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A position determination system comprises a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus. The first measuring apparatus includes a first sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a first testing target, a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensi

A position determination system comprises a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus. The first measuring apparatus includes a first sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a first testing target, a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known. The system has a repositioning mechanism for repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device. The second measuring apparatus includes a second sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a second testing target, a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, and a repositioning mechanism for repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device. Depending on different needs, the repositioning mechanism readjust the viewing fields of the sensing devices such that the testing targets are properly within the sensing fields of the sensing devices.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A position determination system, comprising:a first measuring apparatus, including a first sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein t

1. A position determination system, comprising:a first measuring apparatus, including a first sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known; and means for repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device without altering the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target; and a second measuring apparatus, including a second sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device; a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known; means for repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device without altering the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device; and a data processing system configured to couple to the first and second sensing devices to carry out the machine-implemented steps of: determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device by comparing data sensed by the first sensing device with prestored data representing the first testing target being within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device; and determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device by comparing data sensed by the second sensing device with prestored data representing the second testing target being within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the data processing system is configured to further perform the machine-implemented steps of:receiving signals representing positional data of the first testing target relative to the first sensing device; receiving signals representing positional data of the second testing target relative to the second sensing device; receiving signals representing positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device; and determining a positional parameter of the first testing target and a positional parameter of the second testing target based on the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target, the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device, the positional data of the first testing target relative to the first sensing device, the positional data of the second testing target relative to the second sensing device, and the positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensing device, the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device are machine vision devices.4. The system of claim 3, wherein the machine vision devices are alignment cameras.5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first testing target, the second testing target and the calibration target include light emitting sources.6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first sensing device, the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device include light sensors.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first measuring apparatus further includes a first supporting structure to which the first sensing device and the calibration target attach, and the second measuring apparatus includes a second supporting structure to which the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device attach.8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first supporting structure is rotatable relative to a first pivot axis, and the second supporting structure is rotatable relative to a second pivot axis.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the means for repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device includes a first lever attached to the first supporting structure for rotating the first supporting structure relative to the first pivot axis, and the means for repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device includes a second lever attached to the second supporting structure for rotating the second supporting structure relative to the second pivot axis.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first sensing device and the calibration target move with the first supporting structure when the first supporting structure rotates relative to the first pivot axis; and the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device move with the second supporting structure when the second supporting structure rotates relative to the second pivot axis.11. The system of claim 8, wherein the means for repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device includes a first motor for rotating the first supporting structure relative to the first pivot axis, and the means for repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device includes a second motor for rotating the second supporting structure relative to the second pivot axis.12. A position determination system, comprising:a first measurement module, including a first measuring device for use with a first alignment target device to generate positional data of the first alignment target device relative to the first measuring device; a calibration target having a known positional relationship relative to the first measuring device; and means for reconfiguring the first measuring device such that the first alignment target device is within a specific measuring field of the first measuring device; and a second measurement module, including a second measuring device for use with a second alignment target device to generate positional data of the second alignment target device relative to the second measuring device; a calibration measuring device for use with the calibration target to generate positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration measuring device, wherein the positional relationship between the second measuring device and the calibration measuring device is known; means for reconfiguring the second measuring device such that the second alignment target device is within a specific measuring field of the second measuring device; and a data processing system configured to couple to the first and second measuring devices to carry out the machine-implemented steps of: determining whether the first alignment target is within a specific sensing field of the first measuring device by comparing data obtained by the first measuring device with prestored data representing the first alignment target being within the specific sensing field of the first measuring device; and determining whether the second alignment target is within a specific sensing field of the second measuring device by comparing data obtained by the second measuring device with prestored data representing the second alignment target being within the specific sensing field of the second measuring device. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first and second measuring devices are selected from a group consisting of:an image-capturing device configured to capture images of alignment targets; and a detector for sensing a light beam from a light source disposed on alignment targets. 14. A method for calibrating a position determination system comprising: a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus, the first measuring apparatus including a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; and a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known; the second measuring apparatus including a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device; and a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, the method comprising the machine-implemented steps of:determining if the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device by comparing data sensed by the first sensing device with prestored data representing the first testing target being within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, determining if the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device by comparing data sensed by the second sensing device with prestored data representing the second testing target being within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the first specific sensing field of the first sensing device, repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device until the first testing target is within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device; responsive to the second testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device until the second testing target is within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device; receiving signals representing positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device; and determining a positional relationship of the first sensing device relative to the second sensing device based on the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target, the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device, and the positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device. 15. A machine-readable medium bearing instructions for controlling the operation of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus, both of which coupled to the data processing system, the first measuring apparatus including a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; and a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known; the second measuring apparatus including: a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device; and a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, the machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling the position determination system to perform the machine-implemented steps of:determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device by comparing data sensed by the first sensing device with prestored data representing the first testing target being within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device by comparing data sensed by the second sensing device with prestored data representing the second testing target being within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device; and responsive to the second testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device. 