Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a laser level system. The laser level system includes a mount, a laser secured to the mount and a remove input device. The mount includes a rotating portion to which the laser level is secured. The remote input device controls rotation of the rotating portion. The laser level is secured to the rotating portion of the mount such that when the rotating portion rotates, the laser level rotates concurrently along with the rotating portion of the mount.

Abstract: A surveying pole system comprising a surveying pole including two telescopic sections for providing length adjustability. At a first end of the surveying pole, a pointing tip is disposed for positioning on a target point of the environment. At a second end, a length reference point is disposed. The surveying pole also includes a locking mechanism for locking the length adjustability in respective lock-in positions. Each of the lock-in positions provides a corresponding distance between the pointing tip and the length reference point. A plurality of coded identifiers have a predetermined code associated with one of the lock-in positions. The surveying pole also includes a coded-identifier reader for reading the code of a respective coded identifier associated with the respective lock-in position, a communication device configured for transmitting a signal to a surveying instrument, wherein the signal is based at least on the read code.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a laser level. includes arranging the laser level and a detector on a same horizontal plane to cause the laser level to be at a detected position, setting the laser level to be in a dot-sweep mode or a fan-sweep mode, when the detector detects the first laser beam for calibration emitted by the laser level, generating first position information by the detector, when the laser level rotates to a first rotation angle, rotating a laser projection direction of the laser level relative to the laser level along the opposite direction by a first rotation angle to cause the detector to detect the second laser beam for calibration emitted by the laser level to generate second position information, and determining whether the laser level needs to be calibrated based on the first position information and the second position information.

Abstract: A laser measuring system including first and second laser base stations and a laser receiver is provided. The laser receiver detects a first laser signal from the first laser base station. Location information associated with the first laser base station is extracted from the detected first laser signal. The laser receiver detects a second laser signal from the second laser base station. Location information associated with the second laser base station is extracted from the detected second laser signal. A position of the laser receiver is determined based on the extracted location information associated with the first laser base station and the extracted location information associated with the second laser base station.

Abstract: At least a portion of a first target design topography is positioned below an actual topography. At least a portion of a second target design topography is positioned below the actual topography and is inclined with respect to the first target design topography. A controller generates a command signal to operate a work implement according to the first target design topography in an area where the first target design topography is positioned above the second target design topography. The controller generates a command signal to operate the work implement according to the second target design topography in an area where the second target design topography is positioned above the first target design topography.

Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a controller. The controller acquires actual topography data indicating an actual topography to be worked. The controller determines a target design topography indicating a target trajectory of a work implement of the work vehicle based on the actual topography. The controller acquires an uneven surface parameter indicating the degree of surface unevenness of the actual topography. The controller changes the target design topography according to the uneven surface parameter.

Abstract: A movable accessory for an automatic point layout system includes a laser receiver, target screen, and an array of LEDs. A laser controller aims a vertical laser light plane toward any desired point on the jobsite. The user moves the accessory into the laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that laser light impact and illuminates a corresponding LED. The illuminated LED indicates the desired point of interest on the jobsite floor for the user to mark. An electronic distance measuring instrument (an LDM) aims along the same laser plane, and the target screen reflects the LDM signal to provide a distance reading, which is sent to a remote controller operated by the user. Alternatively, the LED array indicates where the laser plane strikes the photosensor, allowing the user to quickly move the accessory to the null position of the photosensor.

Abstract: A movable accessory for an automatic point layout system includes a laser receiver and an array of LEDs. Two laser controllers aim vertical laser light planes toward any desired point on the jobsite. The user moves the accessory into a first laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that laser light impact and illuminates a corresponding LED in a first color. The user then moves the accessory into a second laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that impact and illuminates a corresponding LED in a second, different color. The user then moves the accessory until the two LED colors intersect. When the intersect occurs, the accessory's electronic controller translates these impacts and illuminates a corresponding LED in a third, different color.

Abstract: The invention provides a rover, which comprises a pole of which lower end indicates a point to be measured, a measurement auxiliary apparatus provided at a predetermined position of the pole, a direction detecting device integrally provided with the measurement auxiliary apparatus and for detecting a direction of the measurement auxiliary apparatus, and an object to be measured provided at a known distance from the lower end of the pole, wherein the measurement auxiliary apparatus comprises a horizontal detecting unit which is supported so as to be rotatable around two shafts orthogonal to each other and detects the tilts in two axial directions, motors provided so as to rotate the shafts, encoders provided respectively on the shafts, and an arithmetic processing component for controlling the motors in such a manner that the horizontal detecting unit becomes horizontal based on a detection result from the horizontal detecting unit, wherein the encoders are configured to detect a rotation amount of each shaft

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 receptacle at an upper end of the pole for mounting a position giving means, a height measuring system for indicating the distance of the position giving means relative to the terrain point.

