Product
Transmitter
Larger than 50m working radius
1
1
Larger than 50m working radius
The transmitter is the basic building block of an iGPS system. It is the origin of the iGPS signals. A network of transmitters establishes the measurement volume by emitting two infrared laser fans beams and an infrared strobe.The laser fans are emitted from the transmitter’s head that rotates at a unique frequency for each transmitter. Sensors in the measurement volume detect the light signals which the software processes to determine relative azimuth and elevation angles to the sensor.
Transmitters consist of a stationary body and a rotating head.
The head rotates at approximately 3000 rpm sweeping two fanned laser beams throughout the working volume, while the stationary body delivers a strobe with a single pulse for every second revolution of the head. The fanned laser beams are inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal and offset by 90 degrees to one another as shown in figure below. The sensor detects fanned laser beams as they sweep past and the strobe. Azimuth and elevation angles are calculated using the timing differences between pulses of light reaching the sensor. Each transmitter rotates at a slightly different speed enabling the sensor to differentiate between the signals from different transmitters.
How that work
The Science Behind iGPS
iGPS (Indoor Global Positioning System) operates by creating a network of laser transmitters that emit modulated, rotating laser beams across a defined workspace. Wireless sensors mounted on tools, parts, or probes detect these laser sweeps and record the precise time and angle at which each beam passes. By analyzing the timing and angular data from multiple transmitters, the system triangulates the exact 3D position and orientation (6DOF) of each sensor in real time. This distributed, scalable architecture allows iGPS to deliver sub-millimeter accuracy across large volumes, enabling dynamic tracking and precision measurement directly on the factory floor.
1
Transmitter Placement & Initialization
Calibration begins by strategically placing iGPS laser transmitters around the measurement volume. Their positions must be stable and provide overlapping coverage of the workspace.
2
Reference Sensor Setup
A reference sensor or calibrated object (such as a known artifact or fixture) is used to establish a baseline. This helps define the coordinate system and ensures consistency across the network
3
System Self-Calibration
iGPS systems often support self-calibration with monuments, where the system uses known distances and angles between transmitters and sensors to automatically refine their positions and orientations. This step ensures that all transmitters are correctly aligned within a unified coordinate frame.
4
Sensor Validation
Sensors (e.g., on an iProbe or tool) are verified against known reference points to ensure their readings match expected values. Any deviations are corrected through software compensation or re-alignment.
5
Environmental Compensation
The system may apply corrections for temperature, humidity, or air turbulence, which can affect laser propagation and measurement accuracy.
6
Verification & Repeatability Testing
After calibration, the system is tested by measuring known points or performing repeatability checks to confirm accuracy and stability.
iGPS Calibration Process (General Overview)
Collaborative metrology
Key features of the iGPS
6DOF measurements
iGPS technology delivers true 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) measurement, enabling precise tracking of both the position (X, Y, Z) and orientation (pitch, yaw, roll) of any object equipped with iGPS sensors. This capability is essential for applications where not only the location but also the angular alignment of tools, parts, or assemblies must be monitored in real time. By analyzing the timing and angular data from multiple laser transmitters, iGPS calculates the full spatial pose of each sensor with sub-millimeter and sub-degree accuracy. This allows for dynamic tracking of moving components, robotic arms, or handheld probes, ensuring that every movement is captured with precision—critical for high-tolerance industries like aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing.
Measurement redundancy and reliability provided by four fixed iGPS sensors
In an iGPS system, deploying four fixed sensors significantly enhances measurement redundancy and system reliability. Each sensor independently detects laser sweeps from multiple transmitters, allowing the system to triangulate position and orientation with high precision. With four sensors, the system gains overlapping fields of view and multiple data paths, which means that even if one sensor temporarily loses line-of-sight or encounters interference, the remaining sensors continue to provide accurate tracking. This redundancy ensures continuous 6DOF measurement, minimizes the risk of data loss, and improves overall system robustness—especially in complex or dynamic environments where obstructions and movement are common. The result is a resilient metrology solution capable of maintaining precision under real-world manufacturing conditions.
Technical Specifications
Explore the complete technical details of the iGPS system to ensure optimal integration and performance. This page provides: Hardware Specifications (sensor dimensions, weight, power requirements, and connectivity options), Software Requirements (supported operating systems, compatibility details, and recommended configurations), Performance Metrics (accuracy, range, environmental tolerances, and calibration standards) & Compliance & Certifications (industry standards and safety certifications for reliable operation). Review the specifications to confirm compatibility and achieve the highest precision in your measurement workflows.
Hardware
Part Number
0135459
Size
140mm diam. X 194mm (5.5” x 7.6”)
Weight
3 kg (6.6lb)
Operating Temperature (non-condensing)
0 deg C to 40 deg C (32F to 104F)
Storage Temperature (non-condensing)
-20 deg C to 60 deg C (-4F to 140F)
Mechanical Interface
5/8-11UNC x 5/8” threaded hole with 1/4” clocking hole
Head Rotation Speed
40-50 Hz
Effective Range
2m to 55m (6.5’ to 180’)
Effective Signal Field
360 deg azimuth, +/- 30 deg elevation
Options
Safety Classification
CDRH Class 1 LASER
Strobe Wavelength
890 nm
LASER Wavelength
780 nm
Power Consumption
8W @12VDC
Power Connector
4 pin connector with push-pull automatic locking and alignment guide
Documents
to download
iGPS Product Documentation Download. Get the official documentation for iGPS to support your installation, configuration, and operation needs. This download includes: User Manuals (detailed instructions for setup and usage), Technical Specifications (comprehensive hardware and software details), Quick-Start Guides (step-by-step instructions for fast deployment) & Troubleshooting Resources (solutions for common issues and FAQs).
Unlock documents
Fill this form to download the document.
Collaborative metrology
Why choose our technology
1
Precision and accuracy
iGPS provides highly accurate positioning and tracking, which is essential for applications requiring fine measurements.
2
Real-time data
iGPS delivers real-time positioning data, enabling quick decision-making and immediate feedback during operations.
3
Simultaneous and multi-point measurement
iGPS can measure the moving positions of several points or objects at the same time, which is particularly useful in complex setups or large factories with many working cells.
4
Integration and collaborative capabilities
iGPS can easily integrate with existing technologies and workflows, ensuring not only compatibility but collaboration with other systems.
5
Scalability
iGPS can be scalable to fit a range of applications from small setup to large industrial environments, making it versatile.
Collaborative metrology
