Laser Tracker Hybrid Imaging Method for Extended Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser trackers with progressive lens/zoom objectives have limited measurement ranges, which becomes a disadvantage in miniaturized systems, leading to restricted measurement conditions and reduced accuracy due to structural limitations in focusing and magnification adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A laser tracker with movable optical assemblies that can be individually positioned and controlled using specific positioning curves for normal and far-distance ranges, allowing for a constant image scale within the normal range and variable image scale in the far range, effectively extending the measurement range and maintaining image quality across different distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If progressive lens/zoom objectives are used in miniaturized laser tracker systems, then device size is reduced, but measurement range is limited and structural limitations in focusing and magnification adjustability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the optical system by making the lens group movable along the optical axis. The lens group can be positioned at different locations (first position for normal distance range, second position for far distance range) to dynamically adapt the measurement range. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the miniaturized system to overcome structural limitations and achieve extended measurement ranges while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement range is extended using movable optical assemblies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional groups: a fixed lens group and a movable lens group. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each group's function while simplifying the overall control mechanism. The movable lens group can be independently positioned to achieve different measurement ranges without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire optical system, thus extending adaptability while managing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If image scale is kept constant in normal distance range, then measurement precision is maintained, but far-distance measurement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the lens group position based on the measured distance. When the object is in the normal distance range, the lens group is positioned at the first location to maintain constant image scale and high measurement precision. When the object distance increases to the far distance range, the lens group automatically transitions to the second position, enabling far-distance measurement capability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining constant image scale and extending measurement distance.
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 solution enables precise determination of object orientation and position over an increased measurement range with optimized image scale, enhancing measurement accuracy and flexibility, and potentially doubling the measurement range of existing progressive lens/zoom objectives.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflector (81), in particular a cube prism, which is sighted by an optical measurement beam (21) of the measuring device, in particular by a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a distance from the measuring instrument to the target point is established with the acquisition of the beam, for example by means of a time-of-flight or phase-difference measurement
Implementation Method 3
an image for an auxiliary measurement object with a specific image scale is provided for acquiring an image by means of the image acquisition unit
Implementation Method 4
a magnification factor for an acquisition of an image by means of the image acquisition unit is defined by a respective current positioning of the optical assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser tracker for determining a position and/or orientation of an auxiliary measurement object, comprising a base which defines a vertical axis, a pivotal support, and a rotatable pivoting unit with at least two optical assemblies and an image detecting unit. The optical assemblies can be moved along an optical axis of the pivoting unit, and a magnification factor is defined by a positioning of the optical assembly. The tracker further has a radiation source for emitting a laser beam, a distance measuring unit, an angle measuring functionality, and a control and processing unit with an object imaging functionality, wherein the optical assemblies are positioned relative to the auxiliary measurement object dependent on a triggered measurement such that an image is provided for the auxiliary measurement object on the image detecting unit with a particular image scale.