Docking alignment system

Details Docking alignment system Docking alignment system

1988-09-15

1990-01-02

Evans, F. L.

Optics: measuring and testing

Angle measuring or angular axial alignment

Sides of angle or axes being aligned transverse to optical...

244161, 356153, 356399, G01B 1100

Patent

active

048909181

ABSTRACT:
Improved techniques are provided for alignment of two objects. The present invention is particularly suited for three-dimensional translation and three-dimensional rotational alignment of objects in outer space. A camera 18 is fixedly mounted to one object, such as a remote manipulator arm 10 of the spacecraft, while the planar reflective surface 30 is fixed to the other object, such as a grapple fixture 20. A monitor 50 displays in real-time images from the camera, such that the monitor displays both the reflected image of the camera and visible markings on the planar reflective surface when the objects are in proper alignment. The monitor may thus be viewed by the operator and the arm 10 manipulated so that the reflective surface is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera, the roll of the reflective surface is at a selected angle with respect to the camera, and the camera is spaced a pre-selected distance from the reflective surface.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2701501 (1955-02-01), Cuny
patent: 3349664 (1967-10-01), Kohlenberger
patent: 3614439 (1971-10-01), Beelik, Jr. et al.
patent: 3910533 (1975-10-01), Cheatham et al.
patent: 3994588 (1976-11-01), Marx
patent: 4177964 (1979-12-01), Hujsak et al.
patent: 4349837 (1982-09-01), Hinds
patent: 4395005 (1983-07-01), Ganssle
patent: 4621924 (1986-11-01), Williams

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