Abstract: Provided are a marker that enables, within a smaller area size, measurement of the position or the attitude of an object, and a marker manufacturing method. The marker is provided with a variable moire pattern 3 that includes a striped pattern 9 which is formed on a two-dimensional plane and a lens array 7 in which a plurality of lenses are arranged on the two-dimensional plane on which the striped pattern 9 is formed.

Abstract: An extendable grade rod receiver includes a plurality of elongate telescoping rods provided with elongate channels along their lateral edges. A receiver receives a reference beam from a remote transmitter includes a carriage movable along the rods and coupled to the receiver for sharing axial movements. The carriage is provided with wheels moveable in directions generally normal to the axis. The wheels are receivable within the elongate channels of all of the rods and are inwardly biased towards the axis to retain the wheels within the channels or grooves of any of the rods as the carriage moves over the steps or discontinuities as it moves from one rod to a next adjacent rod. Visual and machine-readable indicia are provided on the elongate front surfaces of the telescoping rods that can be encoded by a reader module on the receiver. Other mating rolling or sliding profiles can be used.

Abstract: An object is to provide a communication management system that prevents a surveying instrument from being used in an environment exceeding a guaranteed range of specifications. To achieve the above-described object, a communication management system includes a surveying instrument including a survey unit, a temperature sensor, a control unit, and a communication unit, a management server, and a remote terminal, wherein the remote terminal sets a usable temperature of the surveying instrument, sets a determination on the usable temperature and a temperature acquired by the temperature sensor, and an operation responsive to results of the determination, and makes the management server store these, the surveying instrument transmits its own temperature information to the management server, and the management server makes the determination by comparing the usable temperature and a temperature acquired by the temperature sensor, and executes the operation based on results of the determination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a magnetic locator for a GNSS device. The magnetic locator includes a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field adjacent the magnetic locator; a controller coupled to the magnetic field sensor and configured to receive from the magnetic field sensor measurement data based on the magnetic field and calculate sensor data based on the received measurement data; a communication interface coupled to the controller and adaptable to transmit sensor data received from the controller to the GNSS device; a connector adaptable to connect the magnetic locator to a GNSS antenna of the GNSS device; and a housing.

Abstract: A shape display device is disclosed. The shape display device includes a plurality of couplers; and a plurality of rods pivotally connected to the coupler, the rod having a varying length in a lengthwise direction, the rod including: a main frame; a circuit board accommodated in the main frame; a first slider movably mounted on the main frame, the first slider connected to a first coupler among the plurality of couplers; a second slider movably mounted on the main frame, the second slider connected to a second coupler among the plurality of couplers; and a driver installed in the main frame, the driver providing the first and second sliders with a driving force, the driver connected to the circuit board electrically.

Abstract: Exemplary practice of the present invention provides a carriage including a body having a void, a vertical rod passing through the void, four legs arranged rectangularly and projecting obliquely downward and outward from the body, and a vertical coil spring coaxially encompassing a lower portion of the vertical rod. The carriage is coupled with a retroreflective laser target at the bottom of the vertical rod whereby the top of the spring pushes against the bottom of the body and the bottom of the spring pushes against the top of the target. The target continuously adjusts in height so that the bottom of the target remains in constant spring-tension contact with the surface on which the carriage sits or travels, supported by its legs. The carriage is electromechanically propelled, and laser tracking is conducted to direct laser beams at and receive laser retroreflections from the target at various surface locations.

Abstract: A device for positioning a tile, comprising: a beam reader for receiving a laser beam within a predetermined range of locations, and providing a height indication; a level for providing a tilt indication of a tilt of the device; a processor for receiving the height and tilt indications, and combining them for determining gradient and height of a part of the tile; a display component for displaying in at least two dimensions positioning information for the device, the positioning information relating to the gradient and height of the tile part, as obtained by combining the height and tilt indications, wherein the beam being received at a predetermined location within the range of locations, and the level indicating that the device is at a predetermined tilt, provides that the tile being positioned is at a required height, and wherein the device is adapted to be stably placed on the tile.

