Patent ID: 6559935
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: G01S,G06F

Abstract:
A sensor of relative position and orientation, comprising:a. first and second emitters which are mutually spaced by a predetermined distance and are arranged respectively to emit first and second electromagnetic radiation in respective first and second directions which have a mutual angular spacing of a predetermined angle; and b. a receiver arranged to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted by both of said emitters and to output: i. a first signal dependent upon the total intensity of said first electromagnetic radiation as received by said receiver; ii. a second signal dependent upon the total intensity of said second electromagnetic radiation as received by said receiver; iii. a third signal dependent upon the direction of said first emitter relative to said receiver; and iv. a fourth signal dependent upon the direction of said second emitter relative to said receiver: the sensor further comprising:c. signal processing means arranged to receive from the receiver said first, second, third and fourth signals and to derive therefrom, utilising a ratio of said first and second signals, an output signal indicating both the position of said emitters relative to said receiver and the orientation of said emitters relative to said receiver.