A scanning surveying system includes a base, an alidade mounted on the base an rotatable relative to the base about a first axis, a first motor that can rotate the alidade relative to the base, a rotating optical element coupled to the alidade and rotatable relative to the alidade about a second axis, a second motor that can rotate the rotating optical element relative to the base, an optical distance measuring unit, a sensor that can detect a motion of the scanning surveying system, and a controller. The controller can control the optical distance measuring unit (i) to perform stationary scanning operations and (ii) to automatically execute mobile scanning operations in response to a detection of motion of the scanning surveying system by the sensor. The controller can also register point cloud data from the stationary scanning operations and/or the mobile scanning operations.
The present disclosure relates to a portable casing for transporting a surveying instrument and a method for controlling charging of a plurality of batteries arranged in such a portable casing. The portable casing comprises a primary compartment for lodging the surveying instrument within the portable casing. The portable casing includes a plurality of secondary compartments for housing a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The portable casing also includes a charging unit arranged in the casing and electrically connected to the plurality of primary compartments for transferring electrical energy to and/or from the plurality of rechargeable batteries. Further, a control unit of the portable casing is configured to obtain information about the state of charge of each of the plurality of batteries arranged in the plurality of primary compartments, and control, based on the obtained information, an inter-charging function of the charging unit to cause, among batteries of the plurality of batteries that have a state of charge below a first threshold, a lesser discharged battery to receive electrical energy from at least one more discharged battery.
The present inventive concept relates to a method for operating a geodetic instrument comprising an optical source for assisting a user in aiming at a target in a scene by emitting optical pulses forming a spot at the target, and an imaging device, wherein the imaging device and the optical source share a common optical channel within the geodetic instrument, the method comprising: capturing a first image of a scene with the optical source turned on; obtaining a reference image from at least the first image, wherein contribution from the scene is suppressed, the reference image representing crosstalk occurring in the common optical channel; capturing a second image with the optical source turned on; and processing the second image with the reference image for removing crosstalk from the second image.
The present inventive concept relates to a method for operating a geodetic instrument comprising an optical source for assisting a user in aiming at a target in a scene and an imaging device, wherein the imaging device and the optical source share a common optical channel within the geodetic instrument, said method comprising: causing emission, by the optical source, of optical pulses towards the target; causing capture, by the imaging device, of images of the scene using a frame sequence, wherein a frame of said frame sequence includes an exposure time during which the imaging device is exposed to light from the scene; synchronizing emission of the optical pulses to the frame sequence for obtaining data from images in which the optical pulses are absent; and processing the obtained data for surveying said scene.
Electronic distance meter comprising a laser emitting a laser pulse toward a target, a photodetector adapted for receiving a laser pulse reflected by the target and for outputting a corresponding return pulse signal, and a comparison circuit receiving said return pulse signal and comprising a passive signal processing circuit and a comparator provided with a first input and a second input and arranged to output a first fixed value signal when the signal at the first input exceeds the signal at the second input and else to output a second fixed value signal, said comparison circuit being arranged for determining a return pulse time signal based on the output of said comparator, said electronic distance meter being arranged for determining a target distance based on said return pulse time signal, wherein said passive signal processing circuit comprises a first branch receiving said return pulse signal and comprising a transmission line (34) for generating a first twinset signal (24) to said first input, and a second branch receiving said return pulse signal and comprising a transmission line (36) and a delay line for generating a second twinset signal (26) to said second input, the transmission lines being (34,36) chosen such that each twinset signal (24,26) respectively comprises a positive and negative alternating portion which substantially corresponds to a first order derivative of the return pulse signal.
G01S 17/14 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves wherein a voltage or current pulse is initiated and terminated in accordance with the pulse transmission and echo reception respectively, e.g. using counters
G01S 17/10 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves
6.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALIGNING SURVEYING INSTRUMENTS
A method for aligning two surveying instruments in a common space in a process that uses an autocollimation of a collimated light beam transmitted by a first surveying instrument and reflected by a second surveying instrument. In the alignment process, the first surveying instrument may emit a collimated light beam towards the second the surveying instrument and receive a reflection of the collimated light beam from the second surveying instrument in an autocollimator. The reflection may be generated for example by a mirror at the second surveying instrument. When the light beam is reflected such that autocollimation of the collimated light beam is achieved at the first surveying instrument, the first and second surveying instruments are in a predetermined positional relation with respect to one another. With a known predetermined positional relation between the reflecting mirror and the line of sight of the second surveying instrument, measurements by both surveying instruments can be made in a common coordinate system.
The present invention relates to a tracker and a surveying apparatus comprising the tracker, which improve the reliability of tracking a target. The tracker comprises a first imaging region having a plurality of pixels for taking a first image of a scene including the target; a second imaging region having a plurality of pixels for taking a second image of a scene including the target; a control unit to receive a timing signal indicating a time duration during which an illumination illuminating the target in the scene is switched on and off, control the first imaging region to take the first image of the scene when the timing signal indicates that the illumination unit is switched on, and control the second imaging region to take the second image when the illumination is switched off; and a read out unit configured to read out the first image from the first imaging region and the second image from the second imaging region and to obtain a difference image.
The present inventive concept relates to a method for operating a geodetic instrument comprising an optical source for assisting a user in aiming at a target in a scene by emitting optical pulses forming a spot at the target, and an imaging device, wherein the imaging device and the optical source share a common optical channel within the geodetic instrument, the method comprising: capturing a first image of a scene with the optical source turned on; obtaining a reference image from at least the first image, wherein contribution from the scene is suppressed, the reference image representing crosstalk occurring in the common optical channel; capturing a second image with the optical source turned on; and processing the second image with the reference image for removing crosstalk from the second image.
The present inventive concept relates to a method for operating a geodetic instrument comprising an optical source for assisting a user in aiming at a target in a scene and an imaging device, wherein the imaging device and the optical source share a common optical channel within the geodetic instrument, said method comprising: causing emission, by the optical source, of optical pulses towards the target; causing capture, by the imaging device, of images of the scene using a frame sequence, wherein a frame of said frame sequence includes an exposure time during which the imaging device is exposed to light from the scene; synchronizing emission of the optical pulses to the frame sequence for obtaining data from images in which the optical pulses are absent; and processing the obtained data for surveying said scene.
A laser controller having an electronic distance measuring instrument and a laser light transmitter creating a vertical laser plane is used with a remote controller and a movable target for point layout tasks. The electronic distance measurer and laser transmitter are mounted on the same vertical pivot axis. Once the system is set-up for a particular jobsite, the laser plane can be aimed at a specific point of interest on the jobsite floor, and a visible laser light line will then appear on the floor, from the laser controller, all the way to that point of interest. The distance measuring instrument is aimed along the same heading as the laser plane, and it gives the distance to the movable target, which is moved along the visible laser light line, until reaching the specified distance, and thereby find the point of interest.