Abstract: Multiple cameras are used for tool positioning, as-built documentation, and/or personnel monitoring in construction site. A camera unit comprises one or more imaging devices, a processing computer, and a communication device. The camera units are placed at multiple locations in a construction site to cover an area. The camera units are self-positioned by detecting a calibration target that moves within a working volume. The camera units can detect and calculate positions of objects, including measurement sticks, tools, personnel, etc., in the area.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A laser positioning system is described. The laser positioning system provides a positioning and guidance system that is suitable for environments that have external disturbances such as those caused by wind, equipment movement, vibration, and the like. The laser positioning system of the present invention uses at novel laser line beacon positioning system in optical communication with a novel laser line receiver to achieve accurate positioning in environments with external disturbances, something that has previously not been attainable. In some embodiments, a target or series of targets are used to create a reference by which the laser line receiver and an associated moveable assembly such as a robotic arm assembly are able to accurately place building elements such as bricks. Exemplary applications of the laser positioning system include, but are not limited to, accurate positioning of bricks in a wall under construction by a robotic brick laying system.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical connectors and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the optical connector comprises an optical body, one or more first magnetic materials attached to the optical body, a housing, and one or more second magnetic materials attached to the housing. The first magnetic material(s) provide alignment with an optical element of a complimentary receptacle and the optical body may include one or more openings for receiving the first magnetic materials. The second magnetic material(s) attached to the housing provide retention of the optical connector with the complimentary receptacle when mated together. Consequently, the optical connector allows for quick and easy assembly along with a robust structure for a large number of mating/unmating cycles. In other embodiments, the optical devices disclosed may further include one or more electrical contacts for making a hybrid connection or have a TIR surface integrated into a portion of a housing.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a surveying pole comprising: at least two pole sections being telescopically insertable into each other so that a height adjustment of the pole is provided, a pointing tip at the lower end of the pole for setting the pole on a terrain point, a position giving means arranged on the pole, a height measuring system for measuring the height of the position giving means relative to the terrain point, wherein the height measuring system comprises a magneto-strictive wire placed inside of the pole, a magnet interacting with the wire, the positioning of the magnet relative to the wire being linked to the height adjustment of the pole, a sensor circuitry for emitting current pulses through the wire, a signal transducer, and a decoder for evaluating the signals and the current pulses, and therewith deriving the height of the position giving means.

Abstract: A target tracking device transmits a radio frequency beam towards a scene, detects backscatter comprising at least a portion of the RF beam reflected from a reflecting object at the scene, and performs operations that include determining whether the reflecting object is a tracking target, determining a position of the tracking target, and generating tracking information indicative of a position adjustment for maintaining an alignment of the target tracking device and the tracking target. A target tracking method includes transmitting a millimeter wavelength beam in a direction of orientation of a camera, detecting backscatter reflected from a reflecting object, determining whether the reflecting object is a tracking target, and determining a position of the tracking target. If a distance to the tracking target has increased from a prior distance, tracking information indicative of a position adjustment for offsetting the increase in distance may be generated.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for bicycle seat post includes a restriction member connected to the bottom end of the seat post. The restriction member has a disk extending from the outer periphery thereof, and the disk protrudes radially from outer periphery of the bottom end of the seat post. A fastening member is be connected to the top end of the seat tube and the seat post extends through the passage. A first stepped portion and a second stepped portion are respectively defined in the inner periphery of the passage. The first stepped portion is rested on the top end of the seat tube. When the seat post is lifted to its maximum position, the disk of the restriction member is engaged with the second stepped portion so that the seat post cannot be pulled out from the seat tube.

Abstract: A method for operating a construction laser by means of a remote controller, which has an input field, for initiating an action of the construction laser, wherein the remote control unit contains a sensor for determining a change in a parameter of the remote control unit, and the change in the parameter influences the at least one action, wherein the parameter is a parameter from the group comprising position, tilt, and movement of the remote control unit, and the action is an action or one operating mode from the group comprising rotational speed of the laser head, cross-sectional mode, mask mode, scan mode, tilt of the plane spanned by the particularly rotating laser beam, and point mode. To enable easy handling, following activation of the input field, the action is initiated only when the degree of change in the parameter of the remote control unit has reached a threshold value.

Abstract: A fence pipe plumb device having a platform with a bulls-eye spirit level atop the platform, and a magnetic attachment portion for snap to alignment with the fence pipe. The device permits mounting to the fence pipe and dismounting from the fence pipe without disturbing the alignment of the fence pipe, when the fence pipe is resting in wet concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser system (100) comprising a laser receiver (10) and a laser emitter (20) and to a method using this system (100). The laser receiver is designed for locating a laser beam (22) relative to the laser receiver (10) by its laser light photo sensor (1). The laser receiver (10) has an acceleration sensor (4) providing a signal indicating a movement of the laser receiver together with a movement direction and an acceleration of this movement and a circuitry (3) connected to said photo sensor (1) and to the acceleration sensor (4) designed to compute and correlate the signals of photo sensor (1) and acceleration sensor (4) and to weight the information derived from the acceleration sensor (4). Laser receiver and laser emitter of the laser system are both provided with communication means, so that by communicating the weighted information the laser plane can be adjusted and/or re-adjusted in response to a movement of the leaser receiver.

