Patent ID: 7412777
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: A61B,G01B

Abstract:
1. A method of determining at least a center of curvature of a spherical outer surface of an object, the method comprising the steps of: defining an annular contact region on said spherical outer surface in a contact plane that is parallel to a plane tangential to a circumference thereof and a first reference axis normal to said contact plane, said first reference axis being located at a center of said annular contact region; determining spatial coordinates of at least one of a first and a second geometric parameter, the first geometric parameter including at least two points located on said spherical outer surface and the second geometric parameter including a second reference axis normal to said spherical outer surface; calculating the center of curvature of said spherical outer surface using said first reference axis and at least one of said first and second geometric parameters; and providing a computer system operable to locate and track pre-identified objects in three dimensional space, and using the computer system to perform at least said steps of determining and calculating.