G01C 3/00 - Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 17/74 - Systems using reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. IFF, i.e. identification of friend or foe
G01S 7/00 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , ,
G01S 17/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
The present disclosure provides a method for determining a direction to a geodetic target from a geodetic instrument. The method includes emitting an optical pulse from the geodetic target, capturing a first image and a second image of the geodetic target using a camera arranged at the geodetic instrument, obtaining a difference image between the first image and the second image, and determining a direction to the geodetic target from the geodetic instrument based on the position of the optical pulse in the difference image. The method further includes synchronizing the geodetic instrument and the geodetic target for emitting the optical pulse concurrently with the capturing of the first image and nonconcurrently with the capturing of the second image. The present disclosure also provides a geodetic instrument, a geodetic target and a geodetic surveying system.
A scanning surveying system comprises a base 5, an alidade 3 mounted on the base, a first motor 6 to rotate the alidade about a first axis 9, a rotating mirror 21 rotatable about a second axis 16, a second motor 23 to rotate the mirror. An optical distance measuring unit 11 is configured to direct measuring light onto the rotating mirror such that it is reflected towards objects and to receive measuring light back from these objects via the rotating mirror. The system further comprises a camera 81 and a controller for controlling the first motor based on the images recorded by the camera such that the measuring light is reflected from the rotating mirror in a direction corresponding to a selected location within the image.
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01S 17/10 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves
G01S 17/86 - Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
H04N 5/232 - Devices for controlling television cameras, e.g. remote control
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
An optical surveying instrument is provided with an optical arrangement that includes at least one lens and the viewing element defining a viewing direction in the field of view. The distance measurement unit emits light beam towards the field of view and measured the distance to an object in the field of view based on a reflection of the light beam from the object. A movable mirror is arranged to direct the light beam towards the object and a mirror control unit is provided for reading calibration values from a calibration value memory and for moving the movable mirror using the calibration values to adjust the direction of the light beam to be aligned with the viewing direction.
d) arranged in a circular manner such that two adjacent regions have magnetic poles of opposite polarities. The geodetic assembly may further comprise at least one magnetic shield (270) for shielding the geodetic device, or a magnetically sensitive device (280) arranged at the support structure, from the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit.
The invention relates to optical surveying such as in building construction, road construction, landscaping and similar. A first image sensor obtains in a first wavelength range a first image of a scene within a field of view captured by an optical arrangement such as a telescope. A light emitter emits light in a second wavelength range and a second image sensor obtains a second image of the field of view in the second wavelength range. A target position of a reflecting target is found in the first image by detecting a known image pattern of the reflecting target in the first image. A region of interest in the second image is then a defined based on the identified target position in the first image, for detecting a reflector position of a reflector of the reflecting target in the region of interest. With the invention it becomes possible to improve the identification of a reflective target at reduced processing time, even if reflections from other objects than the reflective target are present.
G02B 23/00 - Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer software and hardware for aerial mapping and aerial
surveying from manned aircraft and uav's [unmanned aerial
vehicles]; downloadable web application software for aerial
mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and uav's
[unmanned aerial vehicles]. Software as a service [SaaS] provider in the field of
software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned
aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; providing
temporary use of web application software for aerial mapping
and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's
[unmanned aerial vehicles]; computer programming and
software consultancy; computer software installation and
maintenance.
The present disclosure provides a geodetic instrument (100) adapted to determine a direction and/or a distance to a target. The geodetic instrument includes an attachment device (120) for attaching the geodetic instrument to a holding arrangement (122); a motorized position arrangement for aiming a line of sight (L) of the geodetic instrument via rotation and/or translation of at least a part of the motorized position arrangement relative to the holding arrangement, and a controller (130). The controller is configured to, upon determining that a setting up of the geodetic instrument is required, provide a control sequence to the motorized positioning arrangement for causing a series of oscillatory rotational and/or translational movements of the at least a part of the motorized positioning arrangement. A method of setting up a geodetic instrument is also provided.
A surveying system comprises a controller; a support; a mounting structure mounted on the support, wherein the mounting structure is rotatable about a first axis relative to the support; a first motor to rotate the mounting structure relative to the support; a first mirror mounted on the mounting structure, wherein the first mirror is rotatable relative to the mounting structure about a second axis, wherein the second axis substantially coincides with the first axis; a second motor to rotate the first mirror relative to the mounting structure; and a first light source configured to direct a light beam onto the first mirror.
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01S 17/86 - Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
20.
Surveying system and rotating mirror for a surveying system
A surveying system, comprises a support; a rotating mirror unit including a mounting structure, a motor mounted on the mounting structure and having a shaft rotatable about a first axis, and a mirror mounted on the shaft; a measuring unit including a mounting structure and a light source and optics mounted on the mounting structure for directing a beam of measuring light onto the mirror surface; and a window mechanically connecting the mounting structure of the measuring unit and the mounting structure of the rotating mirror unit.
An electronic distance meter comprises a coupler located between a laser source and a target and adapted to divert a portion of measurement light emitted by the laser source into a calibration portion connected to a photodetector and comprising an attenuator between said coupler and said photodetector for varying the luminance value of the light passing through the calibration portion, said calibration portion having a known length and said processor being configured to perform distance measurements through the calibration portion at a variety of luminance values achieved by said attenuator to derive calibration values from said distance measurements and said known length, said processor being further configured to use said calibration values for determining a target distance based on a return pulse signal.
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 17/10 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves
G01S 7/4865 - Time delay measurement, e.g. time-of-flight measurement, time of arrival measurement or determining the exact position of a peak
A surveying instrument comprises a base; an alidade rotatable about a first axis relative to the base; and an optical measuring instrument having a measuring axis rotatable about a second axis relative to the alidade. A beam path can be provided for a light beam using components including a light source, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, and a position-sensitive detector. The surveying can be calibrated by performing plural measurements at different orientations of the alidade relative to the base and different orientations of the measuring instrument relative to the alidade using the above components.
A surveying instrument comprises a base; an alidade rotatable about a first axis relative to the base; and an optical measuring instrument having a measuring axis rotatable about a second axis relative to the alidade. A beam path can be provided for a light beam using components including a light source, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, and a position-sensitive detector. The surveying can be calibrated by performing plural measurements at different orientations of the alidade relative to the base and different orientations of the measuring instrument relative to the alidade using the above components.