Abstract: A direction detecting apparatus provided at a known position from a lower end of a supporting pole, comprising an image pickup device with an optical axis orthogonal to an axis of the supporting pole and an arithmetic processing part for calculating based on an image from the image pickup device, wherein the image pickup device acquires an image so as to include an object for which a direction is to be detected, wherein the arithmetic processing part calculates and detects a direction and a tilt of the object from a relation between a position of the object in the image and an optical axis of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A laser target sphere is used in conjunction with a laser scanner. The target sphere has an ideal lambertian reflectance appropriate for laser scanning systems facilitating the laser scanner finding the center of the target sphere. The target sphere includes an internal kinematic mount configured to concentrically mount the target sphere to a Spherical Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) providing a same center location of the two spheres. By adapting the target sphere to mount concentrically on the SMR, the laser scanner and target sphere system can use the same points defined for the SMR.

Abstract: A spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) includes a replicated optic, a substrate, and an adhesive. The replicated optic, which includes a cube-corner retroreflector, has a base area smaller than the retroreflector area. The substrate has a partially spherical outer surface and a cavity sized to accept the replicated optic. An adhesive attaches the optic to the substrate.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method for measuring displacements and movements, particularly for measuring very fine displacements and very minute movements. Position, vibration and rotational/angular movements can be measured. One or more directions can be measured simultaneously. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more measuring means at least configured to tune multiple color emissions from a laser comprising an organic laser and/or a cascaded organic laser, such that the tuned multiple color emissions of the laser are used in measurements. The system is scalable in order to support measurement across a very large space. Optionally, the system further comprises a thin film laser generating device for generating said laser, blue and green emission organic semiconductors for generating said organic laser, and laser sensors for sensing said laser where said laser sensors comprise organic laser sensors and/or cascaded organic laser sensors.

Abstract: A survey apparatus includes a guide light emitting optical system emitting a fan-like visible laser light elongated in upward and downward directions as a guide light, a cylindrical part having a scanning optical system searching a corner reflector provided on a survey pole and a ranging optical system measuring a distance to the corner reflector, a driving part rotating the cylindrical part about a vertical axis in a horizontal direction and rotating the cylindrical part about a horizontal axis, and an angle measurement part measuring a direction of the cylindrical part. The guide light emitting optical system is rotated about the vertical axis in a horizontal direction integrally with the cylindrical part.

Abstract: This application relates to an electronic cigarette, comprising a cigarette body, wherein, emitting materials which can emit light in the dark are configured on the cigarette body. The electronic cigarette of the application can fulfill users' need of a quick reach to the electronic cigarette in the dark, thus enormously increasing users' experience.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a closed trajectory curve (10) by laser (12) and a laser light sensor (14) having a flat field of view (16), wherein the method comprises the steps A to E. The invention further relates to an apparatus for determining a closed trajectory curve (10).

Abstract: In a surveying prism comprising a prism housing (12) for accommodating a prism element, which prism housing is pivotably mounted in a bracket about an axis that is oriented parallel to the light ingress surface of the prism element, the bracket is formed as a base comprising a base plate (16) which forms a support surface for the surveying prism (10), and two bearing flanges oriented perpendicular to said base plate, between which bearing flanges the prism housing (12) is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: The invention provides a surveying system, which comprises an electronic level and staff devices belonging to either one of two or more groups, wherein the staff device has staffs with bar codes corresponding to groups, to which a staff belongs, and mobile station devices installed on the staffs, wherein the mobile station device has a mobile station display unit to display working data and a mobile station communication unit for performing wireless communication to and from the electronic level, wherein the electronic level has an image pickup unit for acquiring images within a range of working, a control device for extracting staff images from the images, for identifying as to which group the bar code pattern of the extracted staff image belongs and for determining three-dimensional position of the staff based on the staff image, and a main communication unit for transmitting the three-dimensional position obtained to the mobile station device, and wherein the mobile station device displays the relation bet

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A post stabilization apparatus and method of operation for setting a post within a post hole formed in the ground. The post stabilization apparatus includes one or more braces to support the post, each of said braces having a first end adapted for being driven into the ground; each of the one or more braces having a bracket assembly pivotally secured adjacent to a second end of thereof; and each bracket assembly having a magnet to removably attach the bracket assembly to the post.

