Laser-based dimensional object measurement method and system
OwnerBrian S. Danielinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dimension measuring system includes at least two targets positioned at spaced apart intervals adjacent to an object. A laser-based measuring device is used to measure vectors to the targets and vectors to positions on the object. A processor coupled to the laser-based distance measuring device processes the vectors in order to simultaneously generate dimensions of the object and it's relationship to a baseline reference between the targets. The dimensions and baseline reference can be stored and/or displayed.
Claims24
A dimension measuring system, comprising:
- at least two targets adapted to be positioned at spaced apart intervals adjacent to an object and in proximity to either end thereof;
- a laser-based distance measuring device adapted to be positioned within line-of-sight of said targets and the object for measuring vectors to said targets and for measuring vectors to positions on the object;
- and
- a processor coupled to said laser-based distance measuring device for processing said vectors to said targets to generate a baseline reference defined between said targets and for processing said vectors to positions on the object to generate dimensions of the object in relation to said baseline reference.
A dimension measuring system for measuring a load that is to be transported by railcar on a railroad track, comprising:
- a reflectorless laser-based distance measuring instrument;
- a plurality of target positioners, each of said target positioners including a target, each of said target positioners adapted to be fixed to a railroad track and position said target associated therewith at a fixed horizontal distance from a centerline of the railroad track and a fixed vertical distance above the railroad track;
- said measuring instrument adapted to be positioned within line-of-sight of said targets and a load located approximately between two of said target positioners, said measuring instrument operable to measure vectors to said targets and vectors to positions on the load;
- and
- a processor coupled to said measuring instrument for processing said vectors to said targets to generate a baseline reference defined between two of said targets and for processing said vectors to positions on the load to generate dimensions of the load in relation to said baseline reference.
A dimension measuring system, comprising:
- a reflectorless laser-based distance measuring instrument;
- two targets adapted to be positioned in a spaced apart relation adjacent to an object and in proximity to either end thereof;
- said measuring instrument adapted to be positioned within line-of-sight of said targets and an object located approximately between said targets, said measuring instrument operable to measure vectors to said targets and vectors to positions on the object;
- a processor coupled to said measuring instrument for processing said vectors to said targets to generate a baseline reference defined between said targets and for processing said vectors to positions on the object to generate dimensions of the object in relation to said baseline reference;
- a data storage device coupled to said processor for storing baseline reference and said dimensions;
- a digital camera operable to capture images of the object, said digital camera coupled to said data storage device wherein said images are stored on said data storage device;
- and
- a display coupled to said processor and said data storage device for displaying at least one of said vectors to each of said targets, said vectors to positions on the object, said dimensions of the object in relation to said baseline reference, and said images of the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.