1974results about "Active open surveying means" patented technology

A measurement device is provided that allows for determining distance, range and bearing of a target of interest. The distance, range and bearing to the target of interest are determined relative to the position of the measurement device and are stored in memory. The device is further operative to translate these relative positions of the target to an absolute position at the time of measurement, or, when the position of the measurement device becomes known. The absolute position of the measurement device may be determined utilizing GPS technologies or through the measurement of geophysical reference points. Measurement of the relative location of target(s) of interest is performed utilizing an electronic range finding device and elevation and heading sensors. The resulting information is stored in memory for conversions to vector information that may be utilized to generate, for instance, topographical images.

A laser tracker system for measuring six degrees of freedom may include a main optics assembly structured to emit a first laser beam, a pattern projector assembly structured to emit a second laser beam shaped into a two-dimensional pattern, and a target. The target may include a retroreflector and a position sensor assembly. A center of symmetry of the retroreflector may be provided on a different plane than a plane of the position sensor assembly. A method of measuring orientation of a target may include illuminating the target with a laser beam comprising a two-dimensional pattern, recording a position of the two-dimensional pattern on a position sensor assembly to create a measured signature value of the two-dimensional pattern, and calculating an orientation of the target based on the measured signature value.

A noncontact optical three-dimensional measuring device that includes a first projector, a first camera, a second projector, and a second camera; a processor electrically coupled to the first projector, the first camera, the second projector, and the second camera; and computer readable media which, when executed by the processor, causes the first digital signal to be collected at a first time and the second digital signal to be collected at a second time different than the first time and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a first point on the surface based at least in part on the first digital signal and the first distance and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a second point on the surface based at least in part on the second digital signal and the second distance.

Some embodiments of the invention relate to a hand-held distance-measuring device, comprising a housing, a distance-measuring unit for measuring distances to spatial points along an emission direction in a space, an evaluating component, a dimensionally stable referencing support, and an angle-determining unit for determining an angle of rotation (a, between the housing and the referencing support. In some embodiments, the housing and the referencing support are designed in such a way and coordinated with each other in such a way that the referencing support can assume a passive position, in which the referencing support is inserted into an recess of the housing or is fastened such as to lie flatly against the housing. In some embodiments, the referencing support can assume a referencing position in which the referencing support is connected to the housing at a first end of the referencing support by means of a joint.

An integrated system generates a model of a three-dimensional object. A scanning laser device scans the three-dimensional object and generates a point cloud. The points of the point cloud each indicate a location of a corresponding point on a surface of the object. A first model is generated, responsive to the point cloud, that generates a first model representing constituent geometric shapes of the object. A data file is generated, responsive to the first model, that can be inputted to a computer-aided design system.

Positions can be precisely and accurately fixed instantaneously within a three-dimensional workspace. A system of two or more transmitters each continuously sweep the workspace with two fanned laser beams which are preferably about 90 degrees apart on the rotational axis of the transmitter. A receiving instrument includes, preferably, two light detectors which detect the time at which each fanned laser beam is incident thereon. The light detectors also detect a synchronization pulse from each transmitter that is emitted once per revolution. Beams from different transmitters are differentiated by different rotational speeds and, therefore, different beam incidence cycles. Because three intersecting planes uniquely define a point in three-dimensional space, by detecting at least three of the fan beams from the transmitters, the receiving instrument can calculate its position in the workspace. A Quick Calc setup procedure allows the use to define a desired coordinate system within the workspace.

A method for adjusting the modulating frequency and the intensity of the IR illumination of a Time of Flight measurement system proportionally to the speed of movement and the ambient light level of the TOF system, thus adjusting the range of vision of the system dependent on speed. In an alternate embodiment the modulating frequency of a TOF measurement system is periodically adjusted to cover a larger range of vision of the TOF.

A power tool control system allows a user to operate a power tool through a graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device. The graphical user interface correlates user engageable selectors with a logically related menu of power tool setting options displayed on a display screen in a high quality and easily readable format. The non-contact measurement and alignment device uses one or more lasers to determine power tool settings and establish proper alignment based on user needs. The power tool control system further enables stud detection and visual indication of stud location.

The invention discloses an indoor positioning method, device and system based on visible light and a light source. The indoor positioning method based on the visible light comprises the steps that the light source is shot, and images which correspond to the visible light and are emitted from the light source are obtained, wherein the visible light is modulated and contains the identity information of the light source; light and dark strips in the images are obtained, wherein the light and dark strips in the images correspond to the identity information of the light source; the light and dark strips are identified to obtain the identity information of the light source; the position corresponding to the identify information of the light source in a map is sought, and the current position is obtained. According to the indoor positioning method, device and system based on the visible light and the light source, the problem that indoor positioning precision is low in the prior art is solved, and the effect of improving the positioning accuracy is achieved.

