Laser probe for determining distance
AssigneeCyberOptics Corporation
InventorsSteven K. Case, Robert E. Keil, John Konicek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A laser based optically triggered sensor system is described which can function as a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe. With the sensor, a CMM can find the exact location of the surface of a test object without physically having to touch the object. The reflectivity of the laser beam is sensed by a detector pair. The ratio of light on the detector pair is sensed and used to indicate when the probe is in range for a measurement, out of range for the measurement, and when in range, whether the object being sensed is too far or too close from the trigger point of the probe. The system is a plug compatible replacement for existing contact trigger probes currently used on most CMM's.
Claims18
A laser probe for indicating when a predetermined distance between the probe and an object has been achieved, the laser probe comprising:
- means for creating a laser beam;
- first focusing means for focusing the laser beam on the object;
- a plurality of light detecting means;
- second focusing means interposed between the object and the plurality of detecting means for focusing the light reflected from the object toward the plurality of detecting means;
- and
- comparison means connected to the detecting means for determining when a predetermined proportion of light is focused on at least two of the detecting means, said comparison means including means for indicating that the predetermined proportion has been detected.
A method of making a distance measurement when a laser probe having means for creating a laser beam is a predetermined distance away from an object, the method comprising:
- focusing the laser beam on the object;
- positioning a plurality of detecting means at a predetermined angle from the laser beam;
- focusing the reflected laser beam toward the plurality of detecting means;
- comparing the amount of light falling on at least two of the detecting means;
- and
- generating a trigger signal to indicate that the distance measurement is to be taken when a predetermined amount of light is focused on at least two of the detecting means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.