Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a video display that is especially useful in an article handling system to help control a mechanical arm to move an article into a selected position. A video camera is operated to produce a picture of the article on a video screen. At the same time, force sensor are used to measure forces on the article, and a graphical display of those sensed forces is produced on the view of the article on the video screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a video display that is especially useful in an aritcle handling system to help control a mechanical arm to move an article into a selected position. A video camera is connected to the article for movement therewith, and with the video camera held a given distance from and at a given orientation relative to the article. The video camera is operated to produce a picture on a video screen of a target that is located the given distance from and at the given orientation relative to the selected position, and a display controller is actuated to produce an outline of the target on the video screen. The mechanical arm is used to carry the article toward and into the selected position; and as this is done, the article is moved to keep the video camera positioned so that the picture of the target on the display screen is kept generally centered within the graphical outline of the target.