Brunson KinAiry User manual

LASER TRACKER EVALUATION SYSTEM
User Manual
Part Number 18692 Rev G
®
U.S. Pat. No. 9,575,163

© Copyright 2019 Brunson Instrument Company
Brunson Instrument Company
8000 E 23rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64129
www.brunson.us
[e-mail]
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
LASER TRACKER EVALUATION SYSTEM
User Manual

Thank you for purchasing KinAiry. Remember that our customer support
does not stop after shipment of a product—we are here to help you with
any measurement challenges that you may have.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is KinAiry?
Meet the ACME LT-1 Laser Tracker
Legend
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Precautions
Safety
Use
Residual Risks
Installing KinAiry Software
Hardware Assembly
Chapter 2: Software Features
User-selectable Test Modes
My Tracker List
Edit Default MPE Coecients
Edit Default Uncertainty Values
User Preferences
Test Validity Conditions Report
Pre-test Setup Geometry Check
Save / Open Evaluation Data File
Export Error Graph Image
The Four Data Tabs
Dene Tab
Evaluation Tab
Values Tab
Results Tab
Chapter 3: Software Test Modes
Test Mode: Guided Walkthrough
Test Mode: Manual Data Entry
Test Mode: Create Data Template
Test Mode: Import Data File
Chapter 4: System Care
Caution
Daily Care
Seating the Kinematic Mounts
pg. 5
pg. 5
pg. 6
pg. 8
pg. 8
pg. 8
pg. 8
pg. 9
pg. 11
pg. 13
pg. 13
pg. 14
pg. 14
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pg. 21
pg. 22
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pg. 24
pg. 2
pg. 25
pg. 25

TABLE OF CONTENTScontinued
Appendix A — How to Export Data Points from BuildIT
Appendix B — How to Export Data Points from CAM2
Appendix C — How to Export Data Points from Metrolog X4
Appendix D — How to Export Data Points from Polyworks
Appendix E — How to Export Data Points from SpatialAnalyzer®
Appendix F — How to Export Data Points from Verisurf X8
Appendix G — Explanation of the Calibration Process
Pre-Calibration Alignment
Taking the Calibration Measurements
Appendix H — NIST Interim Field Test
Results
Traceability
Appendix I — Uncertainty Budget
Uncertainty Budget Components
Summary
Warranty
References
CE Declaration
pg. 27
pg. 28
pg. 30
pg. 31
pg. 32
pg. 33
pg. 34
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pg. 37
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5
KinAiry is a laser tracker evaluation system, and gives easy access to the Interim Field Test for Laser Trackers as designed
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It guides you step by step, providing condence that
your tracker is performing within expected norms. KinAiry is comprised of a carbon-composite, precision length
artifact, KINematically mounted at its AIRY points to a heavy duty rotary positioning device. The KinAiry solution is
complete with data analysis and procedural guidance software.
The NIST Interim Field Test is designed to be quick, easy to learn, and yield consistent performance feedback. The role
of interim testing is to evaluate instrument performance and errors under the same conditions as the measurement
job, answering the question, “How is my tracker performing right now?” Results from interim testing can be used
as part of a quality system, to double check instrument performance prior to critical measurements, and to track
instrument performance over time. The test’s target positions and artifact orientations have been carefully selected
and justied to be sensitive to known error parameters, but the test is suciently brief to be accomplished in less than
one hour (generally 30 minutes or less).
KinAiry’s innovative, 2.3m long reference length artifact was designed to minimize sensitivity to gravity, xturing
forces, and other factors which aect stability of a calibrated length. And, it’s portable for deployment in the eld. The
reference length can be calibrated using the range measurement capability of the laser tracker, with the calibrated
value being established as a part of the test procedure.
KinAiry software leads you through the NIST Interim Field Test and analyzes that data. It also has test validity
checks, and calculates MPEs (maximum permissible errors) for each point using the laser tracker manufacturer’s
MPE coecients.
WHAT IS KINAIRY?
The tracker that you see pictured throughout our manual is
the ACME LT-1. No, it’s not the latest device ordered by Wile
E. Coyote to foil his road-running adversary. It’s the ctitious
creation of the fertile minds in our engineering department.
Our make-believe tracker features IFM along with ADM
measuring capabilities, and comes complete with made-up
MPE values.
MEET THE ACME LT1 LASER TRACKER

6
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Positioner
Mirror and Holder
KinAiry Software Flashdrive
Spanner Wrench
EasyConnect®Base
Two Retroreector Counterweights
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7
LENGTH ARTIFACT DETAIL
Carry Handles
Target Nests
Counterweight Nests
Mirror Mount
Mirror Adjustment Screws
Ring Mount (on back)
Hand Wheel (on back)
Back of Artifact Bar Side view of Positioner
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
11
2
3
5
6
4
7

8
Precautions: Safety
Precautions: Use
Precautions: Residual Risks
• KinAiry is designed for use on at, level oor surfaces. Deploying the length artifact on an unsuitable stand or on
non-level surfaces increases the tipping hazard.
• Prior to transport, always remove the length artifact and positioner from the stand and place them in the provided
cases.
• The length artifact is very long (8-feet, 2.5m). When mounting and dismounting the artifact, pay attention to
provide necessary clearance for its entire length to reduce the possibility of damage to either the artifact or the
surroundings.
• The stands should be handled according to procedures in their respective owner’s manuals.
• The artifact and positioner are heavy. Use proper lifting techniques when mounting/dismounting or transporting
to prevent injury.
• Positioner – 24.6 lbs (11.2 kg)
• Length Artifact – 32.7 lbs (14.8 kg)
• Case (packed) – 95 lbs (43.1 kg)
• As part of its function, the length artifact rotates between horizontal and vertical orientations.
• Ensure the stand is at sucient height ( > 4 ft) to allow clearance of the length artifact from the oor when rotated
into the vertical orientation.
• Conrm that in the vertical orientation, the artifact will not contact the ceiling or xtures on the ceiling, lighting,
HVAC, etc. (height of tracker + 4 ft).
• Keep people and equipment clear from the path of rotation to prevent injury and equipment damage (circle,
diameter 8 ft).
• The bearing housings supporting the rotating section are partially open, and present a pinch hazard. Keep hands,
ngers, hair, and clothing clear of the rotating assembly.
Though precautions have been taken to identify and minimize risks to operators and equipment, some additional
residual risk remains when handling long and heavy xtures. To manage these inherent risks, operators may wish to
use safety shoes to protect against drops as well as the use of a spotter to help identify clearance or safety issues when
handling the equipment.
CHAPTER ONE: GETTING STARTED

9
Installing KinAiry Software on a Windows Machine
Required Equipment
KinAiry software is designed to teach users how to conduct the NIST Interim Field Test Procedure, compile data, and
organize the results. Minimal computer system requirements are:
• Windows 7, 32- or 64-bit
• 2.6GHz Processor
• 4GB RAM
• USB Port for software installation
Be sure you are logged in as an administrator when installing the software. KinAiry’s program data folder (e.g., C:\
ProgramData\Brunson KinAiry) will be dened with read/write permissions for all users at the time of installation.
Insert the jump drive into a USB port on your computer. Open the KinAiry folder and double click on the executable le
Setup_x.xx.exe, where x.xx indicates the software revision.
When you double-click the installation le, a security dialog may pop up, depending on the user account control
settings on your computer. Click the Ye s button to allow the changes.
The following items are required to run the NIST Interim Field Test with KinAiry. Not all of these items are included with
your purchase of KinAiry.
• KinAiry laser tracker evaluation system
• Metrology stand (230 or M-Series recommended)
• One high quality retroreector (three optimal)
• Computer to run KinAiry software
• Tracker being tested
To begin the setup wizard, click Next.Read the license agreement and click the
I Agree radio button, then click I Agree in the
lower right corner.

10
The green status bar indicates
installation progress.
Click the Finish button to complete
the installation.
First Startup
Begin by running the application. The rst time KinAiry is
started, it will alert you that no license was found.
Accept or customize the destination
folder, then click Next.
Accept or customize the Start Menu folder,
then click Install.
Once installed, KinAiry will require a license to activate the software. This license is provided in the form of a key le.
One type of key le ties KinAiry to a particular computer for a xed period of time. Another type of key le ties KinAiry
to a USB hardware lock (dongle) for a xed period of time. A dongle allows the use of KinAiry on any number of
machines, as long as the dongle is present.
A dongle is shipped with its own key le, so if you purchased a dongle, simply plug it in at any time, and KinAiry will
recognize the key le resident on the dongle. If you didn’t purchase a dongle, then you must follow the instructions
below to request a key le for your particular computer.

11
From the Help menu, select Request Key File. KinAiry will
generate a key le request, which is a text le. Save this text le
to some location on your computer (perhaps the Desktop), then
e-mail the text le as an attachment to your sales representative
or to Brunson customer service at [email protected].
After you have received your Key File, register it with KinAiry by
selecting Register Key File from the Help menu.
Navigate to the Key File and click Open.
KinAiry will then validate and store the key. Once a valid key is
registered, KinAiry will be ready to use.
Hardware Assembly
To set up KinAiry, you’ll need the 2.3m carbon composite length artifact, EasyConnect®, spanner wrench, positioner,
and a suitable metrology stand. When setting up the system, ensure that all stand joints are securely locked in place.
Give consideration to the oor surface, avoiding carpet, vinyl, wood, or spanning large cracks in concrete when
possible. Position all components as described below.
Setup the stand and lock all joints. Clamp the positioner in place.Install the EasyConnect. Tighten it in
place using the spanner wrench.
Attach KinAiry bar extensions and tighten thumbscrews.

12
Improper orientation of the
positioner may cause contact
between the artifact and stand
leg during rotation.
Orient the positioner to allow
clearance between the stand
braces/legs and the length artifact
as it rotates between horizontal
and vertical orientations.
Mount the artifact by placing the
ring brake into the slot on the face
of the positioner.
Rotate the artifact into the
horizontal orientation. The ring
brake should click into position.
Detents are provided at 45° intervals.
Clamp the artifact to the positioner
by engaging and tightening the
hand wheel (6-8 full rotations). The
hand wheel must be pushed toward
the front of the system to engage
the ring brake.
Arrange the tracker according
to the NIST Interim Field Test
approximately 1m from, and
centered on (directly in front of),
the length artifact.
At one point in the test, the tracker
must be at the same height as the
artifact. At another point, the artifact
must be 0.5m above the tracker (in
horizontal orientation only). This
0.5m oset can be established by
either lowering the tracker or raising
the artifact, or both. Adjust the initial
height of the stands so that you can
accommodate the 0m and 0.5m
osets during the course of the test.

13
The KinAiry software has several unique modes:
• Guided Walkthrough* – Use this test mode to see a detailed explanation of the test process, with no data
capture or data le imports. Pictures and explanatory text guide you through the steps required by the NIST
Interim Field Test Procedure.
• Manual Data Entry – Use this mode to walk through the test and manually enter point coordinates. This
mode includes the same guidance as the Guided Walkthrough test mode. Data is analyzed and results are
presented on a plot.
• Create Data Template* – Use this test mode to create an empty KinAiry data le (in non-proprietary CSV
format) using specic test conditions. Output the empty, precongured le, and edit it as desired with a text
or spreadsheet editor. Reopen the le in KinAiry to view test results.
• Import Data File – Use this test mode to import a data le exported by your laser tracker software.
* These test modes do not handle data and do not create an error graph.
To add a tracker click Add. Select a Manufacturer and Model from the dropdown
menus. Enter a Serial Number (required) and an ID or
Nickname (optional) for the laser tracker. For traceability,
entries are available for the instrument’s calibration
certicate number and date.
User-Selectable Test Modes
My Tracker List
Most tests performed by KinAiry require the user to select a tracker from My Tracker List. The list is accessible by
selecting My Tracker List under the Tracker menu or from the tracker icon on the toolbar. Use the list to store
identifying information for any tracker you wish to test. KinAiry software accesses tracker information to manage test
steps, MPE (Maximum Permissible Error) coecients, and certication data.
CHAPTER TWO: SOFTWARE FEATURES

14
Clicking Set Date on the Add/Edit My Trackers dialog box
will bring up a calendar form. Navigate the calendar and
click on the correct calibration certicate date. To select
the date click OK. When complete, click Done to close the
Add/Edit My Trackers dialog.
No changes will be saved if you click Cancel on the My Tracker
List dialog box, regardless of how many changes you made to
the tracker list using the Add, Edit, or Remove functions.
Edit Default MPE Coecients
Edit Default Uncertainty Values
When creating error plots from test data, KinAiry
calculates maximum permissible errors based
on the given point geometry and several MPE
coecients provided by the tracker manufacturer.
The calculation follows instructions laid out in
ISO 10360-10 [1]. Default values for these MPE
coecients exist in the software for many tracker
models. You are free to edit any of them as desired,
based on your own information from the tracker
manufacturer. This function is available from the
main menu by selecting Tracker, then Edit Default
Tracker MPEs. Editing default values will alter the MPE coecients that are loaded whenever a new test is initialized.
Editing default values will not change the values for a test that is currently underway.
A number of values have been identied as components of
the uncertainty budget when using KinAiry to perform the
NIST Interim Field Test. Some may be edited by the user (from
the main menu select Tools , then Edit Default Uncertainty
Values). Depending on the conditions of the test, it may
be appropriate to edit values in the uncertainty budget.
The default uncertainty values are used when a new test is
initialized. Editing the defaults does not change the values
for any test currently underway. See Appendix I for a more
detailed explanation of the uncertainty budget.

15
User Preferences
You can dene certain user preferences by
selecting Tools from the main menu, then
Preferences. Options selected here dene certain
default values used when the software is opened
and a new test is initialized.
The options are:
• Preferred working folder — identies the default working directory for saving or opening les used with KinAiry.
• Signicant digits displayed — controls how many decimal places are visible. All values are stored at full precision
even though fewer digits may be displayed for clarity.
• Calibration shot repetitions — allows you to choose 1, 3, or 6 repetitions of the calibration points as the default.
• Measurement units — millimeters or inches.
• Temperature Units — Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Test Validity Conditions Report
Test validity conditions are requirements that must be met in order for the proposed uncertainty budget to be valid,
and to preserve the sensitivity of the NIST Interim Field Test Procedure. KinAiry monitors these test validity conditions,
and a report is accessible from the main menu under Tools, Test Validity Conditions Report. Test validity warnings
are also displayed at various times during data entry or data import when data is detected which would trigger a
validity condition violation. KinAiry’s ability to test for certain validity conditions depends upon the origin of the
coordinate system being located inside the tracker at or near the intersection of the horizontal and vertical axes.
KinAiry software checks for the conditions below.
• Distance — The distance of the laser tracker from target B should be 1.0m ± 0.5m.
• Yaw Angle — The length artifact should be perpendicular to a line between target nest B and the aperture of the
laser tracker. A deviation up to ±10° is allowed.
• Elevation dierential & Artifact level — All targets on the length artifact must be ±100mm from “eye level” with
the tracker. The tracker may or may not be oriented perfectly to gravity level, but the artifact should be aligned
parallel to the plane of the tracker’s coordinate system which is most parallel to the oor (whether it’s the XY, YZ,
or XZ plane) within this tolerance band.
• Temperature — An error will be generated if a temperature eld is left blank, or if any temperature deviates more
than ±1.0°C (±1.8°F) from the temperature taken at the time of calibration.
• Time — The test is to be completed within 60 minutes. This error will be triggered if data is altered beyond the
allowable time limit. Times are not accessible from within the KinAiry software. Times can be viewed or edited in
the CSV data le using a text editor or spreadsheet software.