Methods, controllers and computer program products for efficient utilization of a surveying instrument are provided. The surveying instrument may perform different types of data collection tasks, at least one of which includes measuring a direction and/or a distance to a target. The surveying instrument is controlled to perform one or more data collection tasks in accordance with a queue of one or more data collection tasks. The queue includes a data collection task of at least one of the different types of data collection tasks. During an ongoing data collection task or during an ongoing sequence of data collection tasks, an instruction is received. The instruction indicates an additional data collection task to be performed by the surveying instrument in addition to the one or more tasks already in the queue. The surveying instrument is controlled to perform data collection tasks in an order determined based on the queue and the received instruction.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software and hardware for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles; recorded computer software and hardware for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles; downloadable web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles Software as a service [SaaS] provider featuring software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles; providing temporary use of web-based application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles; computer programming and software consultancy; computer software installation and maintenance
26.
GEODETIC ASSEMBLY WITH MAGNETIC ATTACHING ARRANGEMENT
Embodiments provide for a geodetic assembly (200) for land surveying. The geodetic assembly (200) may include a first element (210) including a first magnetic unit (270) and a second element (250) including a second magnetic unit (260). The second element may be part of a support structure (240) of the geodetic assembly and is adapted to mate with the first element for supporting a geodetic device (230), the first element being attached to the geodetic device (or vice versa). The second magnetic unit is arranged to interact with the first magnetic unit for locking or unlocking the first element on the support structure. Each of the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit is divided in a plurality of regions (320a-d, 360a-d) arranged in a circular manner such that two adjacent regions have magnetic poles of opposite polarities. The geodetic assembly may further comprise at least one magnetic shield (270) for shielding the geodetic device, or a magnetically sensitive device (280) arranged at the support structure, from the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit.
The present invention relates to a tracker and a surveying apparatus comprising the tracker, which improve the reliability of tracking a target. The tracker comprises a first imaging region having a plurality of pixels for taking a first image of a scene including the target; a second imaging region having a plurality of pixels for taking a second image of a scene including the target; a control unit to receive a timing signal indicating a time duration during which an illumination illuminating the target in the scene is switched on and off, control the first imaging region to take the first image of the scene when the timing signal indicates that the illumination unit is switched on, and control the second imaging region to take the second image when the illumination is switched off; and a read out unit configured to read out the first image from the first imaging region and the second image from the second imaging region and to obtain a difference image.
The present invention relates to a surveying apparatus for surveying an object as well as a surveying system comprising the surveying apparatus having a simple and compact optical setup. The surveying apparatus comprises a lens arrangement including at least one movably arranged focus lens element for focusing to sight an object; an imaging unit configured to obtain an image of at least a part of the object; a distance measuring unit configured to measure a distance to the object along the optical axis of the distance measuring unit; and a beam splitter/combiner configured to combine a part of the optical imaging path of the imaging unit and a part of the optical distance measuring path of the distance measuring unit so that the optical axis of the imaging unit and the optical axis of the distance measuring unit are at least coaxially arranged with the optical axis of the lens arrangement between the lens arrangement and the beam splitter/combiner.
The present invention relates to a tracker and a surveying apparatus comprising the tracker, which improve the reliability of tracking a target. The tracker comprises a an image sensor arrangement having an imaging region composed of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix of columns and rows. The imaging region is arranged to take an image of a scene including the target. A controller receives or generates a timing signal indicating a time duration during which an illumination unit is switched on and off, controls the imaging region to take an image of the scene when the illumination unit is switched on, and reads out a subgroup of neighboring columns or rows constituting a stripe window of the imaging region so that an image section including the target is obtained, controls the imaging region to take another image of the scene when the illumination unit is switched off, and reads out another subgroup of neighboring columns or rows constituting another stripe window of the imaging region so that another image section including the target is obtained, and calculates a difference image section by determining a difference between the pixel values of the pixels of the image section and the other image section.
H04N 5/378 - Readout circuits, e.g. correlated double sampling [CDS] circuits, output amplifiers or A/D converters
G01C 15/00 - Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups
H04N 5/345 - Extracting pixel data from an image sensor by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels having been sampled or to be sampled by partially reading an SSIS array
30.
Method, processing unit and surveying instrument for improved tracking of a target
A method implemented in a processing unit controlling a surveying instrument is provided. The method comprises obtaining a first set of data from optical tracking of a target with the surveying instrument, and identifying from the first set of data a dependence over time of at least one parameter representative of movements of the target. The method further comprises receiving a second set of data from a sensor unit via a communication channel, the second set of data including information about the at least one parameter over time, and determining whether a movement pattern for the optically tracked target as defined by the dependence over time of the at least one parameter is the same as, or deviates by a predetermined interval from, a movement pattern as defined by the dependence over time of the at least one parameter obtained from the second set of data.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Computer Software and Hardware for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Downloadable web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles] (1) Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Providing temporary use of web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software and hardware installation and maintenance
The present disclosure provides a method for determining a direction to a geodetic target from a geodetic instrument. The method includes emitting an optical pulse from the geodetic target, capturing a first image and a second image of the geodetic target using a camera arranged at the geodetic instrument, obtaining a difference image between the first image and the second image, and determining a direction to the geodetic target from the geodetic instrument based on the position of the optical pulse in the difference image. The method further includes synchronizing the geodetic instrument and the geodetic target for emitting the optical pulse concurrently with the capturing of the first image and nonconcurrently with the capturing of the second image. The present disclosure also provides a geodetic instrument, a geodetic target and a geodetic surveying system.
A measurement instrument is disclosed. The measurement instrument comprises a front lens assembly, a distance measurement module and a deflection module. The front lens assembly comprises an optical path along an instrument optical axis and the distance measurement module is configured to transmit and receive optical radiation along a measurement path. The deflection module is arranged between the distance measurement module and the front lens assembly to deflect the measurement path across the instrument optical axis.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable Computer Software and Hardware for mobile marine mapping and mobile marine surveying; recorded Computer Software and Hardware for mobile marine mapping and mobile marine surveying
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable Computer software and hardware for mobile land-based mapping and mobile land-based surveying; recorded Computer software and hardware for mobile land-based mapping and mobile land-based surveying
The present disclosure provides a geodetic instrument (100) adapted to determine a direction and/or a distance to a target. The geodetic instrument includes an attachment device (120) for attaching the geodetic instrument to a holding arrangement (122); a motorized positioning arrangement for aiming a line of sight (L) of the geodetic instrument via rotation and/or translation of at least a part of the motorized position arrangement relative to the holding arrangement, and a controller (130). The controller is configured to, upon determining that a setting up of the geodetic instrument is required, provide a control sequence to the motorized positioning arrangement for causing a series of oscillatory rotational and/or translational movements of the at least a part of the motorized positioning arrangement. A method of setting up a geodetic instrument is also provided.