Abstract: A survey device may include a shaft portion having a longitudinal axis, a prism having a center point and being arranged near the top of the shaft portion and offset laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion, and a laser having a laser emission point in general alignment along the shaft portion with the center point of the prism.

Abstract: A method of determining an elevation of a point relative to a leveling instrument includes sending a first signal from a controller to the leveling instrument using a wireless link. The first signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically align an alignment unit of the leveling instrument with a reference target of a leveling staff. The method also includes receiving a second signal at the controller using the wireless link. The second signal is sent from the leveling instrument and indicates that the alignment unit is aligned with the reference target. The method also includes sending a third signal from the controller to the leveling instrument using the wireless link. The third signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically determine the elevation of the point relative to the leveling instrument.

Abstract: A prism pole has a tubular housing having an open top, a flange at the open top, a bottom portion for contacting ground soil, a height-adjustable rod insertable into the tubular housing with an outer diameter less than inner diameter of the tubular housing to provide a slidable friction fit therebetween for positioning the height-adjustable rod with respect to the tubular housing, a lip at the top of the rod, a laser sensor mounted on the tubular housing for emitting a laser toward the lip to measure distance between the laser sensor and the lip, an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the laser sensor for receiving height measurements and providing height reference data corresponding to the height measurements, an electronic display in electrical communication with the electronic control unit for receiving the height reference data and displaying the height reference data, an audio device in electrical communication with the electronic control unit for emitting an alarm in response to rec

Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying system, which comprises a surveying device 1 provided with a function for tracking a target 13, and a remote control device 16 for remotely controlling the surveying device on a target side, said surveying device comprises a measuring unit 21, an image pickup unit 23, a first radio unit 33, and a first control arithmetic unit 29, said remote control device comprises a second radio unit 37, a second control arithmetic unit 35, a second display unit 18 and a second operation input unit 20, said first control arithmetic unit transmits measurement data of the measuring unit to the remote control device via the first radio unit when a detection result is within the tracking range based on the detection result of a reflection light from the target, and transmits an image data taken by the image pickup unit via the first radio unit when the detection result is out of the tracking range, said second control arithmetic unit receives the measurement data and the image data via

Abstract: A prism pole has a tubular housing having an open top, a flange at the open top, a bottom portion for contacting ground soil, a height-adjustable rod insertable into the tubular housing with an outer diameter less than inner diameter of the tubular housing to provide a slidable friction fit therebetween for positioning the height-adjustable rod with respect to the tubular housing, a lip at the top of the rod, a laser sensor mounted on the tubular housing for emitting a laser toward the lip to measure distance between the laser sensor and the lip, an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the laser sensor for receiving height measurements and providing height reference data corresponding to the height measurements, an electronic display in electrical communication with the electronic control unit for receiving the height reference data and displaying the height reference data, an audio device in electrical communication with the electronic control unit for emitting an alarm in response to rec

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of grade rods, grade-rod readers, and combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, a grade rod is provided that has a reference surface extending along at least a portion of the rod. The reference surface includes two or more reference indicators spaced at substantially even intervals from one another. A reader unit is mounted to the rod (for example, slidably mounted). The reader unit includes one or more sensors positioned proximate to at least a portion of the reference surface of the rod. The sensors of this embodiment are configured to detect the motion of at least one of the two or more reference indicators relative to the sensors as the reader unit is moved along the reference surface. Other grade rod and grade-rod reader embodiments, as well as methods for using such embodiments, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A direct reading prism pole has a tubular housing having an open top, a flange at the open top, a conical bottom portion for wedging the tubular housing into ground soil, a height-adjusting rod partially inserted into the tubular housing by a friction fit, a lip positioned at the top of height-adjustable rod, a laser sensor mounted to the outer surface of the tubular housing for emitting a laser toward the lip to take height measurements of the distance between the laser sensor and the lip, an electronic control unit for receiving the height measurements and providing height reference data, an electronic display for displaying the height reference data, an audio device for emitting an alarm indicating movement of the height-adjusting rod with respect to the tubular housing, and an output device for sending the height reference data to a data collection device.

