Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor for Real-Time Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metrology technologies like photogrammetry and laser tracker technologies are unsuitable for applications requiring high precision, low latency, or real-time control due to limitations in precision, cost, and latency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an orthogonal laser metrology sensor device and system that includes a reflection detector sensor array, line sensor, angle position sensor array, and a speedup processor to detect and track objects in real-time with high precision and low latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If photogrammetry technologies are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical laser tracker systems with an optical sensor array-based system. Instead of using mechanically steered precision laser rangefinders with interferometry, the invention uses a beam fan projected by a scanning mirror detected by an optical sensor array, achieving comparable precision at lower cost through optical substitution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement function into separate components: a beam fan generation system (laser source + scanning mirror), a detection system (optical sensor array), and a processing system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity and cost while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If laser tracker technologies are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard, off-the-shelf optical components (scanning mirrors, optical sensor arrays, lasers) that are significantly cheaper than precision interferometric instruments. These components can be mass-produced and replaced, reducing both initial cost and long-term maintenance expenses while achieving comparable measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes expensive mechanical steering and interferometry systems with a simpler optical beam fan approach using scanning mirrors and optical sensors, eliminating the need for costly precision mechanics and interferometric equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional metrology systems are used, then measurement capability is provided, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous beam fan scanning across the field of view with optical sensors continuously detecting reflected light. This continuous measurement approach eliminates the intermittent sampling inherent in traditional laser trackers, providing real-time data streams with minimal latency for real-time control applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary beam fan projection and continuous optical detection before final position calculation is needed. The beam fan is continuously projected and detected in advance, allowing position data to be ready immediately when required for control decisions, reducing overall system latency.
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
The system provides accurate and real-time detection and tracking of objects, achieving precision comparable to or exceeding laser tracker systems at a significantly lower cost, making it suitable for applications requiring high precision and low latency.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source arranged to emit a laser beam; and an optical system arranged to fan the laser beam to a laser line
Implementation Method 2
a scanning mirror arranged to deflect and scan the beam fan in accordance with a scan axis
Implementation Method 3
an optical system arranged to fan the laser beam to a laser line and focus the laser line along an optical path to a scanning mirror
Implementation Method 4
a beam splitter system arranged to redirect the reflected light beam to the reflection detector sensor array and the line sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device and methodology for detecting an object and its position in a field of view of a beam fan. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a beam fan in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal; a line sensor arranged to capture an image of the reflected light beam and output beam reflection data corresponding to the light beam; an angle position sensor array arranged to detect an angle of the beam fan with respect to a central axis and output a beam fan position signal; and a speedup processor arranged to receive the reflected beam position trigger signal, receive the beam reflection data, receive the beam fan position signal, and output the beam reflection data to a central processor. A position of the object in the field of view can be determined based on the beam reflection data and beam fan position signal.