Coordinate measuring device having automatic target detection

A coordinate measuring device, comprising:

• a carrier which can be rotated about at least two axes relative to a base, the carrier being automatically alignable with a spatially mobile measuring aid by means of a closed loop control arrangement by rotation about these at least two axes,
• wherein the coordinate measuring device comprises:
• at least one optical distance measuring apparatus for measuring the distance to a spatially mobile measuring aid;
• at least one first light source for emitting light directly or via optical elements, this light being visible as a first target point when reflected by the measuring aid;
• at least one fine target detection unit for determining a fine position as the position of an image of the first target point on a position detection sensor;
• a second light source for emitting light, this light being visible as a second target point when reflected by the measuring aid;
• and
• a coarse target detection unit for determining a coarse position as the position of an image of the second target point on a second position detection sensor;
• wherein
• the closed loop control arrangement being adapted to align the carrier with the measuring aid by rotation about the at least two axes of the carrier according to a the fine position and a the coarse position;
• and
• at least one of the first and the second light source being a superluminescent diode (SLED);
• and wherein at least one set of exit and/or entry optics of the at least one optical distance measuring apparatus, the at least one first light source, and the at least one fine target detection unit, the closed loop control arrangement and the light source are arranged so that said optics can be moved together on the carrier.