A sensorhas been developedandsuccessfullyimplementedto automaterobotcalibration.Its simpledesignmakesit ideal forproduction environments. It works in conjunction with precision spheres that are mountedin the workspace.The relative positions of the spheres are measured in advance, and the sensor is positioned over them automatically and precisely. The positioning of the sensor is governed by three light beams that define position with respect to the sensor. This eliminates the problems experiencedby other short range devices in that it acts digitally andwithoutcontact.Designof the sensorandits autonomouscontrolfrom a PC are presented along with proven measurement tactics and results of performance tests.
Louis J. Everett, Thomas W. Ives