detector comprising: a sensor having an aperture, a mask shielding a portion of the aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence, and a light deflector positioned between the aperture and the mask; and processing circuitry for determining position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
113 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, the light detector comprising: a sensor having an aperture, a mask shielding a portion of the aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence, and a light deflector positioned between the aperture and the mask; and processing circuitry for determining position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
35 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 60, wherein the light detector further comprises a diffusely reflective cavity oriented to redirect light toward the sensor, and an opening of the cavity defines the aperture.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
143 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, the light detector comprising: a sensor having an aperture, a mask shielding a portion of the aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence, and a reflective baffle dividing a region between the aperture and the mask into a plurality of sub-regions; processing circuitry for determining Position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors each of which is oriented to sense light passing through a distinct one of the sub-regions.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
143 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a source of light for association with an object to be tracked; a light detector oriented to receive light from a predetermined area which includes the object to be tracked, the light detector comprising: a sensor having an aperture, a mask shielding a portion of the aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence, and a reflective baffle dividing a region between the aperture and the mask into a plurality of sub-regions; processing circuitry for determining Position of the source of light in response to a detection signal output of the sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors each of which is oriented to sense light passing through a distinct one of the sub-regions.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 63, wherein the baffle divides the region into sections.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
46 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 60, wherein: the source of light comprises a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; and the system further comprises an illuminator providing substantially uniform illumination over all azimuths of a hemisphere covering the predetermined area.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 60, wherein the source of light comprises a pulse emitter.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 60, wherein the source of light comprises a scanning light emitter.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 60, wherein the light detector differentiates light of different colors.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
95 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask intercepting light from a portion of the illumination source, such that the light distributor uniformly illuminates all azimuths and elevations of a hemispherical region; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from within the region and provide at least one signal representative of direction and intensity of incident light; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the detector.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
95 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask intercepting light from a portion of the illumination source, such that the light distributor uniformly illuminates all azimuths and elevations of a hemispherical region; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from within the region and provide at least one signal representative of direction and intensity of incident light; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the detector.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
62 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 69, wherein the light detector comprises: a sensor having an aperture; and a mask shielding a portion of said aperture in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light reflections is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence in a hemispherical region facing the light detector.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
25 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 69, wherein the distributor further comprises a light deflector positioned between the illumination source and the mask.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
56 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 69, wherein: the light distributor further comprises a reflective baffle dividing a region between the illumination source and the mask into a plurality of sub-regions, and the illumination source comprises a plurality of emitters each of which is oriented to radiate through a distinct one of the sub-regions.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
17 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 72, wherein the baffle divides the region into sections.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
123 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask intercepting light from a portion of the illumination source, such that the light distributor uniformly illuminates a predetermined area; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from the predetermined area, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask shielding a portion of said aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light reflections is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
123 words
An optical position tracking system comprising: a reflector for attachment to an object to be tracked; a light distributor, comprising an illumination source and a mask intercepting light from a portion of the illumination source, such that the light distributor uniformly illuminates a predetermined area; a light detector oriented to receive light reflections from the predetermined area, said light detector comprising a sensor having an aperture and a mask shielding a portion of said aperture from incident light in such a manner that a cross-sectional area of the aperture presented to incident light reflections is substantially constant over a range of angles of incidence; and processing circuitry for determining position of the reflector in response to a detection signal output of the sensor.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
26 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 74, wherein the light detector further comprises a light deflector positioned between the aperture and the detector mask.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
56 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 75, wherein: the light deflector comprises a reflective baffle dividing a region between the aperture and the detector mask into a plurality of sub-regions, and the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors each of which is oriented to sense light passing through a distinct one of the sub-regions.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
17 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 76, wherein the baffle divides the region into sections.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
33 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 75, wherein the light detector further comprises a diffusely reflective cavity redirecting incident light toward the sensor, an opening of the cavity defining the aperture.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
26 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 74, wherein the distributor further comprises a light deflector positioned between the illumination source and the distributor mask.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
56 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 79, wherein: the light deflector comprises a reflective baffle dividing a region between the illumination source and the distributor mask into a plurality of sub-regions, and the illumination source comprises a plurality of emitters each of which is oriented to radiate through a distinct one of the sub-regions.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
17 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 80, wherein the baffle divides the region into sections.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
39 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 79, wherein the illumination source comprises a diffusely reflective cavity and an emitter for radiating light into the cavity, the distributor mask intercepting light emerging from an opening of the cavity.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 81, wherein the emitter radiates pulses of light into the cavity.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
60 words
A position tracking system for determining azimuthal position of an object relative to the system, comprising: a light source associated with said object; a light detector including: a detection surface; a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface; a baffle positioned in a region between said mask and said detection surface, said baffle dividing said region into sections.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
60 words
A position tracking system for determining azimuthal position of an object relative to the system, comprising: a light source associated with said object; a light detector including: a detection surface; a mask positioned a predetermined distance from said detection surface; a baffle positioned in a region between said mask and said detection surface, said baffle dividing said region into sections.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
32 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 84, wherein the surface has a surface width and the mask has a mask width, said mask width being greater than said surface width.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
32 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 84, wherein the surface has a surface width and the mask has a mask width, said mask width being lesser than said surface width.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
33 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 84, wherein the surface has a surface width and the mask has a mask width, said mask width being substantially equal to said surface width.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
30 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 84, further comprising a cavity having an aperture that provides said surface, said baffle dividing said cavity into active and nonactive sections.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical position tracking system as in claim 88, wherein each of said active sections houses an optical element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-03-28 | 2003-09-27 | 2004-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-28 | 2007-09-27 | 2008-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-28 | 2011-09-27 | 2012-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |