Spectra Precision, Inc.

Spectra-Physics Laserplane, Inc.

James Arthur Schneider

Francisco Roberto Green

Leon B deVos

A laser beam transmitting system is provided comprising at least one target, a laser detection module, an optical system, a rotary encoder, a dither zone memory, and a controller. The optical system is arranged to generate a reference laser beam selectively in one of a search mode and a target dither mode and to direct a laser beam reflected from the target to the laser detection module. The search mode is characterized by movement of the reference beam through a rotational arc defined about a central rotational axis and the target dither mode is characterized by movement of the reference beam through a selected discrete portion of the rotational arc. The rotary encoder is arranged to produce a rotary signal indicative of a rotary position of the reference beam relative to the rotational arc. The controller is programmed to identify a position of the at least one target based upon the reflected laser beam signal and the rotary signal, establish a dither zone associated with the target position, store data indicative of the established dither zone in the dither zone memory, establish a dither time associated with the dither zone, and cause the optical system to operate in the target dither mode wherein the reference beam moves within the dither zone for an amount of time equal to the dither time.

Laser transmitter incorporating target dither

A method and system for determining the position of at least one position retroreflective element in a predetermined frame of reference using two benchmark positions of known coordinates. A light transmitting and detecting means and a reference retroreflective element are oppositely positioned at a primary benchmark position located at known first coordinates and a secondary benchmark position located at known second coordinates. The light transmitting and detecting means takes angular measurements by sensing a reflected light beam from the position and reference retroreflective elements. After taking angular measurements in the above configuration, the light transmitting and detecting means and the reference retroreflective element are transposed and additional angular measurements are taken. From the angular measurements, the position of the position retroreflective element is determined in the coordinate frame of reference. In addition, the light transmitting and detecting means may be further positioned at an intermediate benchmark position having unknown coordinates. After determining the coordinates of the intermediate benchmark position, angular measurements taken at the intermediate benchmark position are compared with the angular measurements from the primary and secondary benchmark positions and the most accurate measurements are used to determine the position of at least one position retroreflective element.

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Verona, OH, United States of America

James Arthur Schneider