Multi-dimensional measuring system

Abstract

A laser based tracking unit communicates with a target to obtain position information about the target. Specifically, the target is placed at the point to be measured. The pitch, yaw and roll movements of the target, and the spherical coordinates of the target relative to the tracking unit are then obtained. The target can be, for example, an active device incorporated into a moveable device such as a remote controlled robot.

1 . A target associated with a multi-dimensional measuring system comprising: 
 a retro-reflector having an apex, wherein the apex is configured to allow at least part of a laser beam light entering the retro-reflector to exit the retro-reflector; and    a laser light sensor configured to detect the at least part of the laser beam light exiting the retro-reflector through the apex.    
   
   
       2 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the target is configured to be coupled to an optical measuring sensor.  
   
   
       3 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the retro-reflector is a hollow retro-reflector.  
   
   
       4 . The target of  claim 3 , wherein the retro-reflector comprises an aperture at the apex, the aperture is configured to allow the at least part of the laser beam light to exit the retro-reflector.  
   
   
       5 . The target of  claim 3 , wherein the retro-reflector comprises three mirrors that form the apex.  
   
   
       6 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the retro-reflector is a solid retro-reflector.  
   
   
       7 . The target of  claim 6 , wherein the apex comprises a small flat surface polished to allow the at least part of the laser beam light to exit the retro-reflector.  
   
   
       8 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the laser light sensor is a photodetector.  
   
   
       9 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the laser light sensor is a charge coupled device array sensor.  
   
   
       10 . The target of  claim 1 , wherein the laser light sensor is operable to detect at least one of the pitch and yaw movements of the target.