Laser Radar Metrology System for Retroreflector Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking-type laser interferometer systems for measuring distances to retroreflectors are complex, expensive, and have limited accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A metrology system combining a laser and radar configuration with a retroreflector, utilizing a rotator portion for biaxial rotation and angle sensing, and processors to determine angular and 3D positions of the retroreflector, enabling accurate distance measurement through reflected laser and radar signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking-type laser interferometer is used to measure distance to a retroreflector, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive with limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser interferometry and radar technologies into a single integrated system. The laser portion transmits laser light for angular position detection while the radar portion transmits radar signals for distance measurement. By merging these two measurement technologies into one coordinated system that shares common components like the retroreflector and coordinate system, the patent achieves high measurement accuracy while reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate laser interferometer and radar systems.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laser interferometer components are used for determining distance, then distance measurement is possible, but the components are complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects laser light for angular position detection and reflects radar signals for distance measurement. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate target components for each measurement type. Additionally, the rotator portion with biaxial rotation mechanism and angle sensors provides both positioning and orientation control, further reducing the number of specialized components needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotator portion with biaxial rotation is implemented for changing transmission direction, then angular tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor detects the position of the retroreflector and provides feedback to the rotator portion, which automatically adjusts the transmission direction to maintain optimal alignment. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems. The angle sensor portion of the rotator automatically senses rotation angles and provides data for position calculation, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall control complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides improved accuracy and reduced complexity by integrating laser and radar technologies, offering higher precision in angular and distance measurements compared to single-technology systems, while being more cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The retroreflector portion is configured to receive and reflect transmitted laser light
Implementation Method 2
The laser portion comprises a laser and an optical sensor. The laser is configured to transmit the laser light
Implementation Method 3
The radar portion is configured to transmit the radar signals that are reflected by the retroreflector portion, and receive the reflected radar signals
Implementation Method 4
The rotator portion is configured to rotate the main body portion to change a transmission direction of the laser light and the radar signals
Data Source
AI summary
A metrology system is provided including a laser and radar configuration and a retroreflector portion. A main body portion of the laser and radar configuration includes a laser portion and a radar portion, which transmit laser light and radar signals. A rotator portion rotates the main body portion to change a transmission direction of the laser light and the radar signals (e.g., as partially controlled based on operations of an optical sensor of the laser portion) to be directed toward the retroreflector portion. The radar portion receives the reflected radar signals (e.g., which enable a distance to the retroreflector portion to be determined). 3-dimensional positions of the retroreflector portion (e.g., as disposed at an object to be measured) are determined based at least in part on angular positions determined from operations of the laser portion and distances determined from operations of the radar portion.