Noncontact position and orientation measurement system and method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved technique having greater flexibility and applications for position measurement than prior systems.
In accordance with the present invention, a noncontact position and orientation measurement system and method is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed systems and methods.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a noncontact position and orientation measurement system includes at least four beacons disposed on a first object.
Each beacon is operable to generate an optical signal.
The system also includes a beacon controller operable to sequentially activate and deactivate each of the beacons.
The system also includes an electro-optical sensor disposed on a second object.
The electro-optical sensor is operable to generate an output signal for each optical signal received from the beacons.
The system further includes a signal controller coupled to the electro-optical sensor.
The signal controller is operable to determine a position and an orientation of the second object relative to the first object using the output signals generated by the electro-optical sensor.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for noncontact position and orientation measurement includes sequentially activating and deactivating each of at least four beacons disposed on a first object.
Each beacon is operable to generate an optical signal.
The method also includes receiving the optical signals generated by each of the beacons at an electro-optical sensor disposed on a second object.
The method also includes generating an output signal corresponding to each optical signal received from each beacon using the electro-optical sensor.
The method further includes determining a position and an orientation of the second object relative to the first object using the output signals generated by the electro-optical sensor.
The technical advantages of the present invention include a system for noncontact position and orientation measurement that provides increased flexibility of applications