Multiple absolute distances based 3D coordinate measurement system for mobile machines

In this study, we develop a 3D coordinate measurement system based on a multi-lateration technique and an absolute distance metrology for a mobile machine platform. Since the multi-lateration only uses distance values without angle measurements, it is possible to make 3D coordinate measurements with high accuracy in a large area. In addition, absolute distance is suitable for industrial application because of enabling real-time continuous measurement after the obstruction. The system is composed of four laser tracking stations and a four channel absolute distance meter which is a fs pulse laser based high accuracy absolute distance measurement. In order to measure 3D coordinate of targets, each tracker measures a distance value with real time tracking, and multi-lateration algorithm is applied to derive 3D coordinate values using the measured distance values. This paper introduces the multiple absolute distances based 3D coordinate measurement system and discusses in detail.