Optical Marker Tracking for Dimensional Measurement Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines are costly due to complex and expensive mechanical engineering required for precise positioning and spatial orientation of sensors, which is necessary for accurate measurements but increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system that includes a first sensor for tactile, optical, or tomographic scanning and a second optical sensor for determining the position and spatial orientation of the object using optical markers, connected via a mechanically rigid connection, allowing the evaluation unit to determine the object's geometry and pose, thereby reducing the need for precise mechanical engineering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive material measures and precise displacement kinematics are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical positioning system (material measures and displacement kinematics) with an optical tracking system. Optical markers are attached to the object carrier, and an optical sensor detects their positions to determine the carrier's position and orientation in space. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive precision mechanical components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the physical position through optical markers. Instead of relying on physical mechanical references (material measures), the system uses optical signals from markers to represent and track the position and orientation of the object carrier. This optical copying approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex displacement kinematics are implemented, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical displacement kinematics with an optical detection system. The optical sensor tracks the positions of multiple optical markers on the object carrier to calculate its position and orientation. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, guides, and precision positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediary elements between the object carrier and the optical sensor. These markers serve as mediators that carry position information, allowing the system to determine the carrier's spatial state without direct mechanical measurement. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Area of stationary object
If material measures are positioned away from the tool centre point, then measurement volume is increased, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference system (material measures positioned at the edge) with an optical reference system (markers on the object carrier). The optical sensor can detect markers regardless of their position relative to the tool centre point, allowing the measurement volume to be extended without compromising accuracy. The optical detection system maintains precision even when markers are positioned to maximize measurement volume.
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 reduces production costs by eliminating the need for expensive material measures and displacement kinematics while maintaining high measurement accuracy, as the second sensor continuously determines the object's position and orientation, ensuring accurate measurements without requiring precise mechanical positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a second, optical sensor for capturing a spatial orientation and position of the object to be measured with the help of the optical markers
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor for a tactile, optical and/or tomographic scanning of the object to be measured, wherein the first sensor generates a first measuring signal
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring system for dimensionally measuring an object, comprising an object carrier, a plurality of optical markers, which are arranged at the object carrier and/or the object, and a first sensor for a tactile, optical and/or tomographic scanning of the object. The first sensor generates a first measuring signal. A second optical sensor captures a spatial orientation and position of the object with the help of optical markers. The second sensor generates a second measuring signal that contains information relating to the position and spatial orientation of the optical markers. The second sensor is connected to the first sensor via a mechanically rigid connection. An evaluation unit is configured to determine, from the second measuring signal, the position and spatial orientation of the object relative to the first sensor and to determine, from the first measuring signal, a geometry of the object.