Obtaining xy-coordinate linear motion from angles of rotation

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the rotation angles for two wedges to control the projection of a laser beam within a 6cm radius circle. The relationship between the angles of the wedges is defined by the equations ThetaWedge1 = arctan(y/x) + b and ThetaWedge2 = arctan(y/x) - b, where 'b' is a function of the coordinates (x, y). The challenge lies in accurately determining the value of 'b' for various (x, y) coordinates, particularly across different quadrants. The calculations are intended to be implemented in a Matlab loop for sequential movements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically arctan
  • Familiarity with coordinate geometry and quadrants
  • Proficiency in Matlab programming for implementing loops and calculations
  • Knowledge of laser projection mechanics and angular manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implementation of trigonometric functions in Matlab
  • Study the effects of angular adjustments on laser projection
  • Explore methods for calculating angles in different quadrants
  • Investigate graphical representation techniques for visualizing laser paths
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Engineers, physicists, and robotics developers working with laser systems and angular motion control will benefit from this discussion.

sk63
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Hello,

I have a laser beam that passes through two 3 degree angled wedges, resulting in the ability to project the laser anywhere within a 6cm radius circle (each wedge alone produces a 3cm radius circle). I need to be able to tell each wedge how much to rotate in order to get the laser from one point (x1,y1) within that circle to another point (x2,y2), and can’t seem to get the formula for the rotation angles correct…

I have determined that the angles for the two wedges will have the following relationship:
ThetaWedge1= arctan(y/x) + b
ThetaWedge2 = arctan(y/x) – b

Where “b” is a function of x and y. and 2b=ThetaWedge1-ThetaWedge2

The equation for “b” is what I am having trouble calculating and have been getting results that produce correct angles of rotation for some (x,y) coordinates and incorrect ones for others.

(Note: this equation form is just for the first quadrant, for other quadrants there will be another factor to take the quadrant into account)

This will be in a Matlab loop, so it can be assumed that each (x2,y2) point will become the (x1,y1) point for the next movement/ set of rotations.

If anyone has any ideas or has done calculations similar to these in the past, you help is much appreciated! Thanks!
 
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sk63 said:
The equation for “b” is what I am having trouble calculating and have been getting results that produce correct angles of rotation for some (x,y) coordinates and incorrect ones for others.

(Note: this equation form is just for the first quadrant, for other quadrants there will be another factor to take the quadrant into account)
It would help to have a picture or at least the other formulas, too. Otherwise you can still solve for ##b## in each quadrant.
 

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