Distance measuring method and means
AssigneeAfgen (Proprietary) Limited
InventorNigel I. Anderson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In the method, relatively inclined beams of light are projected towards the target from spaced locations at the station from which the distance to the target is to be measured. The locations are moved relative to one another along a linear path to bring the illuminated zones on the object together. The spacing of the locations then gives an indication of the distance sought to be measured. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.
Claims18
A method of determining the distance of an object from a station, the method including the following steps:
- (a) projecting relatively inclined beams of visible laser light from spaced locations at the station towards the object so as to illuminate a first and a second zone on the object;
- (b) fanning one of the beams of visible laser light such that the first zone appears as an illuminated spot while the second zone appears as an illuminated line;
- (c) while maintaining the relative inclination between the beams of light, moving the locations relative to one another along a linear path so as to bring the first and second illuminated zones into coincidence with one another;
- and
- (d) deriving the distance of the object from the station from the spacing along the linear path between the locations when the first and second zones are coincident with one another.
An apparatus for determining the distance of an object from a station, the apparatus including:
- (a) means at the station for projecting relatively inclined beams of visible laser light from spaced locations at the station towards the object so as to illuminate a first and a second zone on object;
- (b) means at the station for moving the locations relative to one another along a linear path so as to bring the first and second zones into coincidence with one another;
- (c) means enabling the distance of the object from the station to be derived from the spacing of the locations along the linear path when the zones are coincidence;
- and
- (d) means at the station for fanning out one of the beams of laser light such that the first zone appears as an illuminated spot while the second zone appears as an illuminated line.
An apparatus for determining the distance of an object from a station, the apparatus including:
- (a) means for projecting relatively inclined beams of visible laser light from spaced locations at the station towards the object so as to illuminate a first and a second zone on the object;
- (b) means at the station for fanning one of the beams of laser light such that the first zone appears as an illuminated spot while the second zone appears as an illuminated line;
- (c) means at the station for moving the locations relative to one another along a linear path so as to bring the dot and line into coincidence with one another;
- and
- (d) means enabling the distance of the object from the station to be derived from the spacing of the locations along the linear path when the dot and line are coincident.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.