Laser Tracker Gesture Control via Retroreflector Beam Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling a laser tracker from a distance are limited by requiring additional hardware, security restrictions, service provider fees, and the inability to initiate a wide range of commands without complex setups, making them inefficient and inconvenient for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rule of correspondence between commands and temporal patterns, where the user selects a command and projects a light pattern from the laser tracker to a retroreflector, allowing the user to communicate commands through sensed data processed by the tracker, enabling execution of commands without additional hardware or setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional remote control methods are used to control a laser tracker from a distance, then the operator can issue commands remotely, but additional hardware is required and security restrictions and service provider fees apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light itself as an intermediary carrier to transmit command information. Instead of requiring separate radio frequency or wireless communication hardware, the system modulates the laser tracker's own measurement beam to encode commands, which are then detected by a photosensitive device. This eliminates the need for additional communication hardware while enabling remote control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser tracker's measurement beam serves multiple functions: it performs the primary distance measurement task and simultaneously carries command information for controlling the tracker. The return beam from the retroreflector also serves dual purposes by providing measurement data and conveying operator commands. This multi-functionality reduces hardware requirements and simplifies the system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex setup procedures are implemented to enable remote control, then comprehensive command functionality can be achieved, but the setup becomes inefficient and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing laser tracker infrastructure and retroreflector setup to enable command transmission without requiring separate calibration or configuration procedures. The operator simply needs to establish the basic measurement geometry, and the system automatically enables bidirectional communication through the light beams. This self-service approach eliminates time-consuming setup procedures while maintaining comprehensive command functionality.
3Ease of operation
If secondary operators or complex hardware systems are used for remote control, then command transmission can be achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or electronic communication systems with an optical communication method using the laser beams already present in the measurement system. By modulating the light intensity or temporal pattern of the laser beams, command information is transmitted without requiring radio frequency transmitters, receivers, or complex wireless communication infrastructure, thereby reducing operational costs.
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
This approach allows for efficient and flexible communication of commands to a laser tracker from a distance, improving operator convenience and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for secondary operators or complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflector target (26)... The instrument finds the coordinates of the point by measuring the distance and the two angles to the target
Implementation Method 2
obtaining first sensed data by sensing a third light imaged onto a photosensitive array
Data Source
AI summary
Optically communicating from a user to a laser tracker a command to control tracker operation includes providing a rule of correspondence between each of a plurality of commands and temporal patterns; user selecting a first command; projecting a first light from the tracker to a retroreflector; reflecting a second light from the retroreflector that is part of the first light; obtaining first sensed data by sensing a third light imaged onto a photosensitive array that is part of the second light; user creating, between first and second times, a first temporal pattern including at least a decrease in the third light's optical power followed by an increase in its optical power, the first temporal pattern corresponding to the first command; determining the first command based at least in part on processing the first sensed data according to the rule of correspondence; and executing the first command with the tracker.