Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for distance measurement using laser pulses in which at least one of an attenuation function and an offset of the attenuation function relative to the send pulse is variable to accommodate differing measurement needs. In some embodiments, at least one of an attenuation function and an offset of the attenuation function is fixed relative to the send pulse for some number of measurement cycles and information derived from the result is used to modify either or both of the attenuation function and offset of the attenuation function relative to the send pulse for subsequent measurement.

Abstract: A method for a measuring instrument is disclosed, for separating the angular deviation of a rotational axis of an instrument body from a corresponding true rotational axis due to imperfections in at least one rolling-element bearing effectuating the rotational mounting of the instrument body into different parts corresponding to type of imperfection. The method comprises detecting rotary position of the at least one rolling-element bearing, and determining angular deviation of the rotational axis from the corresponding true rotational axis in a plurality of rotational positions of the instrument body, wherein the instrument body is rotated a plurality of successive full or partial revolutions about the rotational axis. There is also disclosed a measuring system and a measuring instrument to be used in such a measuring system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calibrating a geodetic instrument, an instrument and a computer program product thereof. In the method and geodetic instrument of the present invention, a value of at least one parameter affecting the measurements made by the instrument is detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. On the basis of the comparison between the detected value and the predetermined threshold, the instrument aims at a reference target and a calibration is performed using the reference target. The present invention is advantageous in that the accuracy and reliability of the measurements performed by the instrument are increased. Further, the present invention is advantageous in that the requirements on mechanical stability are reduced.

Abstract: A method for determining, in relation to a surveying instrument, target coordinates of a point of interest, or target, identified in two images captured by a camera in the surveying instrument. The method comprises determining coordinates of the surveying instrument, capturing a first image using the camera in the first camera position; identifying, in the first image, an object point associated with the target; measuring first image coordinates of the object point in the first image; rotating the surveying instrument around the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in order to position the camera in a second camera position; capturing a second image using the camera in the second camera position; identifying, in the second image, the object point identified in the first image; measuring second image coordinates of the object point in the second image; and determining the coordinates of the target in relation to the surveying instrument.

Abstract: A tracker unit for a measuring instrument and a method for operating a tracker unit are disclosed, to distinguish a specific target, such as at least one retroreflector, from other reflective objects in the vicinity of the measuring instrument. The tracker unit includes a plurality of photosensors and first and second optical radiation sources. Each photosensor adapted to generate at least one first set of signals during a period when the first optical radiation source is activated and the second optical radiation source is deactivated, and generate at least one second set of signals during a period when the second optical radiation source is activated and the first optical radiation source is deactivated. On basis of comparison between information extracted on basis of the first set of signals and the second set of signals, respectively, at least one specific target is distinguished from other reflective objects.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method for driving a laser diode such as to enable mitigation or elimination of so called spiking effects related to the number of injected carriers in the laser overshooting the equilibrium value at the beginning of the lasing process. In this manner, among other things, the efficiency of a master oscillator power amplifier that may be utilized in range finding applications will be improved. It is further disclosed an optical pulse transmitter comprising such a laser diode.

Abstract: An optical device is disclosed that may be employed in distance measuring devices. In at least one embodiment, the optical device includes a control unit that is adapted to cause at least one control signal generator unit to generate at least one control signal according to a predetermined temporal function on the basis of an elapsed time from a predetermined point in time. On the basis of the generated at least one control signal, at least one parameter of a receiver unit may be adjusted during the travel time of the optical pulse, wherein the at least one parameter affects the dynamic range of the receiver unit. In this way, the dynamic range of the receiver unit may be increased. A method is further disclosed for operating such an optical device, along with a distance measuring device including such an optical device and a surveying instrument including such a distance measuring device.

Abstract: An optical device is disclosed that may be employed in distance measuring devices. In at least one embodiment, the optical device includes a control unit that is adapted to cause at least one control signal generator unit to generate at least one control signal according to a predetermined temporal function on the basis of an elapsed time from a predetermined point in time. On the basis of the generated at least one control signal, at least one parameter of a receiver unit may be adjusted during the travel time of the optical pulse, wherein the at least one parameter affects the dynamic range of the receiver unit. In this way, the dynamic range of the receiver unit may be increased. A method is further disclosed for operating such an optical device, along with a distance measuring device including such an optical device and a surveying instrument including such a distance measuring device.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method for driving a laser diode such as to enable mitigation or elimination of so called spiking effects related to the number of injected carriers in the laser overshooting the equilibrium value at the beginning of the lasing process. In this manner, among other things, the efficiency of a master oscillator power amplifier that may be utilized in range finding applications will be improved. It is further disclosed an optical pulse transmitter comprising such a laser diode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for localizing a surveying instrument having a housing including at least one camera in relation to a mark located at a ground level. The method comprises the steps of capturing a first image of the ground below the housing in a first camera position and orientation, wherein the first camera position is eccentric to a vertical rotational axis of the surveying instrument, identifying an object point corresponding to the mark in the first image, measuring first image coordinates of the object point in the first image. The method further comprises the steps of capturing a second image of the ground below the housing in a second camera position and orientation, identifying in the second image, an object point corresponding to the mark, and measuring second image coordinates of the object point in the second image.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining coordinates of a target in relation to a surveying instrument wherein a first image is captured using a camera in a first camera position and orientation, a target is selected by identifying an object point in the first image, and first image coordinates of the object point in the first image are measured. The surveying instrument is then rotated around the rotation center so that the camera is moved from the first camera position and orientation to a second camera position and orientation, while retaining the rotation center of the surveying instrument in a fixed position. A second image is captured using the camera in the second camera position and orientation, the object point identified in the first image is identified in the second image, and second image coordinates of the object point in the second image are measured.

