Implement positioning apparatus and process

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling positioning of an implement relative to a workpiece, such as a welding head with respect to members to be welded, projects light patterns including an array of light elements each having a known shape and spacing relative to one another on the workpiece. The light elements as reflected from the workpiece are detected and output signals produced in response to the detected light elements. The output signals are classified into groups based on at least one common characteristic resulting from workpiece geometry. The workpiece geometry is defined from at least one relationship between different ones of the groups of the first output signals. Second output signals are produced indicative of the so-determined workpiece geometry. The second output signals are used to control positioning of the implement relative to the workpiece. This apparatus and process allows workpiece geometry to be defined and the implement to be positioned relative to the workpiece on a real-time basis.