Abstract:
A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.
Abstract:
A method is provided for assembling objects using programmable robots. The robots are each operable with three or more degrees of freedom and the method includes grasping a first object with at least one of the robots, grasping a second object with at least one other robot, robotically placing the first object in a correct location with respect to the second object, and assembling the first and second objects. The objects can also be positioned in fixtures and the correct location of one object with respect to the other can be determined with respect to the fixture. The positions of both of the robots can be determined and suitable control commands provided to these robots to affect the assembling of the objects.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.
Abstract:
This invention discloses method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling a detector array based optical system using reflected or transmitted light for machine vision is disclosed. The light characteristic such as power (intensity) or distribution of power received by said optical system is detected and an electrical signal indicative of the characteristic is transmitted to a remote control system. The control system then adjusts a light power related variable of the optical system when the received light characteristic signal is deficient. A method and apparatus for linearizing the output of a diode array is also disclosed. An element correction array is set up in a microprocessor and an encoding device providing precise edge movement data is moved past the elements of the diode array so that the data from the encoder and from the diode array can be compared and the difference inputted as offset values for the corresponding positions of the elements in the correction array. Thereafter, during operation, the offset values are added to the diode array element reading to obtain a corrected diode array output which is substantially linear.
Abstract:
Novel method and apparatus are disclosed which assist in utilization of ranging type non-contact sensors with coordinate measurement machines (CMM's ) and other machines. Various visual and/or audible indicators are provided to assist the operator in using the machine.
Abstract:
A method and device for sensing the presence and location of an object in a reference plane by directing light along a line perpendicular to the plane, defining a ring in that plane encircling said line of light, and sensing, by a change in the condition of the light, the presence of an object on the ring. In a first, non-contacting embodiment, light is directed along a line which is the axis of the ring and directed outwardly and focused at the ring. A circular detector coaxial with the light ring is positioned to sense intrusion onto that ring of an object, and by using a circular diode array detector, one can detect both the presence and location of that object on the ring. According to another contacting embodiment, a disc is placed in the reference plane with the light shining through an opening therein, the disc being movable in any direction in said reference plane. When an object touches the disc at any point and moves it, this changes the location of the aperture through which the light passes. This change is sensed to indicate an object on the ring.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling a detector array based optical system using reflected or transmitted light for machine vision is disclosed. The light characteristic such as power (intensity) or distribution of power received by the optical system is detected and an electrical signal indicative of said characteristic is transmitted to a remote control system. The control system then adjusts a light power related variable of the optical system when the received light characteristic signal is deficient. A method and apparatus for linearizing the output of a diode array is also disclosed. An element correction array is set up in a microprocessor and an encoding device providing precise edge movement data is moved past the elements of the diode array so that the data from the encoder and from the diode array can be compared and the difference inputted as offset values for the corresponding positions of the elements in the correction array. Thereafter, during operation, the offset values are added to the diode array element reading to obtain a corrected diode array output which is substantially linear.