Principles Of Measurement

Principles Of Measurement Used By Laser Sensors And Scanners


METHODS INCLUDE TRIANGULATION AND TIME-OF-FLIGHT

The method used to measure distance depends on the accuracy and distance capability required of the device. Measurement principles include triangulation, time-of-flight measurement, pulse-type time-of-flight systems, and modulated beam systems.

For distances of a few inches with high accuracy requirements, “triangulation” sensors measure the location of the spot within the field of view of the detecting element. Time of flight sensors derive range from the time it takes light to travel from the sensor to the target and return. For very long range distance measurements (up to many miles) “time-of-flight” laser rangefinders using pulsed laser beams are used. Modulated Beam Systems use the time light takes to travel to the target and back, but the time for a single round-trip is not measured directly. Instead, the strength of the laser is rapidly varied to produce a signal that changes over time.

laser triangulation sensor and the TRIANGULATION MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE

Laser Triangulation Measurement MethodOne method for accurately measuring the distance to targets is through the use of a laser triangulation sensor. They are so named because the sensor enclosure, the emitted laser and the reflected laser light form a triangle.

The laser beam is projected from the instrument and is reflected from a target surface to a collection lens. This lens is typically located adjacent to the laser emitter. The lens focuses an image of the spot on a linear array camera (CMOS array). The camera views the measurement range from an angle that varies from 45 to 65 degrees at the center of the measurement range, depending on the particular model. The position of the spot image on the pixels of the camera is then processed to determine the distance to the target. The camera integrates the light falling on it, so longer exposure times allow greater sensitivity to weak reflections. The beam is viewed from one side so that the apparent location of the spot changes with the distance to the target.

One of our triangulation displacement sensors is patented and much can be learned by reading the patent (USPTO 6,624,899).

Triangulation devices are ideal for measuring distances of a few inches with high accuracy. Triangulation devices may be built on any scale, but the accuracy falls off rapidly with increasing range. The depth of field (minimum to maximum measurable distance) is typically limited, as triangulation sensors can not measure relative to their baseline, the distance between the emitter and the detector.

The exposure and laser power level are typically controlled to optimize the accuracy of the measurements for the signal strength and environmental light level measured. The range data may be internally averaged over multiple exposures prior to transmitting if the sample rate is set appropriately.

For more please view our in-depth page on Laser Triangulation Sensors and for more fundamentals, you can learn more about triangulation at FierceElectronics.com.

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AR100 Super Compact Laser Triangulation Sensor

The AR100 is one of the smallest laser measurement sensors in the world. The ultra-compact AR100 comes with ranges from 10mm (0.4 in.) to 500mm (19.7 in.) with a single case size. It can take 9,400 measurements per second and has a linearity of ± 0.05% of the full measurement range for most models. In short, the AR100 is perfect for applications with tight size and mass budgets that can’t sacrifice performance.

AR200 Laser Measurement Sensor

The AR200 laser measurement sensor is a compact, durable, and reliable sensor built for many industries including the lumber, medical and high-tech industries. The AR200 sensor consists of five different models with ranges up to 100 mm (4 in) and accuracies down to 6-microns to satisfy precise measuring requirements.

AR500 Laser Position Sensor

The AR500 is a compact triangulation laser sensor that excels in its versatility. The AR500 is available with measurement ranges from 5mm (0.2 in.) to 1000mm (39.4 in). The red or blue laser is available with an assortment of power options (from Class 2 to 3B) for applications that require a brighter laser. A factory installed internal heater, air jacket, or splash guard is available for challenging environments.

AR550 High Speed Laser Sensor

The AR550 high speed laser sensor is Acuity’s fastest triangulation device for dimensional and distance measurement. At sampling rates up to 70kHz, these sensors are typically used for applications that demand high speed such as vibration measurements, scanning of roads, vehicle crash test, and ballistic measurements.

AR700 Laser Displacement Sensor

The AR700 laser displacement sensor is Acuity’s top of the line, most precise, laser triangulation sensor. The AR700 series contains models with measurement ranges from 0.125 inches up to 50 inches and resolutions as low as one-sixth of a micron. With sampling speeds up to 9.4kHz and linearity to within 0.03% of the measurement range, the AR700 is a versatile sensor for many challenging applications.

TIME OF FLIGHT

Modulated beam systems also use the time light takes to travel to a target and back, but the time for a single round trip is not measured directly. Instead, the strength of the laser is rapidly varied to produce a signal that changes over time. The time delay is indirectly measured by comparing the signal from the laser with the delayed signal returning from the target. One common example of this approach is “phase measurement” in which the laser’s output is typically sinusoidal and the phase of the outgoing signal is compared with that of the reflected light.

Phase measurement is limited in accuracy by the frequency of modulation and the ability to resolve the phase difference between the signals. Some modulated beam rangefinders work on a range-to-frequency conversion principle, which offers several advantages over phase measurement. In these cases, laser light reflected from a target is collected by a lens and focused onto a photodiode inside the instrument. The resulting signal is amplified up to a limited level and inverted, and used directly to modulate a laser diode. The light from the laser is collimated and emitted from the center of the front face of the sensor. This configuration forms an oscillator, with the laser switching itself on and off using its own signal. The time that the light takes to travel to the target and return plus the time needed to amplify the signal determines the period of oscillation, or the rate at which the laser is switched on and off. This signal is then divided and timed by an internal clock to obtain a range measurement. The measurement is somewhat nonlinear and dependent on signal strength and temperature, so a calibration process can be performed in the sensor to remove these effects.

