Patent ID: 6266581
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
A method for activating a function of a system based on the position in space of a component of the system relative to an object of interest, using spatial position data output from a movable position sensor associated with and movable with said component, said method comprising the steps of:(a) reading a memory address containing a first plurality of target bits representing a first target spatial position of the component;(b) determining from spatial position data output from said position sensor a first actual position of the component in space relative to the object;(c) representing said actual position by a second plurality of bits;(d) comparing at least one of said first plurality of bits with a corresponding set of said second plurality of bits; and(e) if said compared bits are equivalent, activating said function and then proceeding again beginning with step (a) using a further plurality of target bits, or(f) if said compared bits are not equivalent, moving said component and the associated position sensor through a space to a further actual spatial position and proceeding again beginning with step (b) using said further actual position and a further plurality of actual position bits representing said further actual position.