Abstract: An electronic level includes a wide-angle lens system having a two-dimensional imaging element configured to form thereon a picture image including an image of a level staff assigned with a code pattern, an extraction part configured to extract the image of the level staff from the picture image, a height-level measurement value calculation part configured to obtain a height-level measurement value indicated by a portion of the code pattern in the image of the level staff extracted by the extraction part, the portion of the code pattern located at a collimation optical axis of the wide-angle lens system, and a calculation part configured to calculate a collimation height from the height-level measurement value.

Abstract: An attachment device 46 is for attaching and removing a distance measuring instrument 3 to and from an angle measuring instrument, and the attachment device comprises a base unit 61 where the distance measuring instrument is fixed, a fixing unit 55 for fixing the base unit on the angle measuring instrument, and an optical member 52 for deflecting a distance measuring light from the distance measuring instrument so as to concur with a sighting optical axis of the angle measuring instrument.

Abstract: A laser readable surveying rod is provided with adjustable lighting elements. More specifically, lighting elements, such as LED lights are provided along a length of a surveying rod such that laser readings may be taken at night or in dark conditions. Lighting elements may be translated along a length of a rod, particularly where it is desirable to illuminate only a portion of a rod and conserve valuable energy.

Abstract: A portable target comprising: (a) a complaint, energy-absorbing backer; (b) a target on a surface of said backer; and (c) a support mechanism for holding said surface of said backer in a vertical position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to a laser tracker for determining the position of an auxiliary measuring instrument that has a retroreflector and a multiplicity of target markings, and also for continuously tracking the auxiliary measuring instrument. The target markings may be arranged in a known fixed spatial distribution on the auxiliary measuring instrument and may be embodied to emit or reflect light beams. The laser tracker may have a first radiation source for producing measurement radiation, a distance measuring module, and a target sensing unit for determining an impingement point for radiation reflected by the retroreflector on a sensor of the target sensing unit and for producing an output signal in order to control a fine targeting functionality and a target tracking functionality.

Abstract: Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site is provided. The layout equipment includes a laser target rod, a self-leveling laser transmitter, and a remote control device. The rod has an elongated rod body including retroreflective material extending substantially the entire length of the body. The laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light, and receives laser light reflected from the rod. The laser transmitter includes a first wireless communication unit, and a transmitter control. The transmitter control is responsive to the first wireless communication unit. The remote control device includes a second wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with to the laser transmitter to cause the laser transmitter to project the beam of laser light toward a position at the construction site, and signals the user of the layout equipment when the rod has been placed at the position.

Abstract: A survey setting point indicating device comprises a prism device 5 and a support member, and in the survey setting point indicating device, said prism device comprises a laser emitting device 16 for emitting a laser beam 17, an omnidirectional prism 9 having a cavity 14 in a center, a mirror 18 which is provided in said cavity, is rotatable about two axes crossing at right angles, and can deflect, in an arbitrary direction, said laser beam emitted from said laser emitting device, and a control unit 19 for controlling a posture or a rotation of said mirror, and said support member supports said prism device, and said laser beam is configured to attach (transfer) a position of a center of said prism device to a required surface.

Abstract: A staff for electronic level comprises a substrate where a short-range barcode 14 is engraved, and in the staff for electronic level, said short-range barcode is a barcode obtained by scaling down a barcode 13 for regular measurement and reversing the monochrome.

Abstract: In a surveying prism comprising a prism housing (12) for accommodating a prism element, which prism housing is pivotably mounted in a bracket about an axis that is oriented parallel to the light ingress surface of the prism element, the bracket is formed as a base comprising a base plate (16) which forms a support surface for the surveying prism (10), and two bearing flanges oriented perpendicular to said base plate, between which bearing flanges the prism housing (12) is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: A laser readable surveying rod is provided with adjustable lighting elements. More specifically, lighting elements, such as LED lights are provided along a length of a surveying rod such that laser readings may be taken at night or in dark conditions. Lighting elements may be translated along a length of a rod, particularly where it is desirable to illuminate only a portion of a rod and conserve valuable energy.