An electronic distance meter comprises a laser emitting a laser pulse toward a target, a photodetector adapted for receiving a laser pulse reflected by the target and for outputting a corresponding return pulse signal, and a comparison circuit receiving said return pulse signal and comprising a comparator provided with a first input and a second input and arranged to output a first fixed value signal when the signal at the first input exceeds the signal at the second input and else to output a second fixed value signal, said comparison circuit being arranged for determining a return pulse time signal based on the output of said comparator, said electronic distance meter being arranged for determining a target distance based on said return pulse time signal.
The comparison circuit comprises a first branch connected to said first input and provided with an integrator which receives a signal derived from said return pulse signal and comprises an output connected to said first input, and a second branch connected to said second input which receives a signal derived from said return pulse signal.
Methods (300), controllers (150) and computer program products for efficient utilization of a surveying instrument (100, 200) are provided. The surveying instrument may perform different types of data collection tasks, at least one of which includes measuring a direction and/or a distance to a target. The surveying instrument is controlled (310) to perform one or more data collection tasks in accordance with a queue (400) of one or more data collection tasks. The queue includes a data collection task (410) of at least one of the different types of data collection tasks. During an ongoing data collection task or during an ongoing sequence of data collection tasks, an instruction is received (320). The instruction indicates an additional data collection task to be performed by the surveying instrument in addition to the one or more tasks already in the queue. The surveying instrument is controlled (330) to perform data collection tasks in an order determined based on the queue and the received instruction.
An integrated sensing device with a suite of sensors assists construction machine operators in finding the correct level to dig a ditch/trench. The sensing device includes a gravity sensor to determine angles, a laser distance meter (LDM), and a laser receiver for detecting a known jobsite elevation. The sensing device is mounted to the dipper stick of an excavator; the gravity sensor detects the angle of the stick, and the laser receiver detects a laser plane of light that represents a known jobsite elevation. The LDM is aimed at another member of the machine that moves in a predetermined path as the bucket is rotated, and the distance between the LDM and the target member is used to calculate the vertical elevation of the working tool edge. A display graphically shows the operator the proper dig depth and the present position of the working tool edge.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G01M 1/12 - Static balancing; Determining position of centre of gravity
40.
METHOD, PROCESSING UNIT AND SURVEYING INSTRUMENT FOR IMPROVED TRACKING OF A TARGET
A method (500) implemented in a processing unit (160) controlling a surveying instrument (100) is provided. The method (500) comprises obtaining (510) a first set of data from optical tracking of a target (140) with the surveying instrument (100), and identifying (520) from the first set of data a dependence over time of at least one parameter representative of movements of the target (140). The method (500) further comprises receiving (530) a second set of data from a sensor unit (150) via a communication channel, the second set of data including information about the at least one parameter over time, and determining (540) whether a movement pattern for the optically tracked target (140) as defined by the dependence over time of the at least one parameter is the same as, or deviates by a predetermined interval from, a movement pattern as defined by the dependence over time of the at least one parameter obtained from the second set of data.
The present disclosure relates to a surveying instrument including a chassis, an optical system having an optical axis, a stage attached to the chassis and an optical component. The optical system may be adapted to receive and/or transmit light. The optical component is located at, or in proximity to, the optical axis. The received and/or transmitted light passes through the optical component. The stage includes an actuating member arranged to act on the optical component for movement thereof. The actuating member may be responsive to temperature so as to induce a displacement of the optical component relative to the chassis along the optical axis in response to a temperature change.
G01C 15/00 - Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups
G02B 7/00 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01C 19/50 - Erection devices for restoring rotor axis to a desired position operating by mechanical means
G02F 1/225 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour by interference in an optical waveguide structure
A method of colorizing a 3D point cloud includes receiving the 3D point cloud, receiving a 2D color image acquired by a camera, creating a 2D intensity image of the 3D point cloud based on intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the camera, generating a set of refined camera parameters by matching the 2D intensity image and the 2D color image, creating a depth buffer for the 3D point cloud using the set of refined camera parameters, determining a foreground depth for each respective pixel of the depth buffer, and coloring the point cloud by, for each respective point of the 3D point cloud: upon determining that the respective point is in the foreground, assigning a color of a corresponding pixel in the 2D color image to the respective point; and upon determining that the respective point is not in the foreground, not assigning any color to the respective point.
A method of rendering a three-dimensional point cloud in a two-dimensional display includes inputting the three-dimensional point cloud that includes three-dimensional coordinates of a set of points, creating a depth buffer for the three-dimensional point cloud that includes depth data for the set of points from a viewpoint location. The method further includes determining a foreground depth buffer by, for each respective pixel area of the two-dimensional display, determining a foreground depth by detecting a closest point to the viewpoint location among a subset of the set of points corresponding to the respective pixel area, and assigning a depth of the closest point as the foreground depth for the respective pixel area. The method further includes filtering the depth buffer to obtain a filtered depth buffer by removing points that are not in the foreground, and outputting the filtered depth buffer to the two-dimensional display.
A method of rendering a three-dimensional point cloud in a two-dimensional display includes inputting the three-dimensional point cloud that includes three-dimensional coordinates of a set of points, creating a depth buffer for the three-dimensional point cloud that includes depth data for the set of points from a viewpoint location. The method further includes determining a foreground depth buffer by, for each respective pixel area of the two-dimensional display, determining a foreground depth by detecting a closest point to the viewpoint location among a subset of the set of points corresponding to the respective pixel area, and assigning a depth of the closest point as the foreground depth for the respective pixel area. The method further includes filtering the depth buffer to obtain a filtered depth buffer by removing points that are not in the foreground, and outputting the filtered depth buffer to the two-dimensional display.
The present disclosure provides a method for determining a direction to a geodetic target from a geodetic instrument. The method includes emitting an optical pulse from the geodetic target, capturing a first image and a second image of the geodetic target using a camera arranged at the geodetic instrument, obtaining a difference image between the first image and the second image, and determining a direction to the geodetic target from the geodetic instrument based on the position of the optical pulse in the difference image. The method further includes synchronizing the geodetic instrument and the geodetic target for emitting the optical pulse concurrently with the capturing of the first image and nonconcurrently with the capturing of the second image. The present disclosure also provides a geodetic instrument, a geodetic target and a geodetic surveying system.