16
Also included are a couple of checks for gross user errors. While these errors do not technically violate test validity
conditions, they can nonetheless be useful by calling attention to mistakes that may happen while the test is being
conducted. These help alert you, for example, to targets which are measured out of order.
• Lengths — The distance between targets must appear to be reasonable. Lengths AB and AC are expected to be
1150mm ±5mm. Length AC is expected to be 2300mm ±5mm.
• Two Face Errors — The distance between front and back-facing points should be less than 5mm.
Save / Open Evaluation Data File
Export Error Graph Image
Tests performed in KinAiry are saved in a non-proprietary CSV le format, and reopened later as desired. Saved tests
can be used to track instrument performance over time, or conrm results before and after the instrument is serviced.
To save a test, use the main menu’s File, Save or Save As functions or the Save or Save As toolbar button. To view prior
test data, or to view data placed in a template le, use File, Open from the main menu, or the Open toolbar button.
Once an error graph has been generated by KinAiry, it may be saved in JPG format. The Export Error Graph Image
function is available in the Tools menu.
Pre-test Setup Geometry Check
A new function (added in version 1.09) allows you to gain condence that you have positioned the tracker and length
artifact properly prior to taking any test points. This function is available by clicking Tools, Pre-test Setup Geometry
Check. This may be done before any other step, i.e., before “buck-in” or calibration. Simply shoot and enter coordinate
point values for the“A”and “C” targets to get clear feedback regarding the bar’s position, including hints on where to
move it for proper test results.
Before doing this positioning check (or the full KinAiry test, for that matter) be sure that the center of the coordinate
system is dened at the tracker’s center (where the rotational axes meet). This is sometimes called“frame on
instrument” or “center of gimbals”.
Also remember that during the test, you will be required to rotate the artifact to a vertical position, and shoot all
targets in back-face mode. Some trackers have a dicult time shooting targets which are close to the oor, particularly
in back face mode. This sometimes necessitates moving the tracker further from the bar, pushing the 1.5m limit for
distance between the tracker and target“B”.
By checking the tracker’s ability to take a back-face measurement close to the oor, and running the pre-test setup
geometry check, you can help ensure that the test will run smoothly.

17
The Four Data Tabs
KinAiry has four tabs to display or edit information pertaining to any given test. These are the Dene, Evaluation,
Values, and Results tabs.
Dene Tab
The Dene tab is where an interim test begins. Here, you can dene the test mode, and select parameters relevant to
the chosen test mode. The Start button begins the test and takes you on to the next steps. While a test is underway,
all options on this tab are switched to read-only mode, except for Job Notes. Job Notes is an edit eld that you can use
to keep any information relevant to the evaluation that’s underway.

18
Evaluation Tab
The Evaluation tab presents step-by-step guidance to perform the NIST Interim Field Test. The Back and Next buttons
can be used to walk through setup, alignment, calibration, and the full volumetric check. In some test modes, and
when viewing an existing KinAiry test le, coordinate data is available and the Evaluation tab may be used as a viewer
or editor when it is useful to see the numbers alongside the procedural guidance.

19
Values Tab
The Values tab displays critical values pertaining to the current test, such as information for the current tracker under
test. MPE coecients and Uncertainty Budget terms are also displayed, and can be modied here (for the current test
only). This functionality allows you to make test-specic edits rather than use default values if you desire. As an
example, you might alter the uncertainty budget value for the retroreector when using targets of various grades.
Alternatively, you may wish to verify your laser tracker to a dierent standard than that reported by the manufacturer.
Changes to MPE coecients or uncertainty budget items on the Values tab will be reected in the error graph on the
Results tab. Buttons are available on this tab to overwrite existing entries and restore user default values.

20
Results Tab
The Results tab displays an error graph visualizing results for the NIST Interim Field Test. The title contains the name
of the test procedure, the make, model and serial number of the tracker under test, and the date the data was last
modied. The scale on the vertical axis indicates length in millimeters or inches. Labels on the horizontal axis identify
each data point by test orientation. Horizontal blue bars on the plot represent the MPEs for each measurement.
MPEs are calculated according to ISO 10360-10 [1] using the actual coordinates for that particular error. On the left-
hand portion of the plot, measured error points are displayed as dots with vertical uncertainty bars. The uncertainty
bars refer to the combined expanded uncertainty of the reference length. See Appendix I for more detail regarding
uncertainty. Error values on the right-hand portion of the plot do not have uncertainty error bars. They represent
two-face errors, and are not compared against any reference length. In the plot legend, test information is preserved
for later reference. The tracker’s certication for the ranging system is referenced as the traceable standard used to
calibrate the reference length. Checks for validity conditions are summarized in a list.