Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g. – Directive – Position indicating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-03
2001-09-04
Blum, Theodore M. (Department: 3662)
Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g.,
Directive
Position indicating
C342S463000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285320
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for locating and mapping parts of an object. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method utilizing transceivers to orient a probe, similar to a GPS system; and using the probe to generate a digitized map of at least a portion of an object, which may be compared to a reference model of the same, or a geometrically similar, portion.
2. Brief Description of the Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,934, “Portable Locating System” by Kass, U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,518, “System and Method for Collecting Data Used to Form a Geographic Information System Database” by Bradshaw et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,840, “Method and Apparatus for Automatically Orienting a Computer Display” by Sage et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,539, “Method and System for Providing a User With Precision Location Information” by Mullen, disclose GPS systems. All of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
Mapping surfaces of objects, such as vehicles or structures is desirable to determine the extent to which the structural integrity of the vehicle or structure may have been altered and thereby compromised. This is especially applicable to vehicles such as automobiles and helicopters that suffer impact damage. A surface mapping procedure can also be a part of a routine maintenance check to ensure that the vehicle or structure has not experienced deformation as a result of fatigue, stress or overload.
One known prior art technique to generate a surface map of a vehicle is to place a physical mark or indicia on the vehicle. The mark or indicia is laser sensitive, and by exposing the entire vehicle to laser energy (e.g., scanning with a laser scanner) it is possible to determine and record the relative positions of the marks, and thereby map the relative position of certain parts of the vehicle. This mapping technique has the drawback of requiring a source of electrical energy sufficient to perform the procedure and also necessitates transporting the vehicle to a designated location that provides the electrical energy for the laser scanning apparatus. Furthermore, this technique usually requires a hanger or large enclosure of some kind in which the laser scanner and the vehicle may be housed. This is not conducive to investigating aircraft damage at the scene of a crash, nor can the procedure be performed while the vehicle to be mapped is in service at some location remote from a laser source of appropriate type.
Additionally, the type of object that can be mapped with conventional techniques is limited to objects that can be transported to the enclosure. This precludes mapping of surfaces such as bridges, buildings and other large-sized or cumbersome objects that are not readily transported.
In another conventional surface mapping technique, locations on a multi-dimensional body, such as a vehicle, are determined by a series of measurements made by an operator using a tape measure to measure distances from some known reference surface point or points, such as a door or other appropriate part. Although this has been done for many years and is relatively accurate, it is time consuming and requires a substantial amount of record keeping and note taking to ensure that the distances are measured adequately and correctly. It also relies heavily upon the care taken in making the measurements and cross referencing to a variety of related points. This conventional technique also has the disadvantage that, in many instances, the object to be measured, such as a helicopter or other vehicle, has suffered severe damage due to impact, which may destroy or alter the position of the reference point or points.
The above mentioned drawbacks increase the difficulty associated with determining structural damage or physical deformation of an object. Thus, using conventional mapping techniques to determine the extent of damage to a structure or vehicle, such as a helicopter or automobile, is time consuming and subject to human error.
What is needed is a method and apparatus that accurately generates an image of an object by mapping particular surfaces, without being limited to predetermined locations on the object. It would also be advantageous for the apparatus to be portable so that it could be transported to the location of the object and quickly assembled and disassembled thereby permitting the mapping procedure to be performed without transporting the object.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention provides a solution to the above-noted problems by providing a portable apparatus for mapping surfaces of an object that is suitable for measuring dimensions on the order of centimeters. The apparatus and corresponding method establishes a local satellite system that orients a probe that is then used to generate an image of selected surfaces of an object. The generated image is compared to a substantially similar reference model of the object, thereby determining surface distortions and/or deformations in the object.
Accordingly, one embodiment of the instant invention is directed to an apparatus for mapping the surface of an object that uses a plurality of orienting devices for orienting at least one probe with respect to a grid. The probe is then used to contact the object and thereby transmit contact point data to a data processing unit. The data processing unit, which is coupled to each probe, also receives probe location information related to the probe contact point on the object. The data processing unit uses the contact point data and probe location data to generate a graphical image of the object.
Yet another embodiment is directed to the processor being coupled to a storage medium, which stores a graphical model of the object. The processor retrieves the graphical model and compares it to the graphical image generated based on the probe data.
Yet another embodiment of the instant invention is directed to a method for identifying surfaces of an object. The method is performed by orienting a probe and then placing the probe at one or more known locations of the object. Dimensional data is inputted into a data processor representative of the known locations. The probe is then placed at a location of the object to be mapped; and a second set of data, representative of the location to be mapped, is input into the data processor. The data processor generates a graphical image of the object based on the data points, which represents the shape of the object. This method is implemented by either utilizing a plurality of transmitting devices to orient a probe, which is a receiver; or alternatively, using a plurality of receiving devices to orient a probe, which is a transmitter. Furthermore, the data processor retrieves a stored image of the object and compares the two images. This comparison is performed by superimposing one image on the other.
Yet still another embodiment is directed to a system utilizing a probe and orienting devices coupled to a processor. The processor generates an image of surfaces of an object to be mapped. This embodiment facilitates repair of the object by downloading and outputting data relating to repair procedures based on a comparison of the mapped surfaces of the object and a model image of the object. The processor outputs information regarding the condition of an object after a repair procedure has been performed, which is used to confirm that the repair procedure has been satisfactorily performed.
Yet still another embodiment is directed to a portable apparatus for mapping a surface of a vehicle. This includes one or more portable support structures and a plurality of transceiver devices, mounted on the support structures, transmitting signals that encompass the vehicle. One or more probes receive the signals from the transceivers thereby having their position identified on a grid. Each probe contacts the vehicle at a location, and each probe contact location is transmitted by the probe. A first data processor, with an associated input device, is c
Dannenhoffer Thomas
Olster Elliot F.
Peterlin Dennis J.
Blum Theodore M.
Fitzpatrick ,Cella, Harper & Scinto
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
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