A laser controller having an electronic distance measuring instrument and a laser light transmitter creating a vertical laser plane is used with a remote controller and a movable target for point layout tasks. The electronic distance measurer and laser transmitter are mounted on the same vertical pivot axis. Once the system is set-up for a particular jobsite, the laser plane can be aimed at a specific point of interest on the jobsite floor, and a visible laser light line will then appear on the floor, from the laser controller, all the way to that point of interest. The distance measuring instrument is aimed along the same heading as the laser plane, and it gives the distance to the movable target, which is moved along the visible laser light line, until reaching the specified distance, and thereby find the point of interest.
A laser controller having an electronic distance measuring instrument and a laser light transmitter creating a vertical laser plane is used with a remote controller and a movable target for point layout tasks. The electronic distance measurer and laser transmitter are mounted on the same vertical pivot axis. Once the system is set-up for a particular jobsite, the laser plane can be aimed at a specific point of interest on the jobsite floor, and a visible laser light line will then appear on the floor, from the laser controller, all the way to that point of interest. The distance measuring instrument is aimed along the same heading as the laser plane, and it gives the distance to the movable target, which is moved along the visible laser light line, until reaching the specified distance, and thereby find the point of interest.
G01S 17/74 - Systems using reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. IFF, i.e. identification of friend or foe
G01S 7/00 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , ,
G01S 17/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
A method for determining a distance to a target by a geodetic instrument is disclosed. The method comprises emitting an optical pulse towards a target at an emission time, applying a bias adjustment to a photodiode that is arranged to receive a return optical pulse reflected at the target, obtaining a reference signal that is indicative of a transient behavior of the photodiode for the bias adjustment, obtaining a difference signal by subtracting, from a signal output from the photodiode, a signal that resembles, or is equal to, the transient behavior of the photodiode in response to the bias adjustment based on the reference signal, extracting a reception time that corresponds to reception of the return optical pulse at the photodiode based at least in part on the difference signal, and determining the distance to the target based on the emission time and the reception time.
A point layout system is described that identifies points and their coordinates, using laser transmitters that are attached to at least three base units. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth and emit vertical laser planes. After being setup using control points, the projection lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest, under command of the user with a remote unit. Once the first two base units are registered with the virtual floor plan, the third base unit can be automatically setup, using an automatic procedure that creates alignment axes with the first two base units. Once all three base units are registered with the floor plan, any one of the three base units can then be moved to a new physical location on the jobsite floor, and the automatic setup routine can be used to register its new position.
Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring distance from an instrument origin to each of a plurality of points in an environment. Laser pulses are emitted along a measurement axis at successive displacements about the origin. The emission time of each pulse is time-shifted relative to a fixed rate. The time shift corresponds to an index of a repetitive sequential pattern. Received pulses are detected at respective arrival times. For each received pulse: a current apparent distance is determined, a measured delta distance is calculated, a range interval is assigned by comparing measured delta distance with an expected delta distance synchronized with the index of the latest emitted pulse, the current apparent distance is defined to be a true measured distance for any received pulse assigned to a first time interval, otherwise the current apparent distance is defined to be a false measured distance.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer software and hardware for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; downloadable web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; computer software and hardware for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; cameras; robots for use for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; downloadable web application software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces. Computer hardware installation and maintenance. Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; providing temporary use of web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; software as a services [SAAS] providing in the field of software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; providing temporary use of web application software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; computer programming and software consultancy; computer software installation and maintenance.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer software and hardware for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; downloadable web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; computer software and hardware for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; cameras; robots for use for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; downloadable web application software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces. Computer hardware installation and maintenance. Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; providing temporary use of web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; software as a services [SAAS] providing in the field of software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; providing temporary use of web application software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; computer programming and software consultancy; computer software installation and maintenance.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer Software and Hardware for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Downloadable software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying that may be downloaded from a global computer network; Computer software and hardware for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Cameras; Robots, namely, laboratory robots for use in for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Downloadable software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces that may be downloaded from a global computer network Computer hardware installation and maintenance Software as a service provider in the field of software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Software as a services provider in the field of software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable web application software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software installation and maintenance
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer Software and Hardware for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Downloadable software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying that may be downloaded from a global computer network; Computer software and hardware for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Cameras; Robots, namely, laboratory robots for use in for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Downloadable software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces that may be downloaded from a global computer network Computer hardware installation and maintenance Software as a service provider in the field of software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Software as a services provider in the field of software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable web application software for navigation, mapping and digital environment detection for creation of maps and models of interior spaces and contents of interior spaces; Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software installation and maintenance
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Computer Software and Hardware for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying
(2) Downloadable web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying
(3) Computer software and hardware for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces; Cameras; Robots, namely, laboratory robots for use in for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces; Downloadable web application software for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces (1) Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Providing temporary use of web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying
(2) Software as a services [SAAS] providing in the field of software for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces; Providing temporary use of web application software for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces
(3) Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software and hardware installation and maintenance.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Computer Software and Hardware for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Downloadable web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying.
(2) Computer software and hardware for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces; Cameras; Robots, namely, laboratory robots for use in for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces; Downloadable web application software for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces. (1) Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying; Providing temporary use of web application software for use in marine, aerial and land mobile mapping and for use in marine, aerial and land mobile surveying.
(2) Software as a services [SAAS] providing in the field of software for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces; Providing temporary use of web application software for marine, aerial and land navigation, mapping and electromagnetic radiation digital environment detection for creation of maps and 3-dimensional building models of building interior spaces.
(3) Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software and hardware installation and maintenance.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer Software and Hardware for mobile mapping and mobile surveying; downloadable web application software for mobile mapping and mobile surveying. Computer hardware installation, repair and maintenance. Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for mobile mapping and mobile surveying; providing temporary use of web application software for mobile mapping and mobile surveying; computer programming and software consultancy; computer software installation and maintenance.
A distance measurement instrument and a method of operating a distance measurement instrument are disclosed. According to some embodiments, a transmit light signal is transmitted by a transmitter unit along a transmit path at an emission time and a return light signal is received by a receiver unit at a receive time along a receive path. The return light signal is converted to a return electrical signal. At least one of the transmit path and the receive path is deflected by a deflection module at a deflection angle relative to an optical axis of the instrument. A time-dependent attenuation function is selected based on information relative to the deflection angle and attenuation is applied by an attenuator to at least one of the return light signal and the return electrical signal according to the selected time-dependent function. A measured distance may be determined by a processor unit based on at least the emission time and the receive time.
