Patents Assigned to FARO TECHNOLOGIES
  • Publication number: 20130222816
    Abstract: A method of conveying information with a portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a manually positionable articulated arm portion having opposed first and second ends, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments with a measurement device coupled to the first end. A light source is coupled to the first end, the light source configured to emit a visible light pattern on a surface of an object. A first processor determines a location of a next measurement and a type of the next measurement to be performed by an operator, the type of the measurement selected from among a plurality of measurement types. The first processor determines the light pattern based at least in part on the type of the next measurement. The light pattern is projected proximal to the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130222791
    Abstract: Measuring with a system having retroreflector targets and a laser tracker includes storing a list of coordinates for three targets and at least one added point; capturing on a photosensitive array a portion of the light emitted by a light beam and reflected off the targets; obtaining spot positions on a photosensitive array of a tracker camera from the reflected light; determining a correspondence between three spot positions on the photosensitive array and the coordinates of the targets; directing a beam of light from the tracker to the targets based at least in part on the coordinates of the first target and the first spot position; measuring 3-D coordinates of the targets with the tracker; determining 3-D coordinates of the at least one added point based at least in part on the measured 3-D coordinates of the targets and the coordinates of the at least one added point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130214122
    Abstract: A method for optically communicating, from a user to a laser tracker, a command to direct a light beam from the tracker to a retroreflector and lock onto the retroreflector includes projecting a first light to the retroreflector. Also, moving by the user the retroreflector in a predefined spatial pattern which corresponds to the command; reflecting a second light from the retroreflector, the second light being a portion of the first light; obtaining first sensed data by sensing a third light which is a portion of the second light and imaging the third light onto a photosensitive array on the tracker and converting the third light on the photosensitive array into digital form. Further, determining the first sensed data corresponds to the predefined spatial pattern; pointing the light beam from the tracker to the retroreflector; and locking onto the retroreflector with the tracker light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130212889
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine for measuring the coordinates of an object in space is provided. The AACMM includes a base and an arm portion having an opposed first and second ends. The arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments that each includes at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. An electronic circuit is provided that receives the position signal from the at least one position transducer and provides data corresponding to a position of the measurement device. A noncontact three-dimensional measuring device is coupled to the first end, the device having an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and is configured to determine a distance to an object based at least in part on the speed of light in air. A processor is configured to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of a point on the object in response to receiving the position signals and the distance to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Clark H. Briggs, John M. Hoffer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130205606
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) is provided including a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The arm includes multiple connected arm segments. Each arm segment has a longitudinal axis. Each arm segment includes a generally tubular core, an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the core, and at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. The outer sleeve is a cylindrical tube having a first portion at a first end and a second portion that extends from the first portion to an opposite end. The first portion is coupled to an end of the core. The first portion is shorter than the second portion and the second portion is configured to move relative to the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Clark H. Briggs, Brent Bailey, Kenneth Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130208128
    Abstract: A laser measurement system includes a laser tracker having a structure rotatable about first and second axes, a first light source that launches a light beam from the structure, a distance meter, first and second angular encoders that measure first and second angles of rotation about the first and second axes, respectively, a processor, and a camera system. Also, a communication device that includes a second light source and an operator-controlled device that controls emission of a light from the second light source; a retroreflector target not disposed on the communication device. Also, the camera system is operable to receive the second light and to convert it into a digital image, and the processor is operable to determine a command to control operation of the tracker based on a pattern of movement of the second light source between first and second times and the digital image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Faro Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130201487
    Abstract: A device for optically scanning and measuring an environment is designed as a laser scanner having a light emitter that emits an emission light beam and a light receiver that receives a reception light beam which is reflected from an object in the environment of the laser scanner. The laser scanner also includes a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object. The spot of the emission light beam temporarily moves along a prism of the laser scanner, the prism having at least two different brightness levels and/or colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Ossig, Benjamin Lutz
  • Publication number: 20130197852
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a measurement machine for measuring an object, and more particularly to a measurement machine such as a portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine or a laser tracker that measures an object according to a measurement or inspection plan that is identified by a machine readable information symbol located on the object to be measured or on a drawing (e.g., a CAD drawing) of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130155386
    Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional coordinates of a probe center includes: providing a spherically mounted retroreflector; providing a probe assembly; providing an orientation sensor; providing a coordinate measurement device; placing the spherically mounted retroreflector on the probe head; directing the first beam of light from the coordinate measurement device to the spherically mounted retroreflector; measuring the first distance; measuring the first angle of rotation; measuring the second angle of rotation; measuring the three orientational degrees of freedom based at least in part on information provided by the orientation sensor; calculating the three-dimensional coordinates of the probe center based at least in part on the first distance, the first angle of rotation, the second angle of rotation, and the three orientational degrees of freedom; and storing the three-dimensional coordinates of the probe center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20130128284
    Abstract: Measuring with a system having retroreflector targets and a laser tracker includes storing a list of nominal coordinates for three targets and at least one added point; capturing on a photosensitive array of the tracker a portion of the light emitted by a light beam and reflected off the three targets; obtaining spot positions on a photosensitive array of a tracker camera from light reflected off the three targets; determining a correspondence between three spot positions on the tracker photosensitive array and the nominal coordinates of the three targets; directing a beam of light from the tracker to the three targets based at least in part on the nominal coordinates of the first target and the first spot position; measuring 3-D coordinates of the three targets with the tracker; determining 3-D coordinates of the at least one added point based at least in part on the measured 3-D coordinates of the three targets and the nominal coordinates of the at least one added point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130125408
