Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-08
2002-04-16
Phan, James (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
C359S198100, C359S199200, C359S202100, C359S212100, C359S213100, C359S214100, C250S559380
Reexamination Certificate
active
06373612
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to steering and scanning mechanisms. More specifically, the present invention is related to a scanning mechanism having an unobstructed view, operates continuously in one direction and can operate in any orientation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The ability to measure surfaces and objects in 3-D is becoming increasingly important for many fields such as autonomous vehicle navigation and obstacle detection, quarry mapping, landfill surveying, and hazardous environment surveying. The current state of the art for scanning mechanisms is unable to meet the demand of many of these applications. Typical scanners are slow, unable to measure with an unobstructed view and inflexible in their ability to use different types of range sensors. The present invention overcomes these limitations and provides a system that will meet the existing demand for more advanced scanning mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a directing apparatus. The directing apparatus comprises a mechanism for producing steerable energy. The directing apparatus also comprises a mechanism for steering energy from the producing mechanism. The steering mechanism is in communication with the producing mechanism.
The present invention pertains to a directing apparatus. The directing apparatus comprises a mechanism for producing steerable energy. The directing apparatus also comprises a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism. The scanning mechanism is in communication with the producing mechanism and operable in any orientation.
The present invention pertains to a directing apparatus. The directing apparatus comprises a mechanism for producing steerable energy. The directing apparatus also comprises a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism. The scanning mechanism is in communication with the producing mechanism and performing a line scan at a given adjustable angle.
The present invention pertains to a directing apparatus. The directing apparatus comprises a mechanism for producing steerable energy. The directing apparatus also comprises a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism. The scanning mechanism is in communication with the producing mechanism and able to be stopped at a first location and at least a second location so the energy can be secured in a constant direction at each location for as long as desired.
The present invention pertains to a directing apparatus. The directing apparatus comprises a mechanism for producing steerable energy. The directing apparatus also comprises a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism. The scanning mechanism is in communication with the producing mechanism and rotatable 360 degrees without any obstructions from the apparatus itself to the steerable energy that is used to scan the surrounding.
The present invention pertains to a directing apparatus. The directing apparatus comprises a mechanism for producing steerable energy. The directing apparatus also comprises a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism. The scanning mechanism is in communication with the producing mechanism and having an adjustable nod angle between a first predetermined angle and a second predetermined angle.
The present invention pertains to a directing method. The directing method comprises the steps of producing steerable energy. Next there is the step of scanning a surrounding continuously in a first direction with the steerable energy.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4971410 (1990-11-01), Wike, Jr. et al.
patent: 5187612 (1993-02-01), Plesko
patent: 5555125 (1996-09-01), Peng
patent: 5583685 (1996-12-01), Ohtomo et al.
patent: 6034803 (2000-03-01), Sullivan et al.
patent: 0 525 500 (1993-02-01), None
AccuRange 3000 Sensor,Sensors,Oct. 1994, p. 29.
Everett, H.R., AccuRange 3000,Sensors for Mobile Robots,1995, p. 186. (No Month).
Acuity Research, Inc., “Using the AccuRange 4000”, Jun. 4, 1995, pp. 1-5.
Acuity Research, Inc. U.S. Price List—Effective Jul. 1996.
Directed Perception, Inc., “Computer Controlled Pan-Tilt Unit Model PTU-46-17.5”, Aug. 7, 2001.
LightRange brochure, Aug. 26, 1997.
Everett, H.R., “TRC Light Direction and Ranging System”,Sensors for Mobile Robots,1995, pp. 187, 188, (No Month).
Borenstein, Johann, “TRC Light Direction and Ranging System”,Navigating Mobile Robots: Systems and Techniques,1996, p. 89, (No Month).
Carnegie Mellon University, “Spherical Laser Scanner for Mobile Robot Applications”,NASA Space Telerobotics Program,May 10, 1996, 2 pages.
Wettergreen, David, Thorpe, Chuck, Whittaker, Red, “Exploring Mount Erebus by Walking Robot”Robotics and Autonomous Systems,1993, (No Month).
Borenstein, Johann, “Swiss Federal Institute of Technology's ‘3-D Imaging Scanner’”,Navigating Mobile Robots: Systems and Techniques,1966, pp. 90, 91, (No Month).
Javier Gonzalez, Anthony Stentz, Anibal Ollero, “An Iconic Position Estimator for a 2D Laser RangeFinder”, Carnegie Mellon University 1991 tech report CMU-RI-TR-91-18, (No Month).
CMU Fall 1996 course notes, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, 1992, (No Month).
Transportation Research Board, “Laser-Based Vehicle Detector/Classifier”, Sep. 1994 Progress Report 1 pp. 29, 30.
Everett, H.R., “SEO Hover Obstacle Proximity Sensor System”,Sensors for Mobile Robots,1995, pp. 152, 153, (No Month).
Borenstein, Johann, “SEP Scanning Helicopter Interrference Envelope Laser Detector (SHIELD)”,Navigating Mobile Robots: Systems and Techniques,1996, p. 73 (No month).
Everett, H. R., “ESP Optical Ranging System”,Sensors for Mobile Robots,1995, pp. 183, 184, (No month).
Riegl Laser Measurement Systems “3D Imaging Sensor LMS-Z210” advertisement, Nov. 8, 1989.
Callidus 3D laser system advertisement, Aug. 4, 2001.
Hoffman Eric
Ingimarson William Darin
Sullivan Ryan M.
Phan James
Quantapoint, Inc.
Schwartz Ansel M.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for directing energy based range... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for directing energy based range..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for directing energy based range... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2900676