Abstract: A method for determining the position of a laser projector relative to a large tool includes the use of posts having several reference points. The rotating tool is preferably also provided with a plurality of reference points. At least two of the reference points are spaced by a known distance. By identifying the location of the reference points, a control for the system is able to calibrate where the reference points are relative to the laser projectors. In this way, the laser projector is able to calibrate itself relative to the reference points on the large tool. The invention improves upon the prior art in that the location of the reference points need not be fixed relative to the workpiece. Instead, the system will initially determine the position of the reference points based upon known distances between the reference points.

Abstract: Improved goggles for use with laser projection systems allow passage of a narrow band of red wavelengths that surround the wavelength at which the laser is projecting. The goggles block adjacent wavelengths. Thus, the laser image is in contrast, and is easily seen by a wearer. At the same time, the goggles pass at least a portion of the blue and green wavelengths. Thus, the wearer is provided with an image that is not unnatural, but includes most of the natural colors. In this way, the goggles not only provide a clear image of the laser beam, but also are easily worn by a wearer for an extended period of time.

Abstract: An improved method of calibrating a laser projector to reference points includes the steps of moving a reflective member in the path of a laser beam. The reflective member is moved towards a reference point, and a control for the laser projector operates in one mode of operation to move the laser beam with the reflective member. The reflective member is moved, and moves the laser beam towards one of the reference points. Once the laser beam is adjacent to the reference point, the reflective member is removed from the laser beam member. The laser projector then identifies the location of the reference point, and begins to calibrate itself relative to the work surface. This process is repeated until the calibration is complete.

Abstract: An improved method of calibrating the location of a laser projector relative to a workpiece utilizes a series of randomly-placed reference points, with at least two of the points being spaced by a known distance. Known calibration equations allow the identification of the location of the laser relative to the workpiece by identifying the location of the laser relative to the points, and also utilizing the known distance. The laser may be utilized with at least one other component. The second component might be a second laser. If there are reference points fixed relative to a frame of reference then the laser may also be utilized to accurately display information on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for generating 3D data of an object using a laser projector uses the steps of calibrating at least two laser projectors to a known coordinate system relative to an object; projecting a first laser beam along a path to a point on the object; placing a reflection target at the point for reflecting the first laser beam for generating a first feedback signal indicative of the first laser beam hitting the reflective target; calculating first vector coordinates of the path of the first laser beam; projecting a second laser beam towards the point; moving the second laser beam in a predetermined pattern until the second laser beam reflects off of the reflective target generating a second feedback signal indicative of the second laser beam hitting the reflective target; calculating second vector coordinates of the path of the second laser beam; triangulating the first vector coordinates with the second vector coordinates establishing a digitized 3D coordinate of the point relative to the coordinate system; re

Abstract: A system combines a galvanometer system with a camera to provide information from a workpiece to the camera. The galvanometer rotates mirrors to change the image that is directed from the workpiece into the camera. The inventive method allows the use of the camera to identify the location of points on the workpiece. Further, the system facilitates the use of the camera to store information about a pattern on a workpiece. Also, the system can be utilized to create a computer aided design file of the surface of a workpiece. The system is utilized in the last two methods to serially store bit by bit information about the workpiece in a memory.