Using Optical Projection in Close-range Photogrammetry for 6DOF Sensor Positioning

Abstract

A novel, low cost, non-contact, six degrees of freedom (DOF) measurement technique is proposed that enables real-time measurement of a small lightweight module’s location. Straight forward applications of the proposed technique include robot calibration by installing the module to the end effector of a robot arm, and head-tracking in a typical virtual reality environment by attaching the module to a human head. The technique is based on a combination of photogrammetry and optical pattern projection. The module generates an optical pattern that is observable on the surrounding walls, and photogrammetry is used to measure the absolute coordinates of features in the projected optical pattern with respect to a defined global coordinate system. By combining these absolute coordinates with the known angular information of the optical projection beams, a minimization algorithm can be used to extract the absolute coordinates and angular orientation of the module itself. Experimental agreement of 1 to 5 parts in 103 was obtained by translating the module over 0.9 m and by rotating it through 60°. Numerical simulations were conducted to demonstrate that optimum design of the projected pattern gives a lower associated measurement uncertainty than is possible by direct photogrammetric measurement with traditional tie points. This paper documents the proof of principle and describes how the measurement can be further improved.