Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of at least one position retroreflective element in a predetermined frame of reference using two benchmark positions of known coordinates. A light transmitting and detecting means and a reference retroreflective element are oppositely positioned at a primary benchmark position located at known first coordinates and a secondary benchmark position located at known second coordinates. The light transmitting and detecting means takes angular measurements by sensing a reflected light beam from the position and reference retroreflective elements. After taking angular measurements in the above configuration, the light transmitting and detecting means and the reference retroreflective element are transposed and additional angular measurements are taken. From the angular measurements, the position of the position retroreflective element is determined in the coordinate frame of reference.

Abstract: A position sensing system calculates the X-Y-Z coordinates of a point in space using triangulation and determines the orientation of an object located at that point. The triangulation calculation is based on the coordinates of at least three retroreflective elements spaced apart from each other and the measured angles between the lines projected radially outward from the point to each of the retroreflective elements. The accuracy of the measured angles is achieved by using a rotating member supported by dedicated hardware and controlled by software. The member rotates with a beam of light generated by a light transmitting and detecting device positionable at the point. The light transmitting and detecting device receives the beam of light reflected back from the retroreflective elements and generates an output signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A position sensing system calculates the X-Y coordinates of a point using triangulation and determines the direction in which the point is moving. The triangulation calculation is based on the coordinates of at least three retroreflective elements spaced apart from each other around the periphery of a two-dimensional coordinate frame, and the measured angles between the lines projected radially outward from the point to each of the retroreflective elements. The accuracy of the measured angles is achieved by using a rotating member supported by dedicated hardware and controlled by software. The member rotates with a beam of light generated by a light transmitting and detecting device positionable at the point. The light transmitting and detecting device receives the beam of light reflected back from the retroreflective elements and generates an output signal in response thereto.