Universal Retroreflector Probe for Laser Tracker Six-DOF Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing six-DOF probes are not compatible with a wide range of laser trackers, limiting their versatility and applicability across different models and manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a measurement device that sends a beam of light to a retroreflector target, measures distance and angles, and includes an inclinometer sensor and camera to determine six degrees of freedom based on measured parameters and captured images, enabling compatibility with various laser trackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing six-DOF probes are designed for specific laser tracker models, then measurement precision is maintained, but adaptability to different laser trackers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is designed with a retroreflector target that can be used with multiple types of laser trackers (both interferometer-based and absolute distance meter-based systems). The retroreflector serves as a universal interface that works across different tracker technologies, enabling the same probe to function with various laser tracker models and manufacturers while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If an absolute distance meter is added to the laser tracker, then reliability of distance measurement improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector target acts as an intermediary element that enables reliable distance measurements without requiring the laser tracker itself to have an absolute distance meter. The retroreflector returns the laser beam to the tracker, allowing the tracker to measure distance through the round-trip time or phase shift of the light, thus achieving reliable measurements while keeping the tracker design simpler.
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 six-DOF measurements across a wide range of laser trackers, enhancing the system's versatility and compatibility with different models and manufacturers.
Implementation Method 1
A common type of retroreflector target is the spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR), which comprises a cube-corner retroreflector embedded within a metal sphere.
Implementation Method 2
the inclinometer sensor configured to determine a two-dimensional inclination of the probe assembly relative to a gravity vector
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distance, a first angle, and a second angle to a retroreflector target. The system further includes a probe having the retroreflector target, an inclinometer sensor, a camera, and a processor, the inclinometer sensor configured to determine a two-dimensional inclination of the probe relative to a gravity vector, the camera configured to capture an image of a light emitted from or reflected by the measurement device, the processor configured to determine six degrees of freedom of the probe based at least in part on the distance, the first angle, the second angle, the two-dimensional inclination, and the captured image of the camera.