National Research Council of Canada

Michel Picard

Francois Blais

Luc Cournoyer

A technique for acquiring target's coordinates for industrial dimensional metrology involves a target that serves both as a 2D contrast target and a 3D contact target, and a metrology tool. The target has proximal and distal surfaces, at least some of which being primarily flat and facing a common normal direction. At least 3 mm separate the proximal and distal surfaces in the normal direction. Reflectivity factors of the distal and proximal surfaces differ by at least 20%. Risers connecting pairs of the proximal and distal surfaces are sufficiently undercut so that none of the risers are in view at nominal viewing angles. At least two reference edges are defined where risers meet proximal surfaces. The tool has meeting features for registration with the edges and primarily flat surfaces, in at least two registered positions, to permit a retroreflector of the tool to acquire coordinates the target centre.

Method, kit and target for multimode 3D imaging systems

Systems and methods for generating and optimizingD models of objects. A laser scanner is controlled by a data processing subsystem that controls the scanning and processes the data generated. From an initial model, either a raster scan of the object or an initial scan, the system scans the object multiple times, each time adjusting the laser scanner to maximize a correlation between the data generated and the model. The model is also updated using the scan data and taking into account the adjustments which were applied to the laser scanner. Other adjustments, such as those which would remove the effect of relative motion on the scan data, are also accounted for when incorporating scan data into the model. The model is recursively adjusted and optimized using previous scan data (both pre-recorded and fresh scan data) and previous adjustments. The model may be modified and adjusted using previous scan data and an Iterative Closest Point method. The method and systems may be used in uncontrolled environments where unpredictable motions and vibrations can occur. The invention may be used with scanners mounted on a robotic arm, scaffolding, unstable tripods, at the tips of booms or lifts, or the scanners may be simply held by hand.

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Orleans, CA, United States of America

Michel Picard