Laser positioning measurement system and method
US7456943B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/86
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The position of an apparatus moving along a surface is determined by calculating a plurality of vertical angles between the apparatus and a known location, where the vertical angles vary only within a range having a largest expected maximum angle. A plurality of horizontal distances between the apparatus and the known location are determined, each of the horizontal distances associated with one of the vertical angles. The horizontal distances are computed to within a tolerance based at least in part on the largest expected maximum angle. A plurality of heights of the apparatus are then determined using the plurality of vertical angles and associated horizontal distances. In particular embodiments, the known location may be associated with a rotating laser used with a photodetector at the target to determine the vertical angle. Further, the target may comprise a GPS receiver for use in determining the horizontal distance measurements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.