Arcsecond, Inc.

Scott C Casteel

Thomas M Hedges

Timothy Pratt

Donald Todd

Rick Slater

Thomas Cuff

Andrew W Dornbusch

Michael J Sobel

Edmund S Pendleton

Frey Wain

Doug Gaff

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.

Method and optical receiver with easy setup means for use in position measurement systems

An optical transmitter for use in position location or position measurement systems includes (i) an assembly including two optical sources that generate two optical beams which diverge in known ways in a first and second plane, respectively, and are narrow in the orthogonal planes, (ii) a power source which provides power to the assembly to rotate it at a constant angular velocity or with a previously known pattern of velocities through each complete rotation of the assembly, and (iii) a signaling unit that emits a synchronization signal at a specific rotational position of the assembly. The optical transmitter can be used in systems for determining points, lines, planes, distances, areas, volumes, azimuth, elevation, range, angles, or any other positional or spatial variable. The optical transmitter has wide application in, for example, surveying, construction, and the creation of virtual or real environments.

Rotating head optical transmitter for position measurement system

An improved, low-cost optical transmitter and method useful in a three-dimensional measurement system wherein a plurality of operational parameters of said transmitter are calibrated during manufacture/assembly process to generate unique calibration data for each optical transmitter including data defining angles of each transmitter's first and second radiant fan beams and the angle between the beams when the transmitter is leveled for operation in the system and wherein a detector/receiver in the system distinguishes between radiant beams from a plurality of individual transmitters operable within a given measurement field as a function of the selectively alterable rotational velocity calibration data for each of said transmitters and wherein said angular calibration data for each transmitter is operationally available to each detector/receiver operable in the system.

Low cost transmitter with calibration means for use in position measurement systems

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Fairfax Station, VA, United States of America

Scott C Casteel