A sensor comprising a light component in support of a light source operable to direct a beam of light onto an imaging device having an image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS or Live MOS) sensor. The sensor can also comprise an imaging device positioned proximate to the light component and operable to receive the beam of light, and to convert this into an electric signal, wherein the light component and the imaging device are movable relative to one another, and wherein relative movement of the light component and the imaging device is determinable in multiple degrees of freedom. The sensor can also comprise a light deflecting module designed to deflect light from a light component onto the imaging device. The light sources and the resulting beams of light therefrom can comprise a number of different types, orientations, configurations to facilitate different measurable and determinable degrees of freedom by the sensor.

A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.

An auxiliary device for facilitating the installation of a sensing device and a method therefor are disclosed, and the installation support device includes a main body, a first light source assembly and a second light source assembly. The main body has a clamping mechanism configured for mounting the main body onto the sensing device, the first light source assembly and the second light source assembly are disposed on the main body and has at least one solid state light source, and the first light source assembly projects a first pattern along a first projecting direction, and the second light source assembly projects a second pattern along a second projecting direction. The two projecting directions are crossed each other at a predetermined distance, and whether the sensing device is installed at a desired position is determined according to a relative position between the first pattern and the second pattern.

A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.

A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.

A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.

An auxiliary device for facilitating the installation of a sensing device and a method therefor are disclosed, and the installation support device includes a main body, a first light source assembly and a second light source assembly. The main body has a clamping mechanism configured for mounting the main body onto the sensing device, the first light source assembly and the second light source assembly are disposed on the main body and has at least one solid state light source, and the first light source assembly projects a first pattern along a first projecting direction, and the second light source assembly projects a second pattern along a second projecting direction. The two projecting directions are crossed each other at a predetermined distance, and whether the sensing device is installed at a desired position is determined according to a relative position between the first pattern and the second pattern.

A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.

A sensor is disclosed that can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device positioned proximate the light component and operable to directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light, and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light and the second. beam of light on the imaging device. In addition, the sensor can include a position. module configured to determine a relative position of the imaging device and the light component based on the locations of the first beam of light and the second beam of light on the imaging device.

A device for measuring an absolute angle includes first and second rotatable members having first and second radii and capable of rotating over first and second angles respectively, a first number of detectable elements mounted on the first rotatable member, a second number of detectable elements mounted on the second rotatable member, and at least one sensor for detecting rotation of the detectable elements. The second rotatable member is coupled with the first rotatable member such that the second angle is equal to the first angle times the ratio of the first radius and the second radius. The first radius is equal to a first integer times a factor, while the second radius is equal to a second integer times said factor. The product of the first number and the second integer, and the product of the second number and the first integer, are co-prime.