Multi-mode Optical Measurement Device Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noncontact optical measurement devices, such as laser trackers and scanners, face limitations in accuracy, speed, and operational flexibility, particularly in measuring dimensional coordinates, with laser trackers providing high accuracy but being slow and requiring cooperative targets, while laser scanners operate faster but with lower accuracy and at higher noise levels, and lack the ability to select between modes of operation.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate measurement device that integrates both laser tracking and scanning capabilities, utilizing dual absolute distance meters, angular transducers, and a processor to operate in multiple modes, allowing for high-accuracy tracking with cooperative targets and faster, lower-accuracy scanning without operator assistance, by switching between tracking and scanning modes based on the presence of a retroreflector target or noncooperative surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser tracker operates with retroreflector target, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between tracker mode (high accuracy, slow) and scanner mode (lower accuracy, fast) based on measurement requirements. The processor determines which mode to operate in, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics to the specific measurement task at hand.
2Measurement precision
If laser tracker dwells on a point, then measurement accuracy is improved, but laser power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts laser power usage by switching between operational modes. In scanner mode, the laser moves continuously without dwelling, allowing operation at lower power levels that meet IEC 60825-1 safety categorization requirements while still providing useful measurement capabilities.
3Productivity
If laser scanner operates continuously, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between scanner mode for fast measurements and tracker mode for high-accuracy measurements. The processor evaluates measurement requirements and switches modes accordingly, allowing the system to optimize for speed when appropriate and for accuracy when needed.
4Device complexity
If single mode device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates both laser tracker and laser scanner functionalities into a single device with a unified optical delivery system. The processor can operate the device in either tracker mode or scanner mode, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each measurement type.
5Illumination intensity
If laser tracker uses visible wavelength, then operator visibility is improved, but laser power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects wavelength and power levels based on operational mode and requirements. In scanner mode, the system can operate at wavelengths and power levels optimized for safety and speed, while tracker mode can use visible wavelengths when operator visibility is critical, with the processor managing the transitions and power requirements.
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 flexible operation as either a high-accuracy laser tracker or a fast, lower-accuracy laser scanner within a single device, improving measurement efficiency and reducing noise and operational complexity by allowing selection between modes based on the target type and measurement requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The distance is measured with a distance-measuring device such as an absolute distance meter or an interferometer
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam may impinge directly on the point or on a retroreflector target in contact with the point
Implementation Method 3
The angles are measured with an angle-measuring device such as an angular encoder
Implementation Method 4
the laser scanner receives light reflected back from the object and determines the distance to the point on the object based in part on the time of flight for the light to strike the object and return to the scanner
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measurement device is provided includes a tracker device configured to emit a first beam of light and receive a portion of the first beam of light reflected off of a target. The first beam of light being emitted from a gimbal location, the tracker device further including an absolute distance meter configured to determine the distance to the target. A scanner device is provided that is configured to emit a second beam of light along a pathway without reversing direction and receive a portion of the second beam of light reflected off an object. The second beam of light being emitted from the gimbal location, the scanner further being configured to determine the distance to the object based at least in part on the speed of light.