The goal of this research project is to develop a virtual laser tracker software package capable of accurately estimating the uncertainty of laser tracker measurements in real-time. This requires a comprehensive method for modeling the propagation of measurement errors through the entire measurement process. To do this, New River Kinematics will develop a virtual laser tracker modeling toolkit. This toolkit will be capable of modeling component-by-component the relevant physical characteristics of any laser-tracker-like device. Parameter characterization techniques will be designed to fit the virtual laser tracker model to the performance of the actual device using numerical optimization techniques. The uncertainty of measurement coordinates will then be determined through simulation of various geometrical configurations using the virtual laser tracking model. The virtual laser tracker provides a convenient and cost effective method for obtaining realistic coordinate uncertainty estimates. This will allow metrologists to test measurement geometries in software and design measurement configurations to reduce overall coordinate uncertainty. Laser Trackers are quickly becoming an indispensable part of our nationâs manufacturing base. For these industries to remain competitive and meet ISO 9000 and ISO Guide 25 measurement accreditation, an established coordinate uncertainty estimation method is an absolute necessity. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The software application resulting from this research will be directly applicable to commercial measurement systems. Metrologists will be able to quickly determine the realistic uncertainty with which they can measure parts. In addition, manufacturers may use this application to better design the laser tracker devices to reduce the measurement uncertainty of the device. Since the characterization of the device parameters is a necessary part of this work, the resulting model may be incorporated into the laser tracker control software to compensate the measurements in real-time. This calibration process would greatly increase the accuracy of laser trackers in general since the model will be comprehensive and include many more parameters than previously modele
