Laser Level System with Automatic Detector Alignment
AssigneeMilwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
InventorsDennis Y. Wong, Gareth J. Mueckl
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Abstract
Various laser level systems that provide for automatic alignment between a laser level and a detector are shown. In one example, a laser level system processes a detected laser to determine an orientation of a detector with respect to the laser level. In another example, a laser level system processes a detected laser to determine a distance between the laser and the detector.
Claims64
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A laser level light detection system configured to detect laser light from a laser level, the detection system comprising:
- only a single photodiode, the single photodiode arranged to receive laser light from a laser level, and further configured to generate an electrical output in response to the laser light;
- a Fresnel lens arranged in spaced relation to the single photodiode so as to direct laser light onto the single photodiode;
- a multistage amplifier arranged to amplify an output of the single photodiode, the multistage amplifier having at least three outputs each with a different gain;
- and
- a microcontroller unit configured to receive outputs from the multistage amplifier, and further configured to choose a single output from among the at least three levels of gain.
A method of operating a laser level light detection system, the method comprising:
- providing a photodiode, and arranging the photodiode to receive laser light from a laser level, the photodiode configured to generate an electrical output in response to the laser light;
- applying a reverse bias voltage to the photodiode;
- amplifying an output of the photodiode, wherein amplifying the output of the photodiode comprises simultaneously providing more than one amplified output, wherein each of the more than one amplified outputs has a different level of amplification;
- determining a distance between the photodiode and a laser light source;
- and
- adjusting the reverse bias voltage to improve a signal-to-noise ratio for the amplified output of the photodiode.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.