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AssigneeAutomated Precision, Inc.
InventorKam C. Lau
Estimating the term…
A multi-dimensional measuring system is disclosed wherein a laser-based tracking unit communicates with an optical target on a measurement instrument to obtain position and orientation information about the instrument. The optical target incorporates a plurality of encoders configured to provide a full 360° working range in pitch, yaw and roll. Full working range in pitch and yaw is achieved through the use of a pitch/yaw angular encoder. Full 360° working range in roll is achieved with a combination of a level sensor and a 360° angular encoder, which are fixed to a pendulum so that the level sensor is always aligned to gravity. Use of a slip-ring mechanism ensures the unlimited full working range in roll. The measurement instrument includes a scanner integrated with a probe receptacle adapted to accept a probe assembly to provide the instrument with both a scanning measurement and a probe measurement capabilities. Incorporation of an additional probe receptacle provides increased measurement capability and flexibility. The optical target with its full 360° angular working range in pitch, yaw and roll can be utilized independently of the measurement instrument. In combination with a laser tracker, the optical target can be attached to any object or surface to be measured, or alternatively, it can be attached to a movable device and the position of that device monitored.
A measurement device associated with a multi-dimensional tracking system having a source of laser light, comprising:
The measurement device of 11, wherein said second pendulum is rotatably supported on an axis parallel to the pitch axis so that said second pendulum remains aligned with gravity as the measurement device moves in pitch.
The measurement device of 13, wherein said retro-reflector comprises a solid retro-reflector having a flat polished surface that defines the aperture.
A sensor assembly for measuring the orientation of an object in a multi-dimensional tracking system having a source of laser light, comprising:
A remote unit associated with a multi-dimensional tracking system having a tracking unit and a laser light source, comprising:
The remote unit of 27, wherein said second pendulum is rotatably supported on an axis oriented parallel to the pitch axis so that said second pendulum remains aligned with gravity as the remote unit moves in pitch.
A measurement instrument having integrated probe-type measuring capability and scanning measuring capability comprising:
A method for making measurements in a multi-dimensional measuring system having a tracker with a source of laser light, a control unit and a target coupled to a measuring device, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.