Abstract: A system is provided for communicating between a 3D metrology instrument and a portable computing device via near field communications. In one embodiment, the metrology device is an articulated coordinate measurement machine (AACMM), a laser tracker, a laser scanner or a triangulation scanner, and the portable communications device is a cellular phone or a tablet. The portable device may use the NFC to determine the configuration of and to configure the metrology instrument.

Abstract: A method for scanning and obtaining three-dimensional (3D) coordinates is provided. The method includes providing a 3D measuring device having a projector, a first camera and a second camera. The method records images of a light pattern emitted by the projector onto an object. The 3D measuring device is moved from a first position and a second position along a second path. A gesture and a corresponding control function are determined based at least in part on the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A line scanner measures 3D coordinates of an object surface and includes a projector with a light source that projects a line of light at the object surface. The line scanner also has a camera with a 2D array of light sensors and electronics that controls the exposure and readout times of each light sensor, the exposure time being controlled in either rows or columns of the array in a non-sequential manner, the readout time being controlled in either rows or columns that are the same as the rows or columns whose exposure time is being controlled, each of the light sensors converts an amount of captured optical energy into a digital signal value, the captured optical energy being from a reflected line of light from the object surface. Further includes a processor that receives the digital signal values and calculates the 3D coordinates of the object surface.

Abstract: A dimensional measuring device includes an overview camera and a triangulation scanner. A six-DOF tracking device tracks the dimensional measuring device as the triangulation scanner measures three-dimensional (3D) coordinates on an exterior of the object. Cardinal points identified by the overview camera are used to register in a common frame of reference 3D coordinates measured by the triangulation scanner on the interior and exterior of the object.

Abstract: An articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided with a power supply having multiple power sources. The power supply having an input configured to receive electrical power from an external energy supply and first and second energy storage members. The first energy storage member having a first processing circuit configured to measure at least one first parameter and transmit a first signal to the first electronic circuit. The second energy storage member having a second processing circuit configured to measure at least one second parameter and transmit a second signal to the first electronic circuit. Wherein the power supply is configure to selectively transfer electrical power from at least one of the first and second energy storage members, the power supply further being configured to change the transfer of electrical power from the first and second energy storage members in response to the first signal and second signal.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a measurement device remotely through gestures performed by a user. The method includes providing a relationship between a command and a gestures. A gesture is performed by the user with the user's body that corresponds to the user gesture. The gesture performed by the user is detected. A command is determined based at least in part on the detected gesture. Then the command is executed with the laser tracker.

Abstract: A dimensional measuring device sends a beam of light to a remote probe having a retroreflector and a pitch/yaw sensor. The pitch/yaw sensor passes the light through an aperture and a lens to a position sensor that generates an electrical signal indicative of the position of the received light. A processor uses the electrical signal to determine a pitch angle and a yaw angle of the remote probe.

Abstract: A rotary switch device such as that used on the probe end of an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided. The rotary switch having a housing with an axis of rotation. A first actuator is coupled to the housing. A first switch is coupled to the first actuator, the first actuator being configured to selectively close the first switch. A first electrical circuit is provided. A first antenna circuit is electrically coupled the first switch to the first electrical circuit, wherein the first electrical circuit and first antenna circuit cooperate to modulate an operating field when the first switch is closed. A reader circuit is arranged fixed relative to the axis of rotation, the reader circuit including a transmitter configured to emit the operating field and a receiver configured to detect the modulated operating field.

Abstract: A length artifact has a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base portion, the first side wall and the second side wall separated by an air gap at least four millimeters wide, the base portion being attached to a bottom of the first side wall and the second side wall, the base portion further having a first platform region that includes a first nest and a second platform region that includes a second nest, the first nest and the second nest configured to accept a spherical surface of a retroreflector target.

Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates includes providing a retroreflector and a laser tracker. An operator gives a follow-operator gesture, and the laser tracker responds by following movement of the operator.

Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates includes providing a retroreflector and a laser tracker. In a first instance, an operator gives a follow-operator command. The laser tracker responds by following movement of the operator. In a second instance, the operator gives a lock-on command. The laser tracker responds by steering a beam of light onto the retroreflector.

