Orthogonal Laser Metrology for Low-Latency Precision Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern industrial metrology applications face challenges with photogrammetry and laser tracker technologies, which are unsuitable for high precision and cost-effective real-time control due to latency and prohibitive costs, respectively.
Innovation Solution
An orthogonal laser metrology sensor system and method that includes a reflection detector, line sensor, angle position sensor, and speedup processor for precise, low-latency detection and tracking of objects, utilizing a scanning mirror and beam splitter system to project and scan laser beams, enabling high-precision, real-time control applications.
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 tracking systems with an orthogonal laser metrology system that uses a camera to capture laser line images and processes them to determine object positions. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while reducing system cost by eliminating complex mechanical steering and encoder components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the laser beam path by capturing the laser line as an image on a camera sensor. This copy allows precise measurement of object positions through image processing without requiring direct mechanical tracking, thereby reducing cost while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If laser tracker technologies are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex laser tracker systems by using a simple camera to capture laser line images. The core measurement capability is isolated and implemented through image processing algorithms, eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering and encoder-based tracking with an optical imaging approach. Instead of mechanically steering lasers and measuring angles with encoders, the system uses a stationary camera to capture laser line positions, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while achieving comparable precision.
3Measurement precision
If laser tracker technologies are used, then measurement precision is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement by continuously capturing laser line images with the camera and continuously processing these images to track object positions. This continuous action eliminates the latency inherent in traditional laser tracker methods, providing real-time measurement feedback for control applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical tracking systems with an optical imaging system that operates at high frame rates. The camera-based approach naturally provides continuous, real-time images that can be processed immediately, eliminating the latency associated with mechanical steering and interferometry-based measurement.
4Ease of manufacture
If photogrammetry technologies are used, then cost is reduced, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional photogrammetry with an orthogonal laser metrology system that uses laser lines and image processing. This substitution dramatically improves response time by enabling real-time continuous measurement, while keeping the system cost-effective by avoiding expensive mechanical tracking components.
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, real-time object detection and tracking with high precision and low latency, comparable to laser tracker systems but at a lower cost, suitable for various adaptive applications including manufacturing, industry, and defense.
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
a line sensor arranged to capture an image of the reflected light beam and output beam reflection data corresponding to the light beam
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 locating one or more objects in a field of view. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a laser in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal; an array 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 laser with respect to a central axis and output a laser position signal; and a processor arranged to determine a location of the one or more objects in the field of view.