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01S 7/489 - Gain of receiver varied automatically during pulse-recurrence period
G01S 17/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
G01S 7/4865 - Time delay measurement, e.g. time-of-flight measurement, time of arrival measurement or determining the exact position of a peak
G01S 17/10 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves
G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
64.
SURVEYING INSTRUMENT WITH OPTICAL STAGE COMPENSATING FOR TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS
The present disclosure relates to a surveying instrument (300) including a chassis (320), an optical system (310) having an optical axis (315), a stage (350) attached to the chassis (320) and an optical component (330). The optical system (310) may be adapted to receive and/or transmit light. The optical component (330) is located at, or in proximity to, the optical axis (315). The received and/or transmitted light passes through the optical component (330). The stage (350) includes an actuating member (370) arranged to act on the optical component (330) for movement thereof. The actuating member (370) may be responsive to temperature so as to induce a displacement of the optical component (330) relative to the chassis (320) along the optical axis (315) in response to a temperature change.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer Software and Hardware for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Downloadable web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]. Computer hardware installation and maintenance. Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Providing temporary use of web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software installation and maintenance.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer Software and Hardware for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's; Downloadable web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's Computer hardware installation and maintenance Software as a service featuring software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's; Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software installation and maintenance
68.
METHOD OF SOLVING INITIAL AZIMUTH FOR SURVEY INSTRUMENTS, CAMERAS, AND OTHER DEVICES WITH POSITION AND TILT INFORMATION
A method for solving the initial azimuth for a survey instrument, and other devices, with position and tilt information. The method may be part of bundle adjustment performed during the processing of image and position data collected from each camera of a survey instrument. The use of the initial azimuth generation method (and initial azimuth generator) makes it possible to get accurate azimuth orientation of a camera, such as each camera of a multi-camera survey instrument, without using data from a compass-like sensor. The initial azimuth generated by this method can then be used in later steps/processes of the bundle adjustment to find tie-points with an automatic tie-point finder. Prior to this method, the automatic tie-point finding algorithm relied on the compass and its accuracy, and inaccurate compass values would cause a complete failure, slow runtimes, or less accurate results for the bundle adjustment.
The present disclosure relates to a measuring instrument and a method implemented in such a measuring instrument. The measuring instrument includes an image sensor, an actuator, a control unit and a processor. The actuator is arranged to move a field of view of the image sensor. The control unit is configured to cause the image sensor to capture at least one digital image during motion of the field of view of the image sensor by the actuator. The exposure time for capturing the digital image is longer than an identifiable section of a regulating pattern for modulation of an optical radiation either emitted or reflected by at least one target. The processor is configured to process at least a portion of the captured image for detecting in the at least one portion the identifiable section of the regulating pattern. Such a measuring instrument is advantageous for detecting and/or identifying a target in the vicinity of the instrument.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Computer Software and Hardware for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Downloadable web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles] (1) Software as a service [SAAS] provider in the field of software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Providing temporary use of web application software for aerial mapping and aerial surveying from manned aircraft and UAV's [unmanned aerial vehicles]; Computer programming and software consultancy; Computer software and hardware installation and maintenance
A method for determining a distance to a target by a geodetic instrument is disclosed. The method comprises emitting an optical pulse towards a target at an emission time, applying a bias adjustment to a photodiode that is arranged to receive a return optical pulse reflected at the target, obtaining a reference signal that is indicative of a transient behavior of the photodiode for the bias adjustment, obtaining a difference signal by subtracting, from a signal output from the photodiode, a signal that resembles, or is equal to, the transient behavior of the photodiode in response to the bias adjustment based on the reference signal, extracting a reception time that corresponds to reception of the return optical pulse at the photodiode based at least in part on the difference signal, and determining the distance to the target based on the emission time and the reception time.
Embodiments provide for a geodetic instrument comprising a scanning head, a reflecting optical element, a radiation source, a control unit and an electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit. The scanning head is rotatable about a first axis. The reflecting optical element mounted in the scanning head and rotatable about the same first axis. The radiation source is adapted to emit light to be output along a light beam path from the geodetic instrument via light reflection against the reflecting optical element. The control unit is adapted to adjust an angular displacement profile of the reflecting optical element about the first axis relative to an angular displacement profile of the scanning head such that an angular displacement of the light beam path about the first axis as a function of time presents a stair-like profile. The EDM unit is adapted to determine a distance to a target during a flat portion of the stair-like profile.
An apparatus for use with a commercial vehicle comprises a media recorder configured to receive video from one or more cameras. The media recorder comprises a memory configured to store a loop of the video as a circular buffer having a predetermined duration. A transceiver is communicatively coupled to the media recorder and configured to receive a video request command generated at a central office. An event detector is configured to communicate with a vehicle computer and detect predetermined events occurring during vehicle operation. The media recorder is configured to retrieve a portion of the loop of video stored in the memory and the transceiver is configured to transmit the portion of the loop of video to the central office in response to the video request command.
G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
H04N 5/77 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
H04N 5/907 - Television signal recording using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
74.
Compensated distance measurement methods and apparatus
A transmit light signal is emitted toward a target at an emission time. An optical subsystem of a receiving system receives a return light signal which is converted to a return electrical signal. At least one attenuator applies an attenuation to at least one of the return light signal and the return electrical signal. The attenuation varies, as time passes, after emission of the transmit light signal, according to a time-dependent attenuation function such that the attenuation is maximum at a critical time elapsed since an emission time of the transmit light signal. The critical time is dependent on at least one geometrical parameter of the optical subsystem. A receive time is determined from the return electrical signal. The emission time and the receive time are used to calculate a measured distance.
Embodiments provide for a geodetic instrument comprising a scanning head, a reflecting optical element, a radiation source, a control unit and an electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit. The scanning head is rotatable about a first axis. The reflecting optical element mounted in the scanning head and rotatable about the same first axis. The radiation source is adapted to emit light to be output along a light beam path from the geodetic instrument via light reflection against the reflecting optical element. The control unit is adapted to adjust an angular displacement profile of the reflecting optical element about the first axis relative to an angular displacement profile of the scanning head such that an angular displacement of the light beam path about the first axis as a function of time presents a stair-like profile. The EDM unit is adapted to determine a distance to a target during a flat portion of the stair-like profile.
A measurement instrument is disclosed. The measurement instrument comprises a front lens assembly, a distance measurement module and a deflection module. The front lens assembly comprises an optical path along an instrument optical axis and the distance measurement module is configured to transmit and receive optical radiation along a measurement path. The deflection module is arranged between the distance measurement module and the front lens assembly to deflect the measurement path across the instrument optical axis.
