As a result, they can determine all three positions and orientations of the sensor relative to the part. The signals from the photodiodes are processed by electronics remotely located from the sensor head. In an industrial environment, parts could be coated with these reflectors. When the parts are delivered to the robot, they don't have to be accurately positioned, and the robot does not need to be trained. Instead, the information from the sensor allows the robot to align to the part.
Potential applications are even more diverse.
For example, there are ways to encode task information into reflectors, so the robot could also ascertain what task to perform on a particular part. Another application currently under development is a three-dimensional computer mouse. Livermore is currently working with various companies to work out licensing agreements. Manufacturers of automated epoxy dispensers and other types of precision machinery are using the analyzer to speed up their design and manufacturing process. The analyzers can record from 1,000 full frames per second to 12,000 pictures per second with the split-frame mode, while the dynamic memory can store up to 19,565 full frame images.