Patent ID: 8706264

Claim:
A method for use in a part tracking system including a camera having a field of view and a motion controller, the method comprising the steps of: identifying an initial location of the part where the initial location is outside and spaced apart from the field of view of the camera; using the initial location of the part to identify a predetermined trigger time at which it is anticipated that the part will be at an anticipated location within the field of view of the camera; time synchronizing the motion controller and the camera; causing the camera to obtain an image at the predetermined trigger time at which it is anticipated that the part will be at an anticipated location within the camera field of view; using the image obtained by the camera to determine an actual location of the part at the predetermined trigger time; comparing the actual location and the anticipated location of the part to identify a position difference; and at the motion controller, using the position difference at the predetermined trigger time to adjust at least one operating characteristic of an automated system.