Manipulation of objects

Abstract

A system for manipulation of objects. The system includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and a mechanism for controlling and 2D locating of the N objects. A method for manipulating objects. The method includes the steps of receiving information from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, at a centrally controlling and 2D locating controller; determining 2D locations by the controller of the N objects; and transmitting from the controller directions to the N objects for the N objects to move. An apparatus for tracking. The apparatus includes N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, each object having an emitter which emits light; and a mechanism for 2D sensing of the N objects over time from the light emitted by each emitter. The present invention pertains to a method for tracking. The method includes the steps of emitting light from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects.

1 . A system for manipulation of objects comprising: 
 N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and    means for controlling and 2D locating of the N objects.    
     
     
         2 . A system as described in  claim 1  wherein the controlling means includes indicators disposed on the object.  
     
     
         3 . A system as described in  claim 2  wherein the controlling means includes sensing means for locating the objects.  
     
     
         4 . A system as described in  claim 3  wherein position indicators include emitters which indicate a position of an object.  
     
     
         5 . A system as described in  claim 4  wherein the objects are vehicles.  
     
     
         6 . A system as described in  claim 5  wherein the controlling means includes a vehicle controller disposed with each vehicle.  
     
     
         7 . A system as described in  claim 6  wherein the vehicle controller of each vehicle includes an MCU.  
     
     
         8 . A system as described in  claim 7  wherein the sensing means includes sensors.  
     
     
         9 . A system as described in  claim 8  wherein the emitters include LEDs.  
     
     
         10 . A method for manipulating objects comprising the steps of: 
 receiving information from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, at a centrally controlling and 2D locating controller;    determining 2D locations by the controller of the N objects; and    transmitting from the controller directions to the N objects for the N objects to move.    
     
     
         11 . A method as described in  claim 10  wherein the transmitting step includes the step of transmitting from the controller kinematic parameters to the N objects.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for tracking comprising: 
 N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer, each object having an emitter which emits light; and    means for 2D sensing of the N objects over time from the light emitted by each emitter.    
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as described in  claim 12  including a planar element on which the N objects are disposed, and wherein the sensing means includes at least 2 1-D sensors that sense the light emitted from the edge of the planar element on which the objects are disposed.  
     
     
         14 . A method for tracking comprising the steps of: 
 emitting light from N objects, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer; and    sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects.    
     
     
         15 . A method as described in  claim 14  wherein the sensing step includes the step of sensing 2D locations of the N objects over time from the emitted light from the N objects through an edge of a planar element on which the N objects are disposed.