Abstract: A distance interpolator incorporated into a total station and a method for digitally interpolating a distance measurement from the total station to a target, such that the distance interpolator measures the distance from the total station to the target using primarily digital electronics and statistical analysis. In one embodiment, the total station transmits an energy pulse from the electronic distance measuring portion of the total station, with the energy pulse directed at the target. This embodiment then receives at the electronic distance measuring portion the energy pulse reflected from the target. This embodiment also contains a reference oscillator and digital counter, which counts the number of reference oscillator clock pulses that elapse from the time the energy pulse is transmitted to the time the reflection of the energy pulse is received.

Abstract: A leveling rod for an electronic level has a plurality of bar-shaped marks disposed adjacent each other in a longitudinal direction along the leveling rod in parallel with each other and perpendicular to a length of the leveling rod. The marks are arranged at a constant pitch. The width dimensions of the marks in the longitudinal direction of the leveling rod are represented by a plurality of integers. A permutation of predetermined number of values chosen from a sequence of numbers made up of a sequential array of the ratios of the width dimensions is arranged to be different from a permutation chosen from any other portion of the sequence of numbers.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for use with a computerized grade rod comprising a housing containing a tunnel adapted to receive the grade rod and having the grade rod extend therethrough. A sensing wheel is mounted on the housing and tangentially engages the outer surface of the grade rod and rotates as the housing ascends and descends the grade rod. A brake assembly is carried by the housing in a predetermined longitudinal position with respect to the grade rod. The brake assembly includes first and second spaced apart brake shoes spaced apart longitudinally of the grade rod. A mounting plate is carried by the housing. First and second arms carry respectively the first and the second brake shoes. Each of the said brake shoes has a center point. First and second spaced apart pivot pins are provided for pivotally mounting the first and second arms. The first and second pivot pins are positioned off center with respect to the center points of the first and second brake shoes.

Abstract: As equipment has a transducer (G) that receives signals from a number of objects with unknown positions and senses the directions from the transducer to the objects. The directions of the sight lines to the objects are sensed in at least two separate transducer locations. The transducer signals are supplied to calculator (CU) which calculates the positions of the objects.

Abstract: A device and method for marking a location with a marker stake. An elongate wire-like rod is partially inserted in the ground at a location to be marked, and the rod is received in a pre-sized panel having a pair of flag faces and an open-ended longitudinal channel, the channel being dimensioned to receive the rod in friction fit. The flag faces are separated by a plurality of spacers in generally parallel orientation to each other, with the spacers defining the plurality of channels, and the panel has two longitudinal ends each having a sighting notch. While inserting the rod into the ground, the panel may be disposed at the ground to serve as a guide to retain the rod against deflection. Two or more panels and rods may be joined together to produce a larger marker stake, and the panels may be oriented at right angles to each other to give the marker stake a greater three-dimensional profile.

Abstract: A leveling pole which includes a scale visibly provided on a front surface of the leveling pole and at least two colored divisions formed on the front surface of the leveling pole. A border between two adjacent colored divisions of the at least two colored divisions extends in a longitudinal direction of the leveling pole. One of the two adjacent colored divisions and the other of the two adjacent colored divisions are painted a first color and a second color, respectively. A brightness of the first color is different from a brightness of the second color.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a direction for adjusting its height to its appropriate height includes a plurality of light sources, a light receiving portion, and a control unit. The light sources are arranged in the form of a matrix in a display portion of the apparatus and displays the direction as a moving shape by emitting light in turn. The light receiving portion receives an incident beam and outputs a signal corresponding to a height of the incident beam. The control unit controls the light emission of the light sources in accordance with the signal so as to move the shape downward or upward to indicate the appropriate height. The control unit controls the light emission of the light sources so that at least one light source of a group of the light sources is lighted after a predetermined time, shorter than a time during which a human eye can keep an afterimage, after other members of the group were lighted.

Abstract: An elevation measurement instrument including a support ruler, an optical instrument and a bracket pivotally coupling the optical instrument to the support ruler. The optical instrument includes a first ocular mount having a telescope with a horizontal crosshair and a second ocular mount having a horizontal alignment level device. The bracket couples the optical instrument to the ruler along a horizontally balanced axis. The bracket includes a position indicator colinearly aligned with the horizontal crosshair.

