Laser tracker having target-seeking functionality
US10048379B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/89
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a laser tracker for continuously tracking a reflective target and for determining the position of the target, comprising a base that defines a vertical axis and a beam-deflecting unit for emitting measurement radiation. The beam-deflecting unit can be pivoted about the vertical axis and a tilt axis in relation to the base in a motorized manner and a measurement axis is defined by an emission direction of the measurement radiation. The laser tracker may have a fine distance measurement unit for precisely determining a distance to the target, an angle measurement functionality for determining an orientation of the beam-deflecting unit in relation to the base, and a target-seeking unit. The target-seeking unit has illuminating means, a camera having a position-sensitive detector for detecting illumination radiation reflected by the target, and a control and evaluating unit having seeking functionality for finding the target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.