Modulated beam sensors are typically used in intermediate range applications, for distances from a few inches to several tens of feet on uncooperative targets. With cooperative targets, like reflectors, range can be extended to several hundreds or thousands of feet.

Learn more about Acuity’s patent on modulated beam time of flight measurement instruments by reading the U.S patent 5,309,212.

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AR1000 Laser Distance Sensor

The Acuity AR1000 laser distance sensor can measure up to 30 meters on natural targets and up to 150 meters with a retroreflective target with an accuracy of ± 3 mm. This rugged sensor is built for tough, industrial environments and applications such as fill level measurement and material height monitoring.

AS1100 Long Distance Sensor

The Acuity AS1100 Long Distance Sensor can measure up to 100 meters on natural targets and up to 150 meters away with an Acuity reflective plate with an accuracy of ± 3 mm. This rugged sensor is built for versatile environments and is often used in applications that involve measurements on hot materials.

AS2100 Accurate Distance Sensor

The AS2100 is a highly accurate laser distance sensor that is designed to work well outdoors, in bright lights, and even on difficult targets such as hot or dark surfaces. With the ability to take accurate measurements (± 1 mm) from distances up to 500 meters away, and a measurement frequency of up to 250 Hz, it is the perfect laser for a wide range of applications.

AR2700 High-Speed Long Range Sensor

Acuity Laser’s ultra-compact rangefinder model. This eye-safe rangefinder has a measurement frequency of up to 40 kHz and can measure distances to natural targets up to 70 meters away or to retroreflective targets 270 meters away. This laser is best for applications that demand high sampling rates.

AR3000 Distance Measurement Sensor

AR3000 distance measurement sensors are Acuity’s longest-range models. Ideal for measuring positions of cranes and trolleys, the time-of-flight sensor can measure up to 300 meters to natural surfaces and up to 3,000 meters when using a retroreflective target.

CONFOCAL CHROMATIC

Acuity’s most accurate and most resolute distance sensor employs a unique measuring principle, confocal chromatic sensing. Unlike our time-of-flight and triangulation sensors which use lasers, the CCS Prima Confocal sensors use a white light source to accurately measure the distance to surfaces. Some models are accurate to within 20 nanometers. Additionally, this technology permits measurement and profile of transparent materials like glass, lenses, liquids, etc.

The essence of our confocal chromatic imaging principle is the accurate detection of colors from light that is reflected back from target surfaces. The white light is focused onto the target surface by a multi-lens optical system. These lenses disperse the light into monochromatic stages (colors) along the measurement axis. A specific distance to the target is assigned to each color’s wavelength in a factory calibration. Only the wavelength which is exactly focused on the target is used for the measurement. This light reflected from the target surface is transmitted from the probe, through a confocal aperture and onto a spectrometer which detects and processes the spectral changes and calculates distances. These distance measurements are transmitted at high speed via ethernet communications protocol.


Confocal Sensor

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ZENITH Confocal Measurement System Controller

The Zenith controller is a next generation solution for non-contact, confocal measurements. Paired with a confocal pen, the Zenith controller can take measurements of unrivaled accuracy on surfaces where lasers struggle. Depending on the confocal pen chosen, the Zenith controller can take measurements with errors as low as +/- 35 nanometers. A new Dual Channel version can support two pens for simultaneous, synchronized measurement perfect for thickness applications.

Our Products

Short range sensors

Short Range Sensors

Acuity’s lineup of short range laser distance measurement sensors includes compact laser triangulation sensors. These compact laser triangulation sensors are ideal for tasks that demand high speeds, high measurement accuracy, and long standoff ranges for measurement on numerous targets. Our device offering includes features to satisfy your most challenging machine integration, factory automation, and component inspection applications.

Long range sensors - Distance Measurement Sensors

Long Range Sensors

Acuity offers a variety of laser distance sensors for accurate, non-contact measuring. These distance measurement lasers utilize pulsed time-of-flight measurement principles to accurately measure distances up to 300 meters on natural surfaces (up to 3,000 meters with retro-reflective tape). These products are highly versatile, being able to measure distances both indoors and outdoors. Applications include, but are not limited to, load confirmation, alignment, lumber positioning, crane monitoring, fill level measurement, velocity measurement and altitude measurement.

Confocal sensors

Confocal Sensors

Confocal displacement sensors meet the requirements of the most demanding applications for dimension, thickness, or roughness measurement. These sensors can measure any type of sample (transparent, opaque, polished or rough) and any type of material (metal, glass, ceramic, semiconductor, plastic).

AP820 family of 2D 3D Line Scanners

2D/3D Laser Scanners

Acuity laser line sensors are frequently used in automation and quality control applications in order to measure and verify dimensions, detect flaws and defects, and/or identify target surface variations. Common application fields include steel and aluminum production, automotive, aerospace technology, electronics, robotics, and welding.