Laser Tracker Target Localization via RF Rough Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser tracker systems for industrial measurement require significant user-input actions and time to set up and maintain the measurement job, particularly in locating and tracking cooperative targets, which limits efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a laser tracker with a moveable upper part, an optical target rough location detector, a target fine position detector, radio frequency (RF) transceivers, and a computer to automatically detect and track cooperative targets using RF transmission specific parameters, reducing the need for user-input actions by determining the rough location of the target and adjusting the laser tracker's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser tracker systems use optical detection for target localization, then measurement precision is improved, but the requirement for permanent line-of-sight contact reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF transceiver technology with the optical laser tracker system. The RF system provides rough location data that guides the optical system to acquire and track targets, merging two different sensing modalities to overcome the limitations of pure optical detection and enable operation without permanent line-of-sight contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF transceiver system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the optical detection system. It first locates the target roughly, then guides the laser tracker to establish optical contact, serving as a mediator that enables subsequent precise optical measurement without requiring initial line-of-sight alignment.
2Productivity
If laser tracker systems require manual target location and tracking, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to significant user-input actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic target acquisition and tracking without continuous manual intervention. The RF system automatically locates targets and the computer control system automatically adjusts the laser tracker orientation and maintains tracking, enabling the system to serve itself and greatly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF transceiver system performs preliminary target location before the optical detection begins. This preliminary action of rough localization prepares the system by providing initial target positions, allowing the subsequent optical tracking to start immediately without manual search, thus improving efficiency despite added complexity.
3Reliability
If the laser tracker upper part is fixed in orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track moveable targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser tracker upper part is made movable with adjustable orientation through motorized mechanisms. This dynamic capability allows the system to track moveable targets continuously by adjusting the orientation in real-time, maintaining reliable tracking despite the increased mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer control system receives feedback from both the RF transceiver rough location data and the optical detection system to continuously adjust the upper part orientation. This closed-loop feedback control ensures the tracker follows moveable targets accurately, maintaining tracking reliability while managing the complexity through intelligent control.
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 system enhances the efficiency of industrial measurements by automating the detection and tracking of cooperative targets, reducing user-input actions and time, and allowing continuous tracking without the need for permanent line-of-sight contact, thereby improving the overall measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency (RF) transceivers, and a computer to automatically detect and track cooperative targets using RF transmission specific parameters
Implementation Method 2
an optical target rough location detector configured for automatically detecting a rough location of a cooperative target within a rough location field of view
Implementation Method 3
a distance from the measuring apparatus to the cooperative target is ascertained, e.g. by means of time-of-flight or phase difference measurement
Implementation Method 4
a distance from the measuring apparatus to the cooperative target is ascertained, e.g. by means of time-of-flight or phase difference measurement
Implementation Method 5
a distance from the measuring apparatus to the cooperative target is ascertained, e.g. by means of time-of-flight or phase difference measurement or by means of the Fizeau principle
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured for rough localization of moveable cooperative targets. The system includes at least one laser tracker, having a moveable upper part connected to a base part, an optical target rough location detector automatically detecting a rough location of a cooperative target, a target fine position detector automatically detecting a fine position of a cooperative target within a fine position field of view, motors for changing an orientation of the moveable upper part, a motor controller, and a computer, a first and a second radio frequency telegram (RFT) transceiver (RFTT) anchor-module, wherein each RFTT anchor-module's position is referenced to the laser tracker, a cooperative target associated with a RFTT tag-module and each of the RFTT tag- and anchor-modules an evaluation unit configured for determining a RFT-transmission specific parameter based on the transmission of RFTs between the RFTT anchor- and tag-modules and providing said RFT-transmission specific parameter to the computer.