Novel solutions for position measurement, including without limitation tools and techniques that can be used for land surveying and in similar applications. One such tool is a greatly enhanced position measurement system that takes the form of a surveying rod with substantial independent functionality, which can be used with or without a total station or similar device.

A laser scanner for optically scanning and measuring an environment comprises a light transmitter having a predetermined transmission power for emitting a light beam. The emitted light beam is reflected at a measurement point in the environment. The reflected light beam is received with a certain intensity by a receiver. The transmission power is adjustable as a function of the intensity of the reflected light beam. Furthermore, a gray-scale value of the measurement point is determined as a function of the transmission power adjusted.

A system and method for imaging a three-dimensional scene having one or more objects. The system includes a light source, a detector array, a timing circuit, an inertial guidance system and a processor connected to the timing circuit and the inertial guidance system. The light source generates an optical pulse and projects the optical pulse on an object so that it is reflected as a reflected pulse. The detector array includes a plurality of detectors, wherein the detectors are oriented to receive the reflected pulse. The timing circuit determines when the reflected pulse reached detectors on the detector array. The inertial guidance system measures angular velocity and acceleration. The processor forms a composite image of the three-dimensional scene as a function of camera position and range to objects in the three-dimensional scene.

A laser scanner or a laser tracker includes a light source that emits a light beam within an environment, and a data capture component that captures the light beam reflected back to the laser scanner or tracker from the environment. The laser scanner or tracker also includes a projector integrated within a body of the laser scanner or tracker or mounted to the body of the laser scanner or tracker at a predetermined location, the projector being operable to project visible information onto an object located within the environment, the projected visible information being indicative of images, data or information, the projected visible information being at least one of design intent information, information acquired by the laser scanner or tracker, or guidance to an operator.

A user terminal contains an input / output mechanism, an image capture device used to capture an image of a scene, a range imaging image capture device used to create a depth map of the scene, a processor that combine the image and the depth map into a model of the scene, a memory that stores the depth map and the image, and a display that displays the model. Utilizing this system, a user is able to view, measure, and calculate 3D data representing real world data, including but not limited to position, distance, location, and orientation of objects viewed in the display. The retrieves this information by making inputs into the terminal, including, in an embodiment of the invention, touch inputs selecting images on a touch screen.

A power tool control system includes a non-contact measurement and alignment device operative with the power tool and enabled to establish various readings, such as power tool settings. A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with the non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device.

A handheld measurement device of an embodiment of the invention includes a distance measurement engine and an angular position measurement engine. A controller controls the distance measurement engine and associates an elevation, azimuth position, or relative angular position from the angular position measurement engine with distance measurements taken from the elevation engine. In preferred operations, each point measured from a target under the control of a user is automatically associated with an elevation and / or azimuth position obtained from the angular position engine. Preferably, the controller determines a set of relative coordinates in space for a plurality of related target points. The controller may then calculate a variety of useful distances, areas, volumes, etc., regarding the plurality of target points.

A measuring device for optically measuring a distance to a target object includes an emitter device for emitting an optical measuring beam to the target object, a capturing device including a detection surface for detecting an optical beam returned by the target object, and an evaluation device. The detection surface has a plurality of pixels, each pixel having at least one SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) and each of the plurality of pixels is connected to the evaluation device. The emitting device and the capturing device are configured in such a manner that the optical measurement beam returned by the target object simultaneously illuminates a plurality of pixels. The evaluation device is configured in order to determine the distance between the measuring device and the target object based on the evaluation of detection signals of several pixels.

Apparatus for processing of a LiDAR point cloud of a ground scan, comprises: a point cloud input for receiving said LiDAR point cloud, a ground filter for filtering out points that belong to the ground from said point cloud, thereby to generate an elevation map showing features extending from the ground, an automatic feature search and recognition unit associated with said three dimensional graphical engine for searching said elevation map of said three-dimensional model to identify features therein and to replace points associated with said feature with a virtual object representing said feature, thereby to provide objects within said data; and a three-dimensional graphical renderer supporting three-dimensional graphics, to generate a three-dimensional rendering of said ground scan.

A device for measuring physical characteristics includes a beam generator component generating first and second beams at two points. The device further includes a protractor that measures the angle between the beams. The device measures the distances to the two points and with the angle between the two beams, determines a predetermined characteristic, such as the distance between the two points.

A technique for efficiently calibrating a camera is provided. Reference laser scan data is obtained by scanning a building 131 by a laser scanner 115, which is fixed on a vehicle 100 and has known exterior orientation parameters, while the vehicle 100 travels. An image of the building 131 is photographed at a predetermined timing by an onboard camera 113. Reference point cloud position data, in which the reference laser scan data is described in a coordinate system defined on the vehicle 100 at the predetermined timing, is calculated based on the trajectory the vehicle 100 has traveled. Matching points are selected between feature points in the reference point cloud position data and in the image. Exterior orientation parameters of the camera 113 are calculated based on relative relationships between the reference point cloud position data and image coordinate values in the image of the matching points.

