Scanning Absolute Distance Meter for Wide-Range Coordinate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contactless measuring instruments face limitations in measurement volume, speed, and accuracy due to the need for manual adjustments and recalibration when measuring objects with complex geometries, leading to increased measurement time and susceptibility to errors.
Innovation Solution
A scanning absolute distance meter with a light source and beam deflection unit, integrated with an inertial measurement unit and optional SLAM-based position determination, enables wide-range, high-accuracy coordinate measurement by emitting and receiving a measurement beam, allowing for adaptive focusing and beam steering to cover a broad measurement range without the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional contactless measuring instruments are used, then measurement can be performed on object surfaces, but the measurement volume is limited and requires manual adjustments and recalibration when measuring objects with complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focusing and beam steering capabilities that automatically adapt to different object distances and geometries. The measuring instrument dynamically adjusts its optical parameters through automated focus control and beam direction adjustment, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when measuring objects at varying distances or with complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring instrument incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms including automated focus control systems and self-calibration capabilities. The system automatically compensates for changes in measurement conditions, performs self-diagnosis, and maintains optimal measurement parameters without requiring manual intervention or recalibration by the operator.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustments and recalibration are performed for complex geometries, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated calibration and setup procedures before actual measurement begins. The measuring instrument pre-configures optimal measurement parameters, performs self-calibration routines, and prepares the optical system in advance, so that when measurement of complex geometries is required, the system is already optimized and ready to maintain high accuracy without time-consuming manual adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to cover different measurement ranges, then comprehensive measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal measuring instrument that integrates multiple measurement capabilities into a single device. The system combines automated focusing mechanisms, beam steering capabilities, and adaptive measurement modes that enable one instrument to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized instruments, thereby covering a comprehensive measurement range while reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution provides a 'one-size-fits-all' measuring instrument capable of covering a wide range of object distances, improving accuracy and flexibility, enabling coaxial measurement of complex geometries and reducing measurement time by eliminating the need for multiple instruments and manual recalibration.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (5) and a transmission channel (4) for emitting light from the light source (5) as a measurement beam (3)
Implementation Method 2
a receiver channel (7) for receiving at least part of the measurement beam (3) reflected from the object surface (O)
Implementation Method 3
an opto-electronic detector (9) for detection of the received measurement beam (3r) and for outputting an according detection signal (Si)
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring instrument for coordinative measuring of object surface points of an object embodied as a measuring head of a coordinate measuring machine or of an articulated arm or embodied as a handheld measuring probe of a measuring system having a surveying station such as a laser tracker or as a 6-DoF handheld measuring instrument with an IMU. The measuring instrument comprises a scanning absolute distance meter with a light source, a transmission channel for emitting light from the light source as a measurement beam along a targeting axis towards the object, a beam deflection unit for scanning deflection of the targeting axis, a receiver channel for receiving at least part of the measurement beam reflected from the object surface, an opto-electronic detector for detection of the received measurement beam and outputting an according detection signal and an evaluation unit for determination of a coordinate of a surface point.