Method and apparatus for identifying three-dimensional coordinates and orientation to a robot

摘要

A system and a process for identifying three-dimensional coordinates and orientation to a robot. A pair of CCD video cameras are used to measure the position of a laser or other light source spot on the surface of a workpiece. The laser and cameras need not be fixed to each other, and the laser may be handheld. In operation, the light source provides a small spot of light centered on the location to be indicated to the robot. The spot of light is then located in the field of view of each of the cameras. Using the concept of stereo triangulation, the three-dimensional coordinates of the spot are calculated by a microcomputer. These coordinates are then transformed into a form which is recognizable by the robot. The spot of light from the object can also be generated by an emitter (such as an LED or Laser diode) which is fixed on the workpiece and stimulated by an energy source.