Alignment Targets

This section provides a brief overview of the kinds of alignment targets used to set up a sensor system. For details, see the appropriate cross-references below.

Targets are used for aligning sensors (due to mounting inaccuracies) and for calibrating transport systems.

Disks are typically used with systems containing a single sensor and can be ordered from LMI Technologies. Note that disk alignment targets are typically used in demo systems, due to the lack of accuracy in the resulting alignment. When choosing a disk for your application, select the largest disk that fits entirely within the required field of view. See Accessories for disk part numbers.

For dual- and multi-sensor systems, where sensors are mounted in rows beside each other, or single-sensor systems where a higher degree of accuracy is required (in the presence of Z angle rotation), an alignment bar is used for alignment. (LMI Technologies does not manufacture or sell bars.) For bar construction requirements, see Stationary and Moving Bar.

For multi-sensor systems in a ring layout, where a lower degree of accuracy is acceptable, or X angle correction is not required, use a polygon-shaped alignment target. The number of corners in the target should correspond with the number of sensors in the system. Sensors should be positioned so that each sensor can scan a corner and surrounding surface. For polygon target construction requirements, see Stationary Polygon.

Finally, you can perform a high-accuracy alignment of ring (360-degree or partial) and wide layouts using special alignment targets and built-in measurement tools. For more information on this type of alignment, see Aligning Sensors to 6 Degrees of Freedom.

For more general information on the alignment process, including how to choose the alignment type for your sensor system, see Aligning Sensors.