LIDAR Synchronization Channel for Wireless Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring systems face challenges in determining the spatial position and orientation of tracked measuring devices with high temporal accuracy, especially in wireless setups, which are often complex and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a LIDAR unit with a synchronization channel integrated into its measurement channel to synchronize data from a tracked measuring device with LIDAR signals, enabling the determination of spatial position and orientation through frequency modulated continuous wave illumination and retroreflector-based measurement signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless data transfer is used in a network, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the synchronization channel with the measurement channel of the LIDAR unit, integrating multiple functions into a single system. This merging approach enables wireless data transfer while maintaining temporal accuracy without requiring separate synchronization hardware, thus reducing overall device complexity and cost while preserving ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If wired laser line scanners are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless optical communication system. By using optical signals for data transfer between the LIDAR unit and the control unit, the system maintains the measurement precision of wired systems while eliminating the physical constraints and complexity of wired connections, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If distributed clocks with high accuracy are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service synchronization mechanism where the LIDAR unit generates and transmits synchronization signals as part of its normal operation. The control unit automatically receives and processes these signals to achieve temporal synchronization without requiring external distributed clocks or complex synchronization hardware, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
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 accurate and cost-effective determination of spatial position and orientation with reduced complexity, enhancing the temporal synchronization of data from tracked measuring devices in coordinate measuring technology.
Implementation Method 1
The LIDAR unit (118) has at least one measurement channel (120), in particular three measurement channels (120), which are configured to generate at least one measurement signal (132), in particular three measurement signals (132)
Implementation Method 2
The measurement channel (120) is configured to generate at least one measurement signal (132), in particular three measurement signals (132), which are reflected by at least one retroreflector (116), in particular three retroreflectors (116)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining a spatial position and orientation of a tracked measuring device includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) unit having at least one measurement channel configured to generate at least one measurement signal, and a control and evaluation unit including a reception unit configured to receive data from the tracked measuring device in wireless fashion, the LIDAR unit being configured to generate a LIDAR signal for the at least one measurement signal and to transfer said LIDAR signal to the control and evaluation unit, the apparatus having a synchronization channel integrated at least in part into the measurement channel of the LIDAR unit and configured to determine a synchronization information item, and the control and evaluation unit being configured to temporally synchronize the data of the tracked measuring device and the LIDAR signal by taking into account the at least one synchronization information item.