Patent ID: 7277811

Claim:
A method for determining the spatial location and orientation of at least one of a tool, positioning system, robot, machine, and device the method comprising: providing a calibration apparatus having only two reflectors in known positions; attaching the calibration apparatus to at least one of a tool, positioning system, robot, machine, and device by aligning a center-line of the calibration apparatus with a center-line of a portion of said at least one tool, positioning system, robot, machine, and device; using a laser tracking system to determine spatial X, Y, and Z coordinates of said only two reflectors; using the spatial X, Y, and Z coordinates of said only two reflectors to determine angular orientation of said calibration apparatus; determining spatial location and orientation of said at least one tool, positioning system, robot, machine, and device based on said determined spatial X, Y, and Z coordinates of said only two reflectors and said determined angular orientation of said calibration apparatus; and using said determined spatial location and orientation of said at least one tool, positioning system, robot, machine, and device to at least one of calibrate said at least one tool, positioning system, robot, machine, and device, and manufacture a surface.