Laser Tracker Single Distance Meter Retroreflective Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser trackers require complex and costly dual absolute distance meters for measuring both retroreflective and non-retroreflective surfaces, leading to increased production complexity and reduced measurement accuracy when scanning surface points.
Innovation Solution
A laser tracker design that uses a single optoelectronic distance meter for both classic retroreflective target measurement and scanning of diffusely scattering targets, with a calibration functionality to reference and align the distance measuring axis with the targeting axis, allowing for accurate measurement of arbitrary points in space using a cooperative target with defined reflection properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual absolute distance meter system is used to measure both retroreflective and non-retroreflective surfaces, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single absolute distance meter that is configured to perform multiple measurement functions: measuring retroreflective targets using a targeting beam and measuring non-retroreflective surfaces using a distance measuring beam. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate distance meters for different measurement types, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of two separate absolute distance meters into one unified distance measuring unit. The single distance meter integrates both the targeting beam path and distance measuring beam path, merging previously separate measurement systems into a consolidated structure that reduces complexity and production costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual absolute distance meter system is used to measure both retroreflective and non-retroreflective surfaces, then measurement versatility is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single absolute distance meter that is configured to perform multiple measurement functions: measuring retroreflective targets using a targeting beam and measuring non-retroreflective surfaces using a distance measuring beam. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate distance meters for different measurement types, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of two separate absolute distance meters into one unified distance measuring unit. The single distance meter integrates both the targeting beam path and distance measuring beam path, merging previously separate measurement systems into a consolidated structure that reduces complexity and production costs.
3Productivity
If scanning measurement of surface points is performed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching capability between different measurement modes: retroreflective target measurement mode and surface scanning mode. The system can adaptively switch between these modes based on the measurement task, allowing high-speed scanning when needed while maintaining the option for high-precision retroreflective measurements when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as beam type, detection method, and measurement mode to optimize performance for different tasks. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve both high productivity in scanning mode and high precision in retroreflective target measurement mode.
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 simplifies the structure and production of the laser tracker, maintains or improves measurement accuracy, and enables efficient scanning of surface points over large distances while reducing space and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam source (35), configured for generating a laser radiation and for emitting at least a part of the laser radiation via the emitting component (9) toward the target object (100)
Implementation Method 2
The distance measuring unit (2) is configured for determining a distance to the target object (100) by emitting a distance measuring beam defining a distance measuring axis (12) via the emitting component (9) and detecting returning parts of the distance measuring beam
Implementation Method 3
an optical fiber arrangement configured for the fiber-guided feed of radiation of the laser beam source into the emitting component (9)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser tracker for the industrial, coordinative position determination of a target, the laser tracker providing two measurement functionalities, namely a measurement functionality for measuring and tracking a cooperative, e.g. retroreflective, target and a measurement functionality for the e.g. scanning measurement of a target with diffuse scattering, wherein both measurement functionalities can be carried out and referenced to each other by means of the same optoelectronic distance measurement device.