More About Video-Feedback Docking System

Abstract

Two documents provide additional information on system described in "Docking System With Video Feedback" (MFS-28421). First document, "Standard Remote Manipulator System Docking Target Augmentation For Automated Docking", emphasizes use of retroreflectors in target. Second document, "Development Of A Video-Based Automatic Rendezvous And Docking System", describes hardware and software of system. System is video-sensor/electronic-feedback control system. Video camera on active or chasing vehicle views target on passive or chased vehicle. Target illuminated by light-emitting diodes on active vehicle. Image-data-processing subsystem converts video image of target into data on relative position, orientation, linear velocity, and angular velocity of two vehicles. Data then used by maneuver-control subsystem to control approach of active vehicle to passive vehicle.