Opsira presented its Robogonio at the LED professional Symposium + Expo 2013 in Bregenz, Austria, demonstrating how the robot-goniometer can simplify luminous intensity distribution measurements.
Luminous intensity distribution describes a fundamental characteristic of luminaires including LED-based solid-state lighting (SSL) systems. A goniophotometer is generally used to measure this property. The usual setup comprises a mechanical goniophotometer with a horizontal and vertical axis for rotating the test sample and a photometer for measuring the luminous intensity over a given distance. Nowadays, robots are used for this purpose to extend measurements and enhance measurement accuracy. The German company opsira presented its system called Robogonio at the LED professional Symposium + Expo 2013 in Bregenz, Austria, and explained product details.
Goniophotometers measure the spatial distribution of light visible to the human eye at a specific angular position. The following photometric values can be determined with a goniophotometer: Luminous intensity distribution in candela (cd) and illuminance distribution in lux (lx) Luminous flux in lumen (lm) by integrating the luminous intensity distribution Angle-dependent color coordinates and correlated color temperature in Kelvin (K) Retroreflection in millicandela per lux (mcd/lx)
One of the first goniophotometers with three long-armed robots was developed and put into operation five years ago at the German PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) in Braunschweig, Germany. Each of the three robots has seven controlled axes for moving the slim arms with a length of more than 6.40m. One robot carries the light source in a freely selectable burning position, aligns it in the instrument center, and holds it in position during the measurement. The other two robots each align a photometer head with the light source and divide the room into hemispheres. They can move on any paths at distances of 1–3m and with typical measurement periods of 10 minutes to 1 hour.
FIG. 1. LED streetlighting measurement in opsira lab.
The orientation of the robots in the room as well as their kinematic characterization is determined by means of a laser tracker system. This results in path deviations of the photometer head of
FIG. 2. Example of a head lamp measurement.
The solid six-axis construction of the goniometer supports the positioning of the samples (light sources and luminaires) as well as the manipulation of their angles with high precision and reliability. The high number of mechanical variances allows measurements in the traditional A, B, or C planes by using one single measurement system that combines the goniometer types 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 according to DIN 5032 (CIE 70-1987) in one device. Depending on the configuration, the goniometer types 2.x, 3, and 4, and particularly type 3.2 are available.
By using a robust industrial robot, the user gains the advantage, of reliability, geometric flexibility, and worldwide secure investment. The Robogonio is able to concretely measure luminous intensity and radiant intensity distributions (EULUMDAT, IES, etc.), color distributions as well as luminance distributions (glare). Near-field goniophotometric measurements to generate ray data, for example, are also possible. Furthermore, with the Robogonio the user is able to scan any geometry. Due to the robot's high flexibility, several applications can be realized by only one device. In addition, the system can easily be upgraded at a later date. All configurations can be run by the goniometer software. Setup routines and cross-laser modules facilitate and speed up a precise setup and adjustment of the sample. The Robogonio is available in a variety of nominal payloads of 6 kg up to 1300 kg.
The model mrg-f-6 has a nominal payload of 6 kg, 6 axes, and a weight of 51 kg. Its work envelope volume is 2.84 m3; its maximum work envelope radius is 983 mm. The system's position repeatability of About the Author Wolfgang Patelay is a contributing editor with LEDs Magazine.