Abstract: A virtual laser projection system and method includes one or more measuring laser projectors, one or more non-measuring laser projectors, an array of reference targets, and a computing system. The one or more measuring laser projectors and one or more non-measuring laser projectors operate under common control of the computing system to register their respective locations using the array of reference targets, detect and locate features of a work object to be illuminated, convert all location information into a common coordinate system, and illuminate the work object with laser light beams using the common coordinate system.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) having an integrated camera captures 2D images of an object at three or more different poses. A processor determines 3D coordinates of a smoothly continuous edge point of the object based at least in part on the captured 2D images and pose data provided by the AACMM.

Abstract: A method for scanning and obtaining three-dimensional (3D) coordinates is provided. The method includes providing a 3D measuring device having a projector, a first camera and a second camera. The method records images of a light pattern emitted by the projector onto an object. A deviation in a measured parameter from an expected parameter is determined. The calibration of the 3D measuring device may be changed when the deviation is outside of a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A laser scanner and method of operation to determine the consistency of a registration is provided. The method includes generating with the laser scanner at least a first scan of the scene with first measuring points. The laser scanner generates at least one second scan of the scene with second measuring points. At least one measured distance is determined from at least one of the second measuring points to the center of the second scan. The second scan is provisionally registered subjected to a consistency check. The consistency check is performed. At least one virtual distance is determined from at least one of the first measuring points to the center of the second scan. The consistency check is based at least in part on comparing the at least one virtual distance with the at least one measured distance.

Abstract: A device for optically scanning and measuring an environment is provided. The device includes at least one projector for producing at least one uncoded pattern on an object in the environment. A first camera is provided for recording at least one first image of the object provided with the pattern, the first camera having a first image plane. A second camera is provided for recording at least one second image of the object provided with the uncoded pattern, the second camera being spaced apart from the first camera in order to acquire the uncoded pattern on a second image plane. A controller is provided having a processor configured to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of points on the surface of the object based at least in part on the uncoded pattern, the at least one first image and the at least one second image.

Abstract: A method of combining 2D images into a 3D image includes providing a coordinate measurement device and a triangulation scanner having an integral camera associated therewith, the scanner being separate from the coordinate measurement device. In a first instance, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner and the integral camera captures a first 2D image. In a second instance, the scanner is moved, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner, and the integral camera captures a second 2D image. A cardinal point common to the first and second images is found and is used, together with the first and second images and the positions and orientations of the scanner in the first and second instances, to create the 3D image.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for displaying three-dimensional measurement points on a two-dimensional plane of a display screen having a plurality of pixels. The method includes projecting the measurement points onto the plane. Each of the measurement points is assigned to one of the pixels. A depth value is assigned to each of the pixels. A first pixel is selected having a first measurement point and a first depth value. A first side is searched for a second pixel having a second measurement point and a second depth value. A second side is searched for a third pixel having a third measurement point and a third depth value. It is determined whether the second and third measurement points are on a same plane. The first depth value of the first pixel is changed when the second and third measurement points are on the same plane.

Abstract: A method for optically scanning, measuring and displaying a point cloud is provided. The method includes emitting, by a laser scanner, an emission light beam and receiving a reflection light beam that is reflected from an object. A control device determines for measurement points projected on a plane corresponding to a screen, wherein at least some measurement points are displayed on a display device. One or more pixels are gap filled to generate a visual appearance of a surface on the display device. Wherein the gap filling includes a first horizontal search in a first direction of a first measured point of the measurement points followed by a second horizontal search in a second direction of the first measured point. The gap filling further includes a first vertical search in a third direction of the measured point, followed by a second vertical search in a fourth direction.

Abstract: A system is provided for communicating between a 3D metrology device and a portable computing device via near field communications. In one embodiment, the metrology device is an articulated coordinate measurement machine (AACMM), a laser tracker, a laser scanner or a triangulation scanner, and the portable communications device is a cellular phone or a tablet. The portable device may use the NFC to establish to change or establish settings and parameters or to replace at least a portion of the operating system used to control the metrology device.