The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 21, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 21, 1999
Thomas A. Greenwood, Sumner, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
A machine system having optical endpoint control and an associated method for monitoring the position of a machine are provided which includes at least one steerable retroreflective system that defines a relatively large effective acceptance angle, typically exceeding 320°. In particular, the machine system includes a machine capable of movement in at least one direction and a steerable retroreflective system mounted upon the machine, such as upon the end effector of the machine, for movement therewith. The machine system also includes at least one light source for illuminating the retroreflector such that the position of at least a portion of the machine is determinable based upon reflections from the retroreflector. As such, the machine system can make any necessary corrections in the computer control of the machine to accommodate for differences between the anticipated position of the machine and the actual position of the machine.