Laser operation for survey instruments
US7323670B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/497
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The performance of a laser scanner is optimized in the field by automatically determining appropriate laser parameters for the scan location. A laser control system uses information such as the environmental temperature to select an appropriate range of start points for various laser parameters, such as pump temperature and laser currents. Test pulses over that range can be used to determine optimal operating parameters. In order to also meet safety regulations, the laser control system can use information such as range and pulse timing information to fire regularly spaced pulses that do not exceed acceptable exposure limits. Alternatively, the laser can be operated at a regular speed of about 24 Hz, or can be operated in burst mode where a burst of pulses creates what appears to be a brighter scan spot, but the time delay between bursts allows time for a blink reflex.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.