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01C 15/00 - Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups
G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
G01S 17/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
An optical device is disclosed that may be employed in distance measuring devices. In at least one embodiment, the optical device includes a control unit that is adapted to cause at least one control signal generator unit to generate at least one control signal according to a predetermined temporal function on the basis of an elapsed time from a predetermined point in time. On the basis of the generated at least one control signal, at least one parameter of a receiver unit may be adjusted during the travel time of the optical pulse, wherein the at least one parameter affects the dynamic range of the receiver unit. In this way, the dynamic range of the receiver unit may be increased. A method is further disclosed for operating such an optical device, along with a distance measuring device including such an optical device and a surveying instrument including such a distance measuring device.
A connected-slot antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a circular patch overlying the dielectric substrate, and a first conductive ring surrounding the circular patch and overlying the dielectric substrate. The first conductive ring is isolated from the circular patch by a first connected slot. At least four feeds are coupled to the circular patch. Each of the at least four feeds are spaced from adjacent ones of the at least four feeds by approximately equal angular intervals. A metamaterial ground plane includes a plurality of conductive patches and a ground plane. The plurality of conductive patches are separated from the circular patch and the first conductive ring by at least the dielectric substrate. The ground plane is electrically coupled to at least a first portion of the plurality of conductive patches. One or more of the plurality of conductive patches and the ground plane are coupled to ground.
H01Q 15/00 - Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
H01Q 5/40 - Imbricated or interleaved structures; Combined or electromagnetically coupled arrangements, e.g. comprising two or more non-connected fed radiating elements
79.
Methods for assigning traceability information to and retrieving traceability information from a store shelf
A shelf code in a machine readable format, such as on a QR code on a printed card, is provided where bulk merchandise displayed in a bin. When the bin is stocked from a case bearing a case code, the case code is associated with the shelf code. Lot-specific and lot-independent information previously associated with the case code is then linked to the shelf code. Consumers scan the shelf code with a mobile device to establish a communication channel to access the linked information. Retailers and producers use the channel to reach the consumer, and to solicit feedback from the consumer at a known time and location. A mobile device can also be used to associate quality assessments of merchandise to the shelf code. Analysis of consumer ratings and quality inspection assessments that are tied to time and location can provide valuable insights to both producers and retailers.
A distance measurement instrument (400) and a method of operating a distance measurement instrument are disclosed. According to some embodiments, a transmit light signal is transmitted by a transmitter unit (406) along a transmit path (408) at an emission time and a return light signal is received by a receiver unit (407) at a receive time along a receive path (440). The return light signal is converted to a return electrical signal. At least one of the transmit path and the receive path is deflected by a deflection module (415) at a deflection angle relative to an optical axis (430) of the instrument. A time-dependent attenuation function is selected based on information relative to the deflection angle and attenuation is applied by an attenuator (480, 490) to at least one of the return light signal and the return electrical signal according to the selected time-dependent function. A measured distance may be determined by a processor unit (470) based on at least the emission time and the receive time.
Automatic calibration, tuning and diagnostics improve precision farming by helping farmers obtain best performance from their autopilot-guided vehicles. Automatic calibration procedures that cannot be accurately performed by human drivers, automatic autopilot tuning, and simplified diagnostics are all parts of an advanced farm vehicle autopilot system.
A method of image-based positioning is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing an image-capturing device integrated with an object; (B) providing a pattern-generating device configured to generate a set of patterns; (C) locating the pattern-generating device in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device and capturing an image of the pattern-generating device; (D) generating at least one set of pattern data by using the captured image of the pattern-generating device; and (E) processing each set of generated pattern data by using in order to generate an altitude and/or angular coordinates of the object.
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tower crane load locator and sway indicator includes: a plurality of RFID tags at different locations on or around the crane; at least two RFID readers at different locations on the crane; a navigation satellite system (NSS) position receiver; and a load information interface. The RFID readers comprise a range determiner to provide range measurements between each of the RFID readers and each of the RFID tags. The sway determiner is coupled with a hook block of the crane. The NSS position receiver is coupled with the crane and comprises an antenna fixedly coupled with approximately the front of a jib of the crane. The load information interface combines information from range measurements, the sway determiner and the NSS position receiver to generate location and sway information of the load with respect to the crane and provide this information in a user accessible format.
B66C 13/16 - Applications of indicating, registering, or weighing devices
B66C 13/46 - Position indicators for suspended loads or for crane elements
B66C 23/28 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular locations or for particular purposes constructed, e.g. with separable parts, to facilitate rapid assembly or dismantling, for operation at successively higher levels, for transport by road or rail constructed to operate at successively higher levels
G01S 19/46 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being of a radio-wave signal type
84.
Micro climate corrections for radar interferometry measurements
A method for monitoring movement of a surface using ground based radar interferometry measurements includes identifying micro climates on the surface and determining boundaries of the micro climates on the surface. One or more first sensors are arranged at a measurement site for measuring first atmospheric conditions at the measurement site. One or more additional sensors are arranged in each of the micro climates for measuring atmospheric conditions in the micro climates. An atmospheric correction is determined for each of the micro climates. The atmospheric correction for each micro climate is based on the first atmospheric conditions at the measurement site and the atmospheric conditions at the micro climate. The ground based radar interferometry measurements are performed across the surface, and the ground based radar interferometry measurements within the boundary of each micro climate are corrected using the atmospheric correction for the micro climate.
Automatic calibration, tuning and diagnostics improve precision farming by helping farmers obtain best performance from their autopilot-guided vehicles. Automatic calibration procedures that cannot be accurately performed by human drivers, automatic autopilot tuning, and simplified diagnostics are all parts of an advanced farm vehicle autopilot system.
A measurement instrument is disclosed. The measurement instrument comprises a distance measurement module, a splitter and a deflection module. The distance measurement module is configured to transmit optical radiation along a transmit path and receive optical radiation along a receive path. The transmit path and the receive path are merged in a measurement beam at the splitter. The deflection module is located optically between the distance measurement module and the splitter. The deflection module is configured to aim the transmit path and the receive path at the splitter and to deflect at least one of the transmit path and the receive path across an instrument optical axis.
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G01S 17/08 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only
G01C 15/00 - Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups
A laser light reflective target that effectively brightens a laser light line being produced by a laser fan beam emitter. The target is placed on a jobsite floor and when two laser fan beams strike the reflective surface of the target, the laser beams appear much brighter than otherwise. The laser fan beams, when properly aimed at a point of interest, will intersect and produce an "X" shaped pattern of light on the target. The target can be used with a laser plumb beam pointer, which will aim its vertical beam downward directly at the specific point of interest if the target has been properly positioned. The laser plumb line pointer can additionally aim a second vertical beam upward, to produce a plumb line target point on the ceiling of an interior room that is being laid out.
