Faro Technologies, Inc.

Faro Laser Trackers, LLC

James K West

Robert E Bridges

Lawrence B Brown

D Scott Ackerson

Peter G Cramer

Kenneth Steffey

Jonathan Robert Day

Marc M Barber

Paul Christopher Atwell

Clark H Briggs

David M Danielson

Orlando Perez

Jeremy Markee Garey

Daniel W Hawkins

Craig A Hidalgo

Thomas Powers

Umesh Cooduvalli

Jay W Freeland

Scott D Ackerson

A method for measuring a distance includes modulating the light beam at a first frequency, receiving a second beam by the optical detector to produce a first electrical signal having the first frequency and a first phase; modulating the light beam at a second frequency different than the first frequency; receiving the second beam by the optical detector to produce a second electrical signal having the second frequency and a second. After these steps, the retroreflector is moved while modulating the light beam continuously at the second frequency; and a first distance to the retroreflector is determined based at least in part on a the first and second frequencies and phases.

Laser-based coordinate measuring device and laser-based method for measuring coordinates

Intensity modulation at two frequencies for interferometric measuring of distance

Locator camera arrangement having multiple light sources

A laser based coordinate measuring device measures a position of a remote target. The laser based coordinate measuring device includes a stationary portion, a rotatable portion, and at least a first optical fiber. The stationary portion has at least a first laser radiation source and at least a first optical detector, and the rotatable portion is rotatable with respect to the stationary portion. The first optical fiber system, which optically interconnects the first laser radiation source and the first optical detector with an emission end of the first optical fiber system, has the emission end disposed on the rotatable portion. The emission end emits laser radiation to the remote target and receives laser radiation reflected from the remote target with the emission direction of the laser radiation being controlled according to the rotation of the rotatable portion.

Laser-based coordinate measuring with a camera for target orientation

A coordinate measurement device sends a first light beam to a target which returns a portion as a second beam. The device includes: first and second motors that direct the first beam to a first direction determined by a first angle of rotation about a first axis and a second angle of rotation about a second axis, the first and second angles of rotation produced by the first and second motors, respectively; first and second angle measuring devices that measure first and second angles of rotation, respectively; a distance meter that measures a first distance from the device to the target based in part on a first portion of the second beam; a processor that provides a 3D coordinate of the target based in part on the first distance and the first and second angles of rotation; and a retractable handle at the device top side.

Laser tracker with enhanced handling features

A method includes providing: an optics assembly including a housing, a beam splitter, and a position detector; and an alignment fixture; placing the assembly on the fixture which makes contact with the assembly on the first region; projecting the third beam of light onto a first surface; rotating the assembly about the sixth axis on the fixture; sensing a change in a position of the third beam of light in response to rotation of the assembly about the sixth axis; adjusting the first path to align the third beam of light to the sixth axis; attaching the assembly to a dimensional measurement device; directing the third beam of light to a retroreflector target; reflecting a portion of the third beam from the target as a fourth beam of light; and sending a third portion of the fourth beam from the beam splitter to the position detector.

Gimbal instrument having a prealigned and replaceable optics bench

A method of steering a laser beam from an instrument toward a point on a retroreflector, including: intercepting with the retroreflector a cone of light from the instrument; obtaining a first image of retroreflected light on a photosensitive array and transmitting an electrical data signal in response; determining a position on the photosensitive array of the first image; calculating first and second angular increments to steer the laser beam to the point; rotating the first and second motors to intercept with the position detector the retroreflected laser beam and to place the laser beam at a preferred location on the position detector; measuring fifth and sixth angles with first and second angle transducers; measuring a distance with a distance meter; and determining three-dimensional coordinates of the point based at least in part on the fifth angle, the sixth angle, and the distance.

Methods for using a locator camera in a laser tracker

A self-compensating laser tracker may include a frame assembly including a laser, and at least two-embedded, non-moveable, reflecting members; and a rotatable mirror. The laser and the mirror are arranged such that a laser beam emitted from the laser may be reflected by the mirror. One of the at least two reflecting members may be a cube corner retroreflector and a second of the at least two reflecting members may be a frame assembly mirror. The cube corner retroreflector and the frame assembly mirror may be fixed in position on the frame assembly relative to the rotatable payload and relative to each other, and are structured to reflect the laser beam in a frontsight mode and a backsight mode.

Self-compensating laser tracker

A laser based coordinate measuring device measures a position of a remote target using a camera having an adjustable magnification set based on the distance from the coordinate measuring device to the remote target. The laser based coordinate measuring device includes a structure rotatable about two axes. The device includes a distance meter, a position detector for use in tracking the remote target, and two angular encoders for measuring the angles about the two axes.

Laser tracker having a camera with a constant magnification

A laser tracker includes rotatable structure on which a position detector is disposed. The position detector generates a signal indicating a direction of rotation of the structure so that a beam launched from the structure to a patterned target tracks the patterned target. The laser tracker also includes an optical system that includes a lens and is used to determine the orientation of the patterned target.

Laser tracker and method for measing location and orientation of a patterned target

A laser tracker includes a first optical system located on a structure and that launches a beam from the structure. The laser tracker also includes a locator camera having a second optical system that includes a lens having a center and a clear aperture through which light may pass. The clear aperture has a clear aperture diameter. The second optical system includes a light source that illuminates a retroreflector, receives light reflected back from the retroreflector and forms an image on a photosensitive array that is converted to a digital data set from which the angular direction of the targets can be determined.

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Landenberg, PA, United States of America

James K West