Mobile Laser Tracker Control for Remote Target Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser tracker systems require manual operation and travel time to access and control multiple devices, leading to inefficiencies in coordinate measurement tasks.
Innovation Solution
A laser tracker system that allows remote operation via a mobile computing device, enabling identification and control of laser trackers through a computer network, using a mobile device to select and lock onto retroreflective targets, adjust orientation, and perform compensation procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation and physical travel to laser trackers is used, then operational control is achieved, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile computing device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the laser tracker system. The device communicates with the laser tracker over a computer network, enabling remote control without requiring physical presence at the instrument location. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by allowing operational control while eliminating travel time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically traveling to the laser tracker with an electronic communication system. The mobile computing device transmits control signals and receives data through network communication, substituting the mechanical movement of personnel with electronic information transfer, thereby improving productivity while reducing time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser trackers are deployed across a facility, then measurement coverage is improved, but operational complexity and access time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device provides a universal control interface that can operate multiple laser trackers across the facility through a single device. Rather than requiring separate control interfaces at each laser tracker location, the universal mobile device can connect to and control any tracker in the network, maintaining measurement coverage while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computing device acts as a centralized intermediary that manages communications with multiple laser trackers. It handles the complexity of coordinating multiple devices, selecting which tracker to operate, and managing data from different locations, thereby improving adaptability while reducing the operational burden on the user.
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
Facilitates efficient and remote control of laser trackers, reducing travel time and enhancing operational efficiency in coordinate measurement tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source that launches a first light beam from the structure
Implementation Method 2
The beam of light may impinge directly on the point or may impinge on a retroreflector target that is in contact with the point
Implementation Method 3
at least one camera positioned and oriented to acquire an image in a direction of the first light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser tracker system and method of operating the laser tracker system is provided. The method includes providing a mobile computing device coupled for communication to a computer network. Identifying with the mobile computing device at least one laser tracker device on the computer network, the at least one laser tracker device including a first laser tracker device. The mobile computing device is connected to the first laser tracker device to transmit signals therebetween via the computer network in response to a first input from a user. One or more control functions are performed on the first laser tracker device in response to one or more second inputs from the user, wherein at least one of the one or more control functions includes selecting with the mobile computing device a retroreflective target and locking the first light beam on the retroreflective target.