16. The machine-readable medium of claim 15 further comprising the machine-implemented step of:receiving signals representing positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device; determining a positional relationship of the first sensing device relative to the second sensing device based on the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target, the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device, and the positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device. 17. The machine-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising the machine-implemented steps of:receiving signals representing positional data of the first testing target relative to the first sensing device; receiving signals representing positional data of the second testing target relative to the second sensing device; determining a positional parameter of the first testing target and a positional parameter of the second testing target based on the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the second sensing device, the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device, the positional data of the first testing target relative to the first sensing device, the positional data of the second testing target relative to the second sensing device, and the positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device. 18. A machine-readable medium bearing instructions for determining the operation mode of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device, and a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device, the first sensing device and the second sensing device coupled to the data processing system, the position determination system being configured to operate under either a first mode or a second mode, wherein, when operated under the first mode, the sensing field of the first sensing device is directed to a first point and the sensing field of the second sensing device is directed to a second point; and when operated under the second mode, the sensing field of the first sensing device is directed to a third point and the sensing field of the second sensing device is directed to a fourth point, the machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling the position determination system to perform the machine-implemented steps of:determining the position determination system being set to operate under the first mode; determining if the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining if the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device; and responsive to the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device and/or the second testing target is outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, determining that the position determination system should operate under the second mode. 19. The machine-readable medium of claim 18 further comprising the machine-implemented steps ofresponsive to a control signal, repositioning the sensing field of at least one of the first sensing device and the second sensing device such that the first testing target is within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device and the second testing target is within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device. 20. The machine-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising instructions to control the position determination system to perform the steps of:responsive to the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, repositioning the first sensing device to direct to the second third point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system; and responsive to the second testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, repositioning the second sensing device to direct to the fourth point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system. 21. A machine-readable medium bearing instructions for indicating the operation mode of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus, both of which coupled to the data processing system, the first measuring apparatus including a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; and a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known; the second measuring apparatus including a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device; and a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, the machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling the position determination system to perform the machine-implemented steps of:determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, providing a first visual indication indicating that the first testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field; and responsive to the second testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, providing a second visual indication indicating that the second testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field. 22. A data processing system configured to operate with a position determining system that comprises a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus, both of which are configured to couple to the data processing system, the first measuring apparatus including a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; and a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known; the second measuring apparatus including a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device; and a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, the data processing system comprising:a data processor; a data storage device; a display; a data path coupled to the data processor, the data storage device and the display; wherein the data storage device bears instructions to cause the system upon execution of the instructions by the processor to perform the steps of: determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, providing a first visual indication on the display indicating that the first testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field; and responsive to the second testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, providing a second visual indication on the display indicating that the second testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field. 23. A machine-readable medium bearing instructions for controlling the operation of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first measuring module and a second measuring module, both of which are coupled to the data processing system, the first measuring module including a first measuring device for use with a first testing target to generate positional data of the first testing target relative to the first measuring device; and a calibration target having a known positional relationship between the first measuring device and the calibration target; the second measuring module including a second measuring device for use with a second testing target to generate positional data of the second testing target relative to the second measuring device; and a calibration measuring device attached to the second measuring device for use with the calibration target for generating positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration measuring device, wherein the positional relationship between the second measuring device and the calibration measuring device is known, the machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling the position determination system to perform the machine-implemented steps of:determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first measuring device by comparing data sensed by the first sensing device with prestored data representing the first testing target being within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second measuring device by comparing data sensed by the second sensing device with prestored data representing the second testing target being within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the first measuring device, continuously repositioning the sensing field of the first measuring device until the first testing target properly shows in the specific sensing field of the first measuring device; and responsive to the second testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, continuously repositioning the sensing field of the second measuring device until the second testing target properly show in the specific sensing field of the second measuring device. 24. A method for controlling the operation of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus, both of which coupled to the data processing system, the first measuring apparatus including a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; and a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known; the second measuring apparatus including: a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device; and a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, the method comprising the machine-implemented steps of:determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device by comparing data sensed by the first sensing device with prestored data representing the first testing target being within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device by comparing data sensed by the second sensing device with prestored data representing the second testing target being within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device; and responsive to the second testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device. 