Abstract: In a stake-out marker for staking out buildings and the like with a foot plate (10) and a carrier plate (16) carrying a reflection element (22) the carrier plate (16) can be adjusted relative to the foot plate (10) between a transport position in which the carrier plate (16) lies substantially parallel to the foot plate (10) and a work position in which the carrier plate (16) stands vertically to the foot plate (10). The foot plate (10) has at least one perforation (48, 50, 56) with a first edge (52) running parallel to the carrier plate (16), standing in its work position, in the reference plane (20) of the reflection element (22), and with a second edge lying vertically to the first edge in a plane running vertically to the foot plate (10) through the center of the reflection element (22).

Abstract: Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site, and a method of using the layout equipment, contemplate a laser target rod having an elongated rod body and including retroreflective material on the rod body. The retroreflective material extends substantially the entire length of the rod body, and has scale markings visible thereon. A self-leveling laser transmitter at a known position projects a beam of laser light horizontally, and receives laser light reflected from the laser target rod. A remote control device signals the user of the layout equipment when the rod has been placed at a selected one of the plurality of positions. The layout equipment may also be used to determine relative locations in a previously built structure.

Abstract: This invention is a universal and configurable land surveying and mapping tool. This invention combines several functions into one tool and is unique because of its one tool that provides the ability to perform a plurality of surveying task including metal detection and determining location data (i.e. GPS data).

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in surveying operations are provided. A device is provided for selectively connecting to surveying equipment, such as a surveying pole, and is adapted for accurately adjusting a reference point in at least two axes. The device is adapted to work in conjunction with additional surveying equipment, such as theodolites and transits as well as one or more central processing units for analyzing, storing, and providing data.

Abstract: A civil engineering machine has a machine control unit configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. A geometrical shape to be produced on the ground is preset in either a machine control unit or a field rover control unit. The field rover is used to determine a position of at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system. Curve data defining a desired curve in the independent reference system, corresponding to the preset shape, is determined at least partially on the basis of the position of the at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter top for adapting a drilling with 3D-coordinate measurement technology, which may be placed on drilling adapter with a first housing for a first retroreflector with a first diameter, and the adapter top comprises a second housing for a second retroreflector with a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The invention further relates to a positioning element for adapting a drilling with 3D-coordinate measurement technology by adjusting the relative position of a first standard drilling adapter with a first housing for a first retroreflector with a first diameter and an adapter fitting which is designed such that by combination of the first standard drilling adapter with the positioning element and the adapter fitting a standard drilling adapter with a second housing for a second retroreflector with second diameter can be emulated.

Abstract: A geodetic target for use in geodesy includes a support, a measuring target supported by the support, an identifier supported by the support, and a controller. The identifier includes at least one identification element that is configured to be switchable between at least two optical states and has a first predetermined optical property in one optical state and does not have the first predetermined optical property in a further optical state. The controller is configured to change the state of the at least one identification element. A geodetic measurement instrument includes an identifier detection unit, a measuring unit, and a transmitter configured to address a receiver of the geodetic target and to transmit control commands to the same which effect the change of the optical state of the at least one identification element of the identifier of the geodetic target. A system includes the geodetic measurement instrument and geodetic target.

Abstract: Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site, and a method of using the layout equipment, contemplate a laser target rod having an elongated rod body and including retroreflective material on the rod body. The retroreflective material extends substantially the entire length of the rod body, and has scale markings visible thereon. A self-leveling laser transmitter at a known position projects a beam of laser light horizontally, and receives laser light reflected from the laser target rod. A remote control device signals the user of the layout equipment when the rod has been placed at a selected one of the plurality of positions. The layout equipment may also be used to determine relative locations in a previously built structure.

Abstract: A leveling rod for electronic level for easily expanding a measurable range for long/short distance measurements without inaccuracy even when mixed and used with a conventional level, has a first pattern having a grayscale of predetermined rules for a first distance range measurement, and a second pattern enlarged/reduced with respect to a pattern with the inverted grayscale of the first pattern for a second distance range measurement different from the first distance range. An electronic level includes a height measuring device measuring a collimation point height from an output signal from a line sensor for correspondence to the first pattern, a grayscale inverting device inverting the grayscale of the output signal from the line sensor for correspondence to the second pattern, and a height correcting device correcting the height measured by the height measuring device according to a reduction scale of the second pattern with respect to the first pattern.

Abstract: A targeting viewing device is disclosed that couples a laser pointer to a viewing device such as binoculars or a spotting scope. In one embodiment the laser pointer includes a switch to selectively activate a laser beam to project a spot of light on a distant target so as to identify the target from within a group of potential targets to other observers of the targets. The viewing device may include a spotting scope, monocular, binocular or camera.