Guiding a sensor using a broadly-curved lateral profile

摘要

Problems inherent in guiding a sensor via a piecewise-linear lateral parametric profile are generally avoided using at least one broadly curved, generally lateral profile ( 494 ). A sensor is configured to move in a nominally longitudinal direction relative to a frame of reference ( 110 ). A position scale is defined in a generally lateral direction relative to the longitudinal motion ( 115 ). Each broadly curved lateral profile is defined in terms of its corresponding position scale, the scale(s) and the profile(s) both being part of a parametric model that is available for use in guiding the sensor ( 145 ).