Abstract: Scalable measuring apparatus for use by an operator with a laser beam from a laser-level transmitter comprising a vertically disposed grade pole having lower and upper extremities. A laser-level receiver is provided for detecting the laser level beam. A controller is mounted on the grade pole and carryies the laser-level receiver. At least a portion of the controller is being capable of ascending and descending the grade pole. An indicator is electrically coupled to the laser-level receiver for giving a response perceptible to the operator when the laser beam is detected by the laser-level receiver. The controller has a brake for retaining the controller at a predetermined elevation with respect to said grade pole. The controller is capable of ascending and descending the grade pole which is free of markings.

Abstract: Scalable measuring apparatus for use by an operator with a laser beam from a laser-level transmitter comprising a vertically disposed grade pole having lower and upper extremities. A laser-level receiver is provided for detecting the laser level beam. A controller is mounted on the grade pole and carries the laser-level receiver. At least a portion of the controller is capable of ascending and descending the grade pole. An indicator is electrically coupled to the laser-level receiver for giving a response perceptible to the operator when the laser beam is detected by the laser-level receiver. The controller has a brake for retaining the controller at a predetermined elevation with respect to the grade pole. The controller is capable of ascending and descending the grade pole which is free of markings.

Abstract: An electronic survey stadia to ascertain distance and elevation data from a rotary laser beam(s) in relation to known points. To ascertain elevation data stadia is in perpendicular position in relation to rotary laser beam plane. When beam impinges upon stadia, a measurement is taken by evaluation circuit, processed by an algorithm, then stored in memory and output to display device for use. To ascertain distance measurements, stadia is placed parallel in rotary laser beam(s) plane. The stadia self calibrates by counting rotational speed of laser beam. Once RPM and direction are established, stadia then measures time of laser beam to cover a known distance within stadia. This value is then used in an algorithm to produce distance measurements, thus producing distance and elevation data to memory and display.

Abstract: An arrangement for one-man surveying, including a measuring station (1) and a target unit (2). A sighting-marker arrangement is provided which can be indicated by an indicator arrangement (7) on the measuring station. The measuring station (1) automatically takes a target seeking mode when the indicator arrangement (7) does not indicate the sighting-marker arrangement and a target following mode, when the indicator arrangement indicates the sighting-marker arrangement. The sighting-marker arrangement includes a combination of a first and a second sighting-marker unit. The first unit has a light source (8) on the target unit (2). The second unit has a light source (9) on the measuring station (1) and a reflector (11) on the target unit (2).

Abstract: A device for defining a plane to determine relative elevations comprising in combination a stationary housing (7) having an aperture (8) and locating a pair of vertical reflecting surfaces (6) at right angles to each other which may be a pair of mirrors (5) or a right angle prism (32) and a levelling rod or staff (14) adapted to be positioned at a vewing distance from the housing (7) and incorporating a light source (12) and an eyepiece (15) whereby an observer at the location of the levelling rod (14) can move the light source (12) up and down the levelling rod (14) until a reflection of the light from the light source (12) is seen in the pair of reflecting sufaces (6). A reading can then be taken on the levelling rod (14) at a point midway between the eyepiece (15) and the light source (12) which defines a horizontal line from the reflecting surfaces (6).

Abstract: This laser beam detector system may comprise an array of photodetectors usable in conjunction with a laser employed to define an elevation or grade. The detector array is utilized on an elongate device having a plurality of faces, with a plurality of detectors disposed in a consistently spaced arrangement on each of the faces. The detectors of each face have a field of view different from the field of view of the detectors of the other faces, and each detector on each face of the array is disposed at the same height as a corresponding detector on each of the other faces. Importantly, each group of detectors at the same height are electrically interconnected into a co-functioning group. Our novel arrangement is such that a laser beam incident on any detector of a co-functioning group is detected, with the position of the detector upon which the beam impinged being identified, and a readout indicative of that detector then provided.

Abstract: An equipment for measuring difference in elevation employing a leveling pole and a level is disclosed. The leveling pole comprises divisions of coded marks each indicating height at a unit interval. The level comprises a telescope and an image sensor. The output signal of the sensor is decoded for display of digital height value. A plate glass is provided in front of an object lens for vertical compensation of an optical axis of the telescope. An inclination angle of the plate glass required for compensation is used for interpolation between two adjacent coded marks.

Abstract: A position sensing apparatus and method useful for surveying, marking, and grading implement sensing and control is disclosed. The position sensing apparatus includes two laser reference stations, each of which projects a laser beam that periodically sweeps in a plane across the area to be surveyed. Each time a laser beam strikes the opposite reference station, a radio timing signal is broadcast by that reference station. The position sensing apparatus also includes a portable sensing station that comprises a laser beam receiver, a radio reciever, and a programmed computer. The planar position of the portable sensing station relative to the reference stations is computed by a triangulation technique based on the relative timing of detection of the laser beams by the laser beam receiver and the reception of the radio timing signals by the radio receiver. Elevation is determined according to the height at which one of the laser beams strikes the laser beam receiver.

