Method for tracking a retroreflector and device for carrying out such a method

US12429591B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Markus Meissner · Teupitz, DE
• Alexander Schwanecke · Traunreut, DE
• Nikolas Tekles · Pittenhart, DE
• Franz Langrieger · Trostberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 25, 2023
• Grant date: Sep 30, 2025
• Expiry date: Nov 26, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S7/4812
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for tracking a retroreflector that is movable in space includes emitting a measurement light beam toward the retroreflector. A tracking control signal is generated as a function of the position of the measurement light beam reflected by the retroreflector on a detector. A status determination is continuously made as to whether the measurement light beam is steerable to follow the retroreflector or whether the retroreflector has been lost. In a search mode based on it having been determined that the retroreflector has been lost, a trajectory estimation is performed based on measurement values to determine an estimated trajectory. A search pattern adapted to the estimated trajectory is created, and the measurement light beam is then moved along a corresponding search path using tracking control signals derived from the estimated trajectory and the search pattern. The search mode is terminated upon a tracking control signal being generatable again.