25. A method for determining the operation mode of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device, and a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device, the first sensing device and the second sensing device coupled to the data processing system, the position determination system being configured to operate under either a first mode or a second mode, wherein, when operated under the first mode, the sensing field of the first sensing device is directed to a first point and the sensing field of the second sensing device is directed to a second point; and when operated under the second mode, the sensing field if the first sensing device is directed to a third point and the sensing field of the second sensing device is directed to a fourth point, the method comprising the machine-implemented steps of:determining the position determination system being set to operate under the first mode; determining if the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining if the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device; and responsive to the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device and/or the second testing target is outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, determining that the position determination system should operate under the second mode. 26. The method according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of:responsive to the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, repositioning the first sensing device to direct to the third point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system; and responsive to the second testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, repositioning the second sensing device to direct to the fourth point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system. 27. A method for indicating the operation mode of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus, both of which coupled to the data processing system, the first measuring apparatus including a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device; and a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known; the second measuring apparatus including a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device; and a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, the method comprising the machine-implemented steps of:determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, providing a first visual indication indicating that the first testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field; and responsive to the second testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, providing a second visual indication indicating that the second testing target fails to be within the specific sensing field. 28. A method for controlling the operation of a position determination system that comprises a data processing system, a first measuring module and a second measuring module, both of which are coupled to the data processing system, the first measuring module including a first measuring device for use with a first testing target to generate positional data of the first testing target relative to the first measuring device; and a calibration target having a known positional relationship between the first measuring device and the calibration target; the second measuring module including a second measuring device for use with a second testing target to generate positional data of the second testing target relative to the second measuring device; and a calibration measuring device attached to the second measuring device for use with the calibration target for generating positional data of the calibration target relative to the calibration measuring device, wherein the positional relationship between the second measuring device and the calibration measuring device is known, the method comprising the machine-implemented steps of:determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first measuring device by comparing data captured by the first measuring device with prestored data representing the first testing target being within the specific sensing field of the first measuring device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second measuring device by comparing data captured by the second measuring device with prestored data representing the second testing target being within the specific sensing field of the second measuring device; responsive to the first testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the first measuring device, continuously repositioning the sensing field of the first measuring device until the first testing target properly shows in the specific sensing field of the first measuring device; and responsive to the second testing target failing to be within the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, continuously repositioning the sensing field of the second measuring device until the second testing target properly show in the specific sensing field of the second measuring device. 29. A data processing system that controls the operation of a position determination system that comprises a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device, and a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device, the first sensing device and the second sensing device coupled to the data processing system, the position determination system being configured to operate under either a first mode or a second mode, wherein, when operated under the first mode, the sensing field of the first sensing device is directed to a first point and the sensing field of the second sensing device is directed to a second point; and when operated under the second mode, the sensing field of the first sensing device is directed to a third point and the sensing field of the second sensing device is directed to a fourth point, the data processing system comprising:a data processor; a data storage device; a display; and a data path coupled to the data processor, the data storage device and the display; wherein the data storage device bears instructions to cause the system upon execution of the instructions by the processor to perform the steps of: determining the position determination system being set to operate under the first mode; determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device; and responsive to the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device or the second testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, determining that the position determination system should operate under the second mode. 30. The data processing system of claim 29, wherein the data storage device further bears instructions to control the data processing system to perform the steps of:responsive to the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, controlling to reposition the first sensing device to direct to the third point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system; and responsive to the second testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, controlling to reposition the second sensing device to direct to the fourth point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system. 31. A position determination system comprising:a first measuring apparatus, including: a first sensing means having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a first testing target means relative to the first sensing means; a calibration target means rigidly linked to the first sensing means, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing means and the calibration target is known; and means for repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing means without altering the positional relationship between the first sensing means and the calibration target means; a second measuring apparatus, including: a second sensing means having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a second testing target means relative to the second sensing means; a calibration sensing means rigidly linked to the second sensing means for obtaining positional data of the calibration target means relative to the calibration sensing means, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing means and the calibration sensing means is known; means for repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing means without altering the positional relationship between the second sensing means and the calibration sensing means; and and a data processing system configured to couple to the first sensing means and the second sensing means to carry out the machine-implemented steps of: determining whether the first testing target means is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing means by comparing data sensed by the first sensing means with prestored data representing the first testing target means being within the specific sensing field of the first sensing means; and determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing means by comparing data sensed by the second sensing means with prestored data representing the second testing target means being within the specific sensing field of the second sensing means. 32. A position determination system configured to operate under a first mode or a second mode, the position determination system comprising:a first sensing device for obtaining positional data of a first testing target relative to the first sensing device, wherein the first sensing device is configured to direct to a first point when the position determination system is operated under the first mode, and to a third point when the position determination system is operated under the second mode; a second sensing device for obtaining positional data of a second testing target relative to the second sensing device, wherein the second sensing device is configured to direct to a second point when the position determination system is operated under the first mode, and to a fourth point when the position determination system is operated under the second mode; and a data processing system coupled to the first sensing device and the second sensing device, and configured to perform the steps of: determining the position determination system being set to operate under the first mode; determining whether the first testing target is within a specific sensing field of the first sensing device; determining whether the second testing target is within a specific sensing field of the second sensing device; and responsive to the position determination system being set to operate under the first mode, and the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device or the second testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, determining that the position determination system should operate under the second mode. 33. The position determination system of claim 32, wherein the data processing system is further configured to perform the steps of:responsive to the first testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the first sensing device, controlling to reposition the first sensing device to direct to the third point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system; and responsive to the second testing target being outside the specific sensing field of the second sensing device, controlling to reposition the second sensing device to direct to the fourth point corresponding to the second mode of the position determination system.