Abstract: A highly precise range measurement instrument is made possible through the use of a novel and efficient precision timing circuit which makes use of the instrument's internal central processing unit crystal oscillator. A multi-point calibration function includes the determination of a "zero" value and a "cal" value through the addition of a known calibrated pulse width thereby providing the origin and scale for determining distance with the constant linear discharge of capacitor.

Abstract: A laser based range finder which may be inexpensively produced yet provides highly accurate precision range measurements has a number of user selectable target acquisition and enhanced precision measurement modes which may viewed on an in-sight display during aiming and operation of the instrument. Extremely efficient self-calibrating precision timing and automatic noise threshold circuits incorporated in the design provide a compact, low-cost, highly accurate and reliable ranging instrument for a multitude of uses and is adaptable for both recreational and laser based "tape measure" applications.

Abstract: A device, and an associated method, for determining separation distances separating motor vehicles travelling along a roadway. A separation distance separating the motor vehicles is calculated responsive to targeting the vehicles with a laser range finder and determining the speeds of the vehicles. From this information, the separation distances separating the motor vehicles can be calculated. If the separation distance separating the motor vehicles is less than a minimum distance, then the calculated separation distance can be utilized by traffic enforcement officials to take appropriate enforcement actions.

Abstract: An automatic noise threshold circuit and method automatically sets an operating threshold for a signal receiving section of a laser pulse transmitting device such that a constant noise pulse firing rate is output from a detector to provide maximum return signal sensitivity and enable detection of the weakest possible laser pulse in order to obtain maximum performance out of a laser range finder. The circuit sets the noise pulse rate at that point at which, in conjunction with a firmware based process, the actual return signals from the target can be discrimintated from the accompanying noise.

Abstract: A highly precise range measurement instrument is made possible through the use of a novel and efficient precision timing circuit which makes use of the instrument's internal central processing unit crystal oscillator. A multi-point calibration function includes the determination of a "zero" value and a "cal" value through the addition of a known calibrated pulse width thereby providing the origin and scale for determining distance with the constant linear discharge of capacitor.

Abstract: A system including a laser survey instrument for determining positional data of a selected target. The laser survey instrument generates optical pulses which are transmitted to and reflected from the selected target back to the survey instrument. The survey instrument determines the range to the selected target responsive to the transmission and reflection of the optical pulses. The survey instrument also determines horizontal and vertical angles between the survey instrument and the selected target. Values of the range and the horizontal and vertical angles form positional data. Once determined, the positional data is modulated upon the optical pulses to form an optical signal which is transmitted to a remote site.

Abstract: A laser speed detector is described which includes a laser rangefinder which determines the time-of-flight of an infrared laser pulse to a target and a microprocessor-based microcontroller. The device is small enough to be easily hand-held, and includes a trigger and a sighting scope for a user to visually select a target and to trigger operation of the device upon the selected target. The laser rangefinder includes self-calibrating interpolation circuitry, a digital logic-operated gate for reflected laser pulses in which both the "opening" and the "closing" of the gate can be selectably set by the microcontroller, and dual collimation of the outgoing laser pulse such that a minor portion of the outgoing laser pulse is sent to means for producing a timing reference signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a range finding instrument to a theodolite telescope incorporates the necessary geometry to enable a linear spring assembly to be able to accurately balance the mass of the range finder and theodolite combination rotating in a vertical plane about a pivot point defining a first axis. In a particular embodiment of the mounting system, two compression springs are mounted in a single straight spring tube which is attached to the range finder but is allowed to rotate about a second axis. The resultant geometry of the arrangement provides a substantially exact balance for the weight of the range finder irrespective of the vertical angle of the theodolite telescope.

Abstract: A laser speed detector is described which includes a laser rangefinder which determines the time-of-flight of an infrared laser pulse to a target and a microprocessor-based microcontroller. The device is small enough to be easily hand-held, and includes a trigger and a sighting scope for a user to visually select a target and to trigger operation of the device upon the selected target. The laser rangefinder includes self-calibrating interpolation circuitry, a digital logic-operated gate for reflected laser pulses in which both the "opening" and the "closing" of the gate can be selectably set by the microcontroller, and dual collimation of the outgoing laser pulse such that a minor portion of the outgoing laser pulse is sent to means for producing a timing reference signal.

Abstract: A laser survey instrument is described which includes a laser rangefinder which determines the time-of-flight of an infrared laser pulse to a target, a magnetic compass module which produces an electronically readable compass signal, a vertical angle sensor module which produces an electronically readable inclination signal, and a microprocessor-based microcontroller. The device is small enough to be easily hand-held, and includes a trigger and a sighting scope for a user to visually select a target and to trigger operation of the device upon the selected target. The sighting scope preferably has means for measuring the apparent width of the target.