Re: Optical mouse for DRO anyone?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "mrclicit" <chris@...> wrote:

>
> Has anyone had success using an optical mouse or it's components to
> make a DRO or an accurately reading scale? If so, can you share any
> tips, links, or other info?
>
> TIA, Chris
>

Hi Chris,

I've been playing around with this idea (no guns involved here) for a
while. The original chip (designed by Agilent) had a 16X16 array and
is really a camera plus some smart software in the chip. A good start
to interfacing one of these can be found here:
http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~ttrutna/16-264/Vision_Project/

A Thomson version of this chip has a resolution of 1600cpi with a
20X20 sensor and it tracks (acc to data sheet) at 40 inches per second.

Initially I am looking at making datums for my CNC set-ups using
these. If I can get 0.001 reliably then I will make a non contact
datum. Using a longer lens I will then look (no pun intended) at
workpiece detection and even broken tool detectors might be possible.
Hopefully a compressed air bleed across the lens will keep it clean.

One promising idea is to track using moire fringes for the scale.

Regards

David