Process and device for the automatic location of reference markers

A device for automatically locating the position of a reflective marker, preferably for use in connection with a theodolite, comprising:

• a transmitter having a pulse laser diode to illuminate the marker with electromagnetic radiation in the form of a transmission fan, wherein the transmission fan is movable through an angular range, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is pulse modulated at a pulse rate between 10 and 50 kHz;
• a receiver placed biaxially to the transmitter and having an optical-electronic detector for detecting a signal reflected from the marker, wherein the receiver includes a detector having a fan-shaped detection range, wherein the detector is movable through an angular range;
• time measuring means for determining the running time of the signals reflected from the marker as a measure of the distance of the marker;
• angle measuring means for determining the angular position of the marker from the signals;
• and
• means for storing the angular position and distance of the marker.

A receiving unit for detecting and storing a signal reflected from a marker, comprising:

• an optical-electronic detector for detecting an electromagnetic radiation signal reflected from a marker, wherein the detector has a detection range that is fan shaped in a vertical plane, and wherein the detector is movable through an angular range;
• means for determining the running time of the signal reflected from the marker to measure a distance between the receiving unit and the marker;
• a memory to store the signals received;
• means for associating the received signals to a running time or a distance and storing the associated time or distance and detector angle in a two-dimensional data structure.

A geodetic measuring device, comprising:

• a theodolite or level;
• a transmitter coupled to the theodolite or level and having a pulse laser diode to illuminate a reflective marker with electromagnetic radiation in the form of a transmission fan, wherein the transmission fan is movable through an angular range, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is pulse modulated at a pulse rate between 10 and 50 kHz, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a first carrier wave length;
• a receiver placed biaxially to the transmitter and having an optical-electronic detector for detecting a signal reflected from the marker, wherein the receiver includes a detector having a fan-shaped detection range, wherein the detector is movable through an angular range;
• time measuring means for determining the running time of the signals reflected from the marker as a measure of the distance of the marker;
• angle measuring means for determining a first angular position of the marker from the signals;
• and
• means for storing the first angular position and distance of the marker.