Abstract: A winding for an n-phase electric motor is disclosed. The inventive winding comprises a number of consecutive winding groups of n individual windings, wherein at any point in time an individual winding of a first group exhibits one direction of current flow and wherein at the same point in time a corresponding individual winding of an adjacent group exhibits the opposite direction of current flow. There is also disclosed a method for preparing such winding. It is further disclosed a magnetic unit adapted for such winding, comprising permanent magnets being essentially triangular in cross-section. Further, there is disclosed electric motors using the inventive winding concept, as well as geodetic instruments taking advantage thereof. An electric motor according to the disclosed inventive concept is particularly well suited for direct drive.

Abstract: A method for determining position and orientation of a first measuring instrument is disclosed. A second MI and at least one reflective target including a retroreflector unit are arranged in the vicinity of the first MI. At least one imaging module is arranged in the first MI for determining orientation thereof. The at least one imaging module in the first MI can be used in a similar manner as a tracker unit of an optical total station, by way of detecting optical radiation emitted from the second MI and reflected by the at least one TGT.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing vehicles including construction machines and work vessels at a work site including construction work sites and naval work sites with real time position data from survey units located at the construction work site. In particular, a method according to the present invention includes the steps of accessing a network list identifying vehicles within the site; identifying, by using the network list, a vehicle requiring position data; and initiating a radio communication session with an identified vehicle during which the vehicle is provided with real time position data.

Abstract: A distance measuring measurement instrument and a method for such a station for scanning a surface or volume of an object are disclosed. The measurement instrument includes a position calculating circuit adapted to calculate position data including at least horizontal and vertical angle and distance between the measurement instrument and the object. A plurality of points in each of a number of subsets of a scanning area of the object during a measurement session and, at detection of a new point in the new subset, information related to at least one point having a corresponding location in at least one preceding subset is used, wherein the preceding subset being adjacent to the new subset.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for localizing, in relation to a mark located at a ground level, a surveying instrument having a housing including at least one camera. In at least one embodiment, the method includes aligning the vertical rotational axis of the surveying instrument with the mark using a pointing device; capturing an image of the ground below the housing with the camera arranged in a known camera position and orientation, wherein the camera position is eccentric to the rotation center of the surveying instrument; identifying an object point corresponding to the mark in the captured image; measuring image coordinates of the object point in the captured image; and determining the height of the rotation center of said instrument above the ground based on the image coordinates and camera calibration data. Furthermore, a surveying instrument for performing at least one embodiment of the method is disclosed.

Abstract: A tracker unit for a measuring instrument and a method for operating a tracker unit are disclosed, to distinguish a specific target, such as at least one retroreflector, from other reflective objects in the vicinity of the measuring instrument. The tracker unit includes a plurality of photosensors and first and second optical radiation sources. Each photosensor adapted to generate at least one first set of signals during a period when the first optical radiation source is activated and the second optical radiation source is deactivated, and generate at least one second set of signals during a period when the second optical radiation source is activated and the first optical radiation source is deactivated. On basis of comparison between information extracted on basis of the first set of signals and the second set of signals, respectively, at least one specific target is distinguished from other reflective objects.

Abstract: A method for a measuring instrument is disclosed, for separating the angular deviation of a rotational axis of an instrument body from a corresponding true rotational axis due to imperfections in at least one rolling-element bearing effectuating the rotational mounting of the instrument body into different parts corresponding to type of imperfection. The method comprises detecting rotary position of the at least one rolling-element bearing, and determining angular deviation of the rotational axis from the corresponding true rotational axis in a plurality of rotational positions of the instrument body, wherein the instrument body is rotated a plurality of successive full or partial revolutions about the rotational axis. There is also disclosed a measuring system and a measuring instrument to be used in such a measuring system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring instrument and methods for such a measuring instrument for tracking a moving object, measuring a distance to an object. According to the invention, sets of target position data including at least horizontal (Ha) and vertical angle (Va) between the measuring instrument (1) and said at least one target (9) in consecutive measurements during a measurement session are obtained (40; 50; 60; 70); a model describing a path of and/or a distance to the target (9) is calculated; at least a present position of the target is estimated (44; 53; 65; 74) using the model; and, the estimated position of the target (9) is used (45; 56; 67; 79) when searching for the target (9).

Abstract: A position-determining apparatus, such as measuring or surveying instruments, is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tilt sensor for a measuring instrument including a movable housing that is controllably rotatable around a rotational axis, wherein the rotational axis may be positioned so that it deviates from a true vertical axis being parallel with a gravitational axis. In at least one embodiment, the tilt sensor includes a gravity sensitive gradient indicating element arranged such that a surface of the element is positioned orthogonally to the true vertical axis during movements of the measuring instrument, wherein the gravity sensitive gradient indicating element is arranged in connection to the non-rotating base; and a detecting device adapted to produce at least one detecting signal and to receive at least one response signal, wherein a deviation between the rotational axis and the true vertical axis is detectable using the at least one response signal.