Cyberoptics Corporation

Robert E Keil

Steven K Case

Jeffrey A Jalkio

John P Konicek

High precision, non-contact sensors are disclosed which optically measure distances from the sensor head to the surface or surfaces under test. The modular design of the system allows a large selection of identically packaged sensor heads with differing ranges and resolutions. Built-in algorithms automatically adjust exposure time and process data to maximize accuracy for most applications. The sensor heads contain a laser diode source which features visible radiation as well as infrared radiation to faciltiate set-up and use of the system. A unique optical system focuses the laser beam on a detector array. That data is processed to determine distance for point range sensors and surface profile for line range sensors. High speed algorithms are employed for reducing the data from the imaging array in the sensor head to meaningful range data. To compensate for widely varying surfaces of the software can vary the exposure and laser power to yield a dynamic range of 10.sup.7. The user can reject certain areas of the optical image and, therefore, eliminate erroneous readings that could be caused by multiple reflections from complex geometries. The operator can also select up to sixteen different heads, one at a time, for multiple measurements. Operator interface is conveniently provided through the keyboard to an attached computer system.

Point and line range sensors

A laser based optically triggered sensor system is described which can function as a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe. With the sensor, a CMM can find the exact location of the surface of a test object without physically having to touch the object. The reflectivity of the laser beam is sensed by a detector pair. The ratio of light on the detector pair is sensed and used to indicate when the probe is in range for a measurement, out of range for the measurement, and when in range, whether the object being sensed is too far or too close from the trigger point of the probe. The system is a plug compatible replacement for existing contact trigger probes currently used on most CMM's.

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St. Louis Park, MN, United States of America

Robert E Keil