A multi-function layout square of modular construction having a laser that is capable of performing multiple functions is disclosed. The multi-function square has a metallic outer casing with magnetic properties, with a protractor plate slidably, pivotally, and removably attached by thumbscrews to the casing that can be moved and rotated with respect to the casing and slid linearly along a portion of the length of the casing. When the protractor plate is removed the casing may be used as a level, a plumb bob, a ruler, and a compass. When the protractor plate is attached the tool may be used as a framing square, roofing framing square or rafter square, and a gauge or scribe for straight lines, arcs, or circles. The laser, a switch, and a pair of bubble level vials are contained in a module installed at one end of the casing, and a second module containing batteries is removably installed at the other end of the casing. Each module has electrical contacts that engage the interior surface of the casing and contacts that engage the batteries when the modules are installed and abutted. When the switch is on, a circuit is completed through the metallic casing, which electrically connects the batteries to the laser. The casing may be suspended vertically from a support surface by passing a string or wire through a bore in one of the thumbscrews, may be mounted on a tripod, or may be magnetically attached to metal objects.

What is disclosed is a 3-D laser measurement system, including a mirror continuously rotatable about a rotation axis which extends, e.g., in parallel or coaxial with a measuring beam emitted by an optical emitter and impinging on the mirror.

A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measuring system includes an external projector that projects a pattern of light onto an object and an aerial drone attached to a 3D imaging device, the 3D imaging device and the external projector cooperating to obtain 3D coordinates of the object.

A spatial data collection apparatus collects and correlates spatial data for use in creating floor plans, maps and models of existing spaces. The apparatus includes a mobile platform with wheels to allow movement around a space. One or more positional sensors on the platform generate positional data related to a position of the platform. The positional data can include odometry data and optionally gyroscopic data for correcting the odometry data. One or more range-finding devices on the platform measure and calculate range data (e.g., 2-D or 3-D) relating to distances and angles between the platform and objects in the space. The apparatus collects, fuses and correlates the positional data and range data to produce spatial data and stores the spatial data for transfer to a PC for use in creating, viewing and / or editing a map of the space. The apparatus can also record media files (e.g., audio, video, or images) to be associated with locations within the map.

A position measuring system, comprising a distance measuring unit for projecting and scanning a pulsed beam for measurement to a measurement area and for measuring a distance based on a reflected light of the pulsed beam for measurement and for obtaining a position data group in the measurement area, a digital image pickup unit for acquiring an image data by taking an image of the measurement area, a storage unit for storing at least two sets of the position data groups and the image data acquired from at least two directions by interrelating and associating the position data groups with the image data, and an arithmetic unit for synthesizing the at least two position data groups through matching of the two images based on the two stored image data.

A method includes acquiring imaging data of a scene using an imaging tool. The method also includes extracting radio frequency identification (RFID) data stored in an RFID tag associated with the scene. The method further includes associating the RFID data with the imaging data.

In a laser scanner for optically scanning and measuring an environment, the scanner having a center which defines for a scan the stationary reference system of the scanner and the center of the scan, a light emitter which emits an emission light beam, a light receiver which receives a reception light beam reflected by an object in the environment of the scanner, a control and evaluation unit which determines, for a multitude of measuring points of the scan, at least the distance between the center of the scan and the object, the scanner, for registering a scene with several scans having different centers, being movable between the centers of the scans, and a scanner mouse for registering the path followed by the scanner between the different centers of the scans, the scanner mouse optically registering the movement of the laser scanner relative to a reference surface.

Methods are disclosed for nondestructive testing and measuring the structural health of prestressed concrete structures, such as slabs, columns, girders, bridges, towers, elevated storage tanks, silos, cooling towers, wind power generation towers, liquefied gas storage tanks, nuclear power containment buildings, and the like. Measurements are made as the structure undergoes tensioning and detensioning operations. By measuring actual movements of cardinal points on the structure, in an absolute three-dimensional coordinate system, and comparing the measurements to a model—as tension on a tendon is changed—a margin of safety is assured. High accuracy measurements are made by electronic distance measurement (EDM) instruments over hundreds of meters, which yield coordinates of cardinal points with an uncertainty of the order of one part per million. The methods are proposed as possible alternatives to prior failures of post-tensioned concrete, including the Las Lomas Bridge, the Kapiolani Interchange On-Ramp, Turkey Point Unit 3 Nuclear Power Plant, and Crystal River Unit 3 Nuclear Power Plant. An extensive review of the most closely related prior arts is included.