Mirror-Based Laser Tracking for Indirect Line-of-Sight Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser trackers face challenges in accurately tracking objects that are not within their direct line of sight due to obstacles or unsuitable environments, requiring indirect methods that can impose operational constraints.
Innovation Solution
A laser tracking device that uses a movable mirror with auxiliary retroreflectors to reflect the laser beam around obstacles, allowing indirect positioning of the object by determining the mirror's position and orientation, and calculating the object's position based on the reflected beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser tracker is used to track an object, then positioning precision is improved, but the device can only track objects within direct line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element to redirect the laser beam path. The mirror reflects the laser beam around obstacles, enabling the tracker to measure objects that are not within direct line of sight while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the laser path by using mirror reflection. Instead of a direct linear path, the laser beam travels through multiple segments via reflection, effectively extending the tracker's reach around obstacles
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser tracker is positioned away from the object to avoid obstacles, then the tracker can operate in unsuitable environments, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the remotely positioned tracker and the target object. It enables the laser beam to travel around obstacles and environmental barriers while maintaining the optical path integrity needed for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
By using reflected optical paths through mirrors, the system creates alternative spatial routes for the laser beam, allowing the tracker to be positioned in environmentally suitable locations while maintaining measurement accuracy through multi-segment optical paths
3Adaptability or versatility
If mirrors are arranged around an object to enable remote tracking, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror acts as a simple intermediary component that requires minimal complex mechanisms. By using basic optical reflection principles, the system achieves remote tracking capability without introducing complex mechanical or electronic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spatial arrangement of mirrors to achieve remote tracking, leveraging geometric optics rather than complex mechanical systems. This approach maintains relative system simplicity by using straightforward optical paths and reflection geometry
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
Enables precise tracking of objects beyond direct line of sight by using a movable mirror system to bypass obstacles, maintaining accurate positioning and orientation calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter 10, configured to emit an incident laser beam towards an SMR type retroreflector 21
Implementation Method 2
a detector 11, configured to detect the laser beam reflected by the target
Implementation Method 3
The device includes a mirror, comprising at least one auxiliary retroreflector, the mirror being configured to reflect the incident laser beam towards the target retroreflector
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A device for determining the position of an object, the object comprising a target retroreflector, including: - a laser emitter configured to emit an incident laser beam towards the target retroreflector; - a detector configured to detect a laser beam reflected by the target retroreflector; - a centering unit configured to adjust the position of the laser emitter according to the detected laser beam; the device being characterized in that: - the device includes a mirror configured to reflect the incident laser beam towards the target retroreflector; - the device includes a processing unit configured to determine the actual position of the target retroreflector, based on the position and orientation of the mirror, and the virtual position of the target retroreflector, after the incident laser beam has been centered with respect to the target retroreflector. Figure 2A