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine is provided. The coordinate measuring machine includes a base with an arm portion. A probe end is coupled to an end of the arm portion distal from the base. A device configured to emit a coded structured light onto an object to determine the three dimensional coordinates of a point on the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul C. Atwell, Clark H. Briggs, Burnham Stokes
  • Publication number: 20130118020
    Abstract: The present system, method, article of manufacture, software, and apparatus is an “intelligent” probe system and components thereof and may openly encompass, in at least an embodiment, an embedded IC chip located in an interchangeable probe(s) which offers repeatable, fast, easy, and error free probe swapping on a CMM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130112861
    Abstract: An optical encoder may include an encoder disk, an illumination system, and a detector to detect light diffracted from the encoder disk. The encoder disk may include a signal track comprising a diffraction grating, and an index track comprising a reflective index mark, wherein a width of the index mark is larger than a pitch of the diffraction grating. An indexing method may include providing an encoder disk, providing an illumination system to direct light to the encoder disk, providing a detector structured to detect light diffracted from the encoder disk, calculating an estimated count of quadrature states from a rising edge of an index pulse to a middle of the index interval, and calculating the quadrature state at an approximate center of the index pulse. A dynamic parameter correction method may include calculating a target gain and offset and correcting values based on the target gain and offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130116959
    Abstract: An optical encoder may include an encoder disk, an illumination system, and a detector to detect light diffracted from the encoder disk. The encoder disk may include a signal track comprising a diffraction grating, and an index track comprising a reflective index mark, wherein a width of the index mark is larger than a pitch of the diffraction grating. An indexing method may include providing an encoder disk, providing an illumination system to direct light to the encoder disk, providing a detector structured to detect light diffracted from the encoder disk, calculating an estimated count of quadrature states from a rising edge of an index pulse to a middle of the index interval, and calculating the quadrature state at an approximate center of the index pulse. A dynamic parameter correction method may include calculating a target gain and offset and correcting values based on the target gain and offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130104411
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided. An articulated arm is provided having a plurality of arm segments. Each arm segment includes an angular encoder for producing a signal corresponding to an angle of rotation. A shaft rotates which about an axis is attached to an inner portion of a first and second bearing. A patterned disk is attached to the shaft. A housing is attached to an outer portion of the first and second bearing. A read head is attached to the housing in proximity to the patterned disk which produces an electrical signal in response to an angle of rotation. The patterned disk and the first arm segment supported for rotation about the axis by only the first and second bearing. A circuit receives the electrical signal and provides an angle and data corresponding to a position of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130097882
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine for measuring the coordinates of an object in space is provided. The AACMM includes a base and an arm portion having an opposed first and second ends. The arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments that each includes at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. An electronic circuit is provided that receives the position signal from the at least one position transducer and provides data corresponding to a position of the measurement device. A noncontact three-dimensional measuring device is coupled to the first end, the device having an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and is configured to determine a distance to an object based at least in part on the speed of light in air. A processor is configured to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of a point on the object in response to receiving the position signals and the distance to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Clark H. Briggs, John M. Hoffer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130097883
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided. The coordinate measurement machine includes a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The articulated arm includes a plurality of arm segments, each including encoder configured to produce a signal corresponding to an angle of rotation. A base section is connected to the second end. A measurement probe is connected to the first end. The measurement probe receives an externally mounted sensor having an attachment ring, the measurement probe having an alignment surface and external threading. A retaining ring having internal threading is threadably receives the external threading; the retaining ring further couples the attachment ring to the surface. An electrical circuit is configured to receive the signal and to provide data corresponding to a coordinate of the externally mounted sensor, the data based at least in part on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130070250
    Abstract: A device for optically scanning and measuring and environment, with a laser scanner, having a base and a measuring head which is rotatable relative to the base, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected by an object in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object, has a manually movable trolley, on which the laser scanner is mounted by means of its base and which can be taken from a resting state to a moving state, wherein the trolley has a path measuring device for measuring its path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Ditte, Martin Ossig
  • Publication number: 20130037694
    Abstract: A method for optically communicating, from a user to a laser tracker, a command to control tracker operation includes providing a rule of correspondence between commands and temporal patterns, and selecting by the user a first command. Also, projecting a first light from the tracker to the retroreflector, reflecting a second light from the retroreflector, the second light being a portion of the first light, obtaining first sensed data by sensing a third light which is a portion of the second light, creating by the user, between first and second times, a first temporal pattern which includes a decrease in the third optical power followed by an increase in the third optical power, the first temporal pattern corresponding to the first command, determining the first command based on processing the first sensed data per the rule of correspondence and executing the first command with the tracker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130016190
    Abstract: A method for determining three-dimensional coordinates of an object point on a surface of an object, the method including steps of: sending a beam of light to a diffraction grating; sending a first diffracted beam and a second diffracted beam to an objective lens to form at least two spots of light, which are passed through transparent regions of a plate to produce a first fringe pattern on the surface of the object; imaging the object point illuminated by the first fringe pattern onto a photosensitive array to obtain a first electrical data value; moving the plate to a second position; sending spots through plate to produce a second fringe pattern on the surface of the object; imaging the point onto the array point to obtain a second electrical data value; and calculating the three-dimensional coordinates of the first object point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Ryan Kruse, Paul McCormack, Emmanuel Lafond