Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A laser tracker is an essential tool in the field of precise geometric measurement. Its fundamental operating idea is a dual-axis rotating device that propels the laser beam to continuously align and measure the attitude of a collaborating target. Such systems provide numerous benefits, including a broad measuring range, high precision, outstanding real-time performance, and ease of use. To solve the issue of low beam recovery efficiency in typical laser trackers, this research offers a two-dimensional laser tracking system that incorporates a machine vision module. The system uses a unique off-axis optical design in which the distance measuring and laser tracking paths are independent, decreasing the system's dependency on optical coaxiality and mechanical processing precision. A tracking head error calibration method based on singular value decomposition (SVD) is introduced, using optical axis point cloud data obtained from experiments on various components for geometric fitting. A complete prototype system was constructed and subjected to accuracy testing. Experimental results show that the proposed system achieves a relative positioning accuracy of less than 0.2 mm (spatial root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.189 mm) at the maximum working distance of 1.5 m, providing an effective solution for the design of high-precision laser tracking systems.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s26020570
Authors: Dabao Lao, Xiaojian Wang, Tianqi Chen
Institution: University of Science and Technology Beijing
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Award: G2556835493
OpenAlex ID: W7124173837