Spatial positioning system

Abstract

A spatial positioning apparatus providing three-dimensional position information and methods to utilize the position information for improved surveying, construction layout, equipment operations, manufacturing control and autonomous vehicle control is disclosed. The spatial positioning apparatus includes at least three, preferably four, fixed referent stations. A minimum of two, preferably three, of the fixed stations sweeps a spread laser beam horizontally across the site of interest. The remaining fixed station sweeps a spread beam vertically across the site of interest. A strobe signal is emitted from each fixed station when the rotation mechanism actuates a rotation datum. The spatial positioning apparatus also includes one or more portable position sensors. The portable position sensor includes a light sensitive detector, a computer, and a display. The x, y, z coordinates of the portable position sensor are obtained through a triangulation technique based on time marks received from each spread laser beam from the fixed stations and the rotation datum received from the strobe of each fixed station. Multiple portable position sensors for use in attitude information for productivity improvement for equipment and for control of autonomous vehicles are disclosed.