An omnidirectional lens is disclosed of the type which captures light from virtually all angles of incidence, and also emits light in all directions. Embodiments are specifically disclosed as a two-way lens that receives light beams from all directions of the compass and directs those light beams to a photosensor. The same two-way lens acts in a "beacon mode" to produce light beams from one or more LEDs, and to emit such light beams (again) in all directions of the compass. The emitted light beams can also be used to signal various functions as visible signals to users on a jobsite.
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag distance measuring system and method is disclosed. One example includes a first replica path that receives a signal that is simultaneously transmitted to an RFID tag. The first replica path includes a plurality of taps at known distances along the first replica path. Each of the plurality of taps has a first tap input coupled with the first replica path. In addition, an RFID signal receiver receives a return signal from the RFID tag and provides the return signal along a measurement input, wherein each of the plurality of taps have a second tap input coupled with the measurement path. A distance determiner detects at least the first of the plurality of taps to have an output and determine a distance measurement to the RFID tag based thereon.
G01S 13/78 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein pulse-type signals are transmitted discriminating between different kinds of targets, e.g. IFF-radar, i.e. identification of friend or foe
G01S 13/74 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
A method of object association is disclosed. The method includes receiving object location information for a first object, receiving object location information for a second object, determining an existence of a correlation between a varying position of the first object and a varying position of the second object over for a predetermined amount of time and dynamically associating the first object with the second object based on the correlation.
An integrated auto-level and electronic rod reader is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated auto-level and electronic rod reader comprises a telescope and an image delivery device integrated with the auto-level which is configured for capturing an image of a standard grade rod visible through the telescope and a crosshair. Logic implemented by a processor automatically recognizes the crosshair, automatically compares the crosshair against a scale of the standard grade rod, and automatically determines an elevation of the standard grade rod based upon the comparing.
G01C 5/02 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels involving automatic stabilisation of the line of sight
Reflective target for surveying instruments having a plurality of planar reflective sections arranged to form a shape having a target axis. Each reflective section includes a plurality of prisms, each prism constituted by a corner cube having three surfaces oriented perpendicular to one another and forming a base for receiving incident light, and each of the prisms is oriented such that a common edge formed by two of the three surfaces of the prism is oriented such that the common edge and the target axis or a line parallel to the target axis lie in a common plane.
An electronic rod reader and field notebook is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic rod reader and field notebook comprises an image capture device for capturing an image through the eyepiece of an auto-level. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises logic implemented by a processor of the electronic rod reader for automatically recognizing a crosshair viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, for automatically comparing the crosshair against a scale of a standard grade rod viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, and for automatically determining an elevation of the standard grade rod based upon the comparing. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises a non-transitory computer readable data storage medium coupled with the processor for storing the elevation as a first reading.
A method for contextual inference of user activity is disclosed. In one embodiment, an indication of the motion of a pole mounted sensing device comprising at least one motion sensor and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver configured to at least generate raw GNSS observables is received from the at least one motion sensor. The indication of the motion of the pole mounted sensing device is correlated with an operation defined in a gesture library regarding GNSS data collect by the GNSS receiver at a time when the indication of the motion is detected. The indication and the GNSS data are stored.
G01S 19/39 - Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system the satellite radio beacon positioning system transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
G01S 19/43 - Determining position using long or short baseline interferometry
G01S 19/49 - Determining position by combining or switching between position solutions derived from the satellite radio beacon positioning system and position solutions derived from a further system whereby the further system is an inertial position system, e.g. loosely-coupled
Disclosed is a guidance system that helps an earthmoving machine operator to control exactly to what elevation to dig. The system includes an electronic sensing device (10, 30, 50, 70, 100) and a display monitor (140). In one embodiment, the electronic sensing device includes a distance measuring sensor (16, Laser Distance Meter), an elevation detecting sensor (12), an orientation sensor (14), and a steering mechanism (18) for the LDM. The sensing device is mounted to an earthmoving machine (200), and sends signals to the display showing the machine operator where to move the digging tool for digging to the desired elevation. The various sensors in the sensing device are calibrated at the factory, so the sensing device can be mounted to an earthmoving machine and then be immediately used by that machine without needing any calibration that involves the machine itself, which is a huge advantage for the equipment operator. The measurements are made via non-contact sensors, thereby preserving the jobsite surface.
Disclosed is a guidance system that helps an earthmoving machine operator to control exactly to what elevation to dig. The system includes an electronic sensing device and a display monitor. In one embodiment, the electronic sensing device includes a distance measuring sensor (LDM), an elevation detecting sensor, an orientation sensor, and a steering mechanism for the LDM. The sensing device is mounted to an earthmoving machine, and sends signals to the display showing the machine operator where to move the digging tool for digging to the desired elevation. The various sensors in the sensing device are calibrated at the factory, so the sensing device can be mounted to an earthmoving machine and then be immediately used by that machine without needing any calibration that involves the machine itself, which is a huge advantage for the equipment operator. The measurements are made via non-contact sensors, thereby preserving the jobsite surface.
A multiband antenna apparatus for high-precision GNSS positioning is proposed. The multiband antenna apparatus comprises a first antenna configured for reception of GNSS signals in a first multiband of electromagnetic spectrum, a second multiband antenna configured for reception of GNSS signals in a second multiband of electromagnetic spectrum, and an antenna phase reference point configured to represent an integrated electric phase data. The antenna phase reference point is related to a physical reference point of the antenna apparatus.
Novel tools and techniques for creating and implementing three-dimensional guidance paths for use in conjunction with more or one agricultural vehicles operating in an area of operation.
G01S 5/16 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
A01B 69/04 - Special adaptations of automatic tractor steering, e.g. electric system for contour ploughing
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
An integrated sensing device (10) with a suite of sensors assists construction machine operators in finding the correct level to dig a ditch/trench. The sensing device (10) includes a gravity sensor (40) to determine angles, a laser distance meter (LDM) (50), and a laser receiver (20) for detecting a known jobsite elevation. The sensing device is mounted to the dipper stick (208) of an excavator (200); the gravity sensor (40) detects the angle of the stick (208), and the laser receiver (20) detects a laser plane (90) of light that represents a known jobsite elevation. The LDM is aimed at another member of the machine that moves in a predetermined path as the bucket (210) is rotated, and the distance between the LDM and the target member is used to calculate the vertical elevation of the working tool edge (212). A display graphically shows the operator the proper dig depth and the present position of the working tool edge (212).
G01S 1/72 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