Abstract: An optoelectronic stadia is proposed, which is intended for a levelling system with a rotary laser. The stadia has at least one vertical row of light sensitive diodes, which are electrically connected in matrix form. One diode pair in each case forms one matrix node. The column signals and line signals are decoded and evaluated in an evaluation apparatus and the measured result is supplied to a display means. The matrix arrangement of the diodes leads to a very simple construction with relatively few components.

Abstract: A laser-optical surveying system comprising a leveling system which uses a surveyor's rod wherein a laser beam rotates in a horizontal plane and is adapted to strike a surveyor's rod. The surveyor's rod is equipped with a coding representing the length, that is, in the case of a leveling system, representing the altitude, which can be read with the laser light so that an optical signal representing the altitude is generated when the laser beam passes the rod. The latter is then converted to an electronic signal and serves, when electronically processed, for displaying the height of the laser beam on the surveyor's rod.

Abstract: A laser alignment system includes a remote indicator to display the alignment data when the main receiver is out of sight. The remote indicator receives both operating power and alignment data through a connecting cable to the main receiver. A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is used in the remote indicator because of its inherently low power consumption. To make the LCD visible under conditions of reduced ambient lighting, a light source illuminates the LCD from behind. A lighting control circuit turns the light source on only when alignment data is present in order to limit battery drain on the main receiver.

Abstract: A direct reading grade rod as provided with a fixed scale having display windows therein and one or more sliding members slidable behind the fixed member and carrying a plurality of number sets, with different positions of the sliding member resulting in different sequences of numbers displayed in the windows.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in setting and checking grades in construction of roads, parking lots, building, or the like comprising a level support in combination with a level rod wherein the level support has a nominal length of X plus Y, for example, the level rod includes a zero mark above which are plus (+) graduations in terms of a principal dimension and a subordinate dimension below which are minus (-) graduations in terms of the principal and subordinate dimensions down to a length of X according to the principal dimension and a leg member adustably secured to the rod, the leg member having a foot portion extending below the lower end of the rod, the leg member being adjustable so that the foot portion may be selectively set to extend below the lower end of the rod for a minimum distance of Y according to the subordinate dimension or more as desired, whereby the zero mark may be selectively set at a distance equal to the nominal length of X plus Y above the lower end of the foot portion so that in use of the ap

Abstract: A surveyor's levelling staff which comprises an endless graduated band or strip on a hollow elongated body with a portion of the strip to be viewed extending along a longitudinal face of the body and the remainder of the strip disposed within the body. The strip passes around a spring-loaded tensioning roller and a winding and brake roller inside the body. The tensioning roller maintains a predetermined tension on the strip and the winding and brake roller includes a winding handle to move the strip along the longitudinal face of the body and through the body, and a brake which, in the locked position prevents relative movement of the strip.

Abstract: A grade rod and method of operation for use in a surveying system employing a laser beam which is rotated in a plane. A flexible tape formed with a graduated scale is mounted for movement in a loop within the housing. A slider on the tape carries a pair of closely spaced-apart light detectors as well as electronic circuitry which discriminates between laser beam pulses and sunlight. Output signals from the circuitry on the slider are fed into a control circuit in the housing through a flexible cable which is carried in a traveling loop. Scale indicators are mounted for movement with the slider along a fixed scale which is provided on the housing, and a manually operated cursor is mounted for movement along the housing. The control circuit includes means for driving the tape and slider in a search mode until a light pulse from the laser hits a detector, and then in a track mode for centering the detectors on the plane of the laser beam.

Abstract: A land-surveying apparatus for use with a laser beam source to obtain grade and range distances has a grade pole with a laser beam detection unit slidably mounted thereon, electrical measuring means being connected between the grade pole and the detection unit to generate an electrical grade signal representative of the grade distance between a detector using an array of phototransistors and the base of the grade pole. A digital display unit receives the grade signal, processes it, and digitally, visibly displays the information contained in the signal. Electrical grade calculating circuitry is provided to process first and second grade signals containing the elevation of the upper and lower edges of the laser beam relative to the base of the pole and arithmetically process the signals to obtain the elevation of the laser beam center which is then displayed as the grade distance.