Abstract: Range binoculars capable of measuring a distance between the observation place and an object, the binoculars being made small-sized with keeping the functions as binoculars.

Abstract: A coherent imaging system for producing high resolution images is provided. A coherent radiation source module produces two radiation beams, each at a different instance. An optical component directs the first radiation beam towards a target at a first angle to produce a first return beam, and also produces a first reference beam. Another optical component directs the second radiation beam towards the target at a second angle to produce a second return beam, and also produces a second reference beam. An aperture collects the first return beam and the second return beam. A detector module produces two coherent images based on interference between the return beams and the reference beams. The detector module also combines the first coherent image and the second coherent image to produce a high resolution coherent image, which has a resolution higher than a resolution of the first coherent image or the second coherent image.

Abstract: An optical distance measuring sensor includes a light receiving element arranged on the same plane as a light emitting element. The light receiving element includes a light receiving unit having a plurality of cells and collecting the light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by a target object, a flash memory unit storing a predetermined position on the light receiving unit, and a signal processing circuit unit sensing the collection position of the light on the light receiving unit, and measuring the distance to the target object based on a relative positional relationship between the predetermined position stored in the flash memory unit and the collection position of the light on light receiving unit.

Abstract: In a distance/speed meter, first and second semiconductor lasers emit parallel laser light beams to a measurement target. A first laser driver drives the first semiconductor laser such that the oscillation interval in which at least the oscillation wavelength monotonically increases repeatedly exists. A second laser driver drives the second semiconductor laser such that the oscillation wavelength increases/decreases inversely to the oscillation wavelength of the first semiconductor laser. First and second light-receiving devices convert optical outputs from the first and second semiconductor lasers into electrical signals. A counting unit counts the numbers of interference waveforms generated by the first and second laser light beams and return light beams of the first and second laser light beams.

Abstract: In a chromatic point sensor, distance measurements are based on a distance-indicating subset of intensity profile data, which is selected in a manner that varies with a determined peak position index coordinate (PPIC) of the profile data. The PPIC indexes the position a profile data peak. For profile data having a particular PPIC, the distance-indicating subset of the profile data is selected based on particular index-specific data-limiting parameters that are indexed with that same particular PPIC. In various embodiments, each set of index-specific data-limiting parameters indexed with a particular PPIC characterizes a distance-indicating subset of data that was used during distance calibration operations corresponding to profile data having that PPIC. Distance-indicating subsets of data may be compensated to be similar to a corresponding distance-indicating subset of data that was used during calibration operations, regardless of overall intensity variations and detector bias signal level variations.

Abstract: Systems and methods to calibrate aircraft surfaces are provided. A particular method includes installing a set of laser targets. The set of laser targets includes at least first laser target and a second laser target. The first laser target is installed on a first side of a first aircraft surface and the second laser target is installed on a second side of the first aircraft surface at a known location relative to the first laser target. The method also includes determining a first position of the first laser target with a first laser device. The method further includes determining a second position of the second laser target with a second laser device. The method includes determining a position of the first aircraft surface based on the first position of the first laser target and the second position of the second laser target.

Abstract: A three-dimensional range imager includes a light source for providing a modulated light signal, a multiplexer, an optical fiber connecting the light source to the multiplexer, a plurality of optical fibers connected at first ends to the multiplexer and at second ends to a first fiber array, and a transmitter optic disposed adjacent the first fiber array for projecting a pixel pattern of the array onto a target.

Abstract: The present subject matter include methods and apparatus for creating three dimensional digitized models of at least one ear impression, the apparatus comprising a frame, a linear axis mounted to the frame, the linear axis having an axis of motion, a first spindle axis mounted to the frame, the spindle axis having an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation of the first spindle axis is parallel to the axis of motion of the linear axis, a first scanner mounted to the linear axis, the scanner includes a laser for projecting a narrowly localized spot of laser light at a target mounted on the first spindle axis and a sensor array for receiving at least a portion of the laser light reflected from the target and a controller configured to communicate with the first scanner.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring device, particularly a distance measuring device for contactlessly measuring distance, comprising a housing (12) made of at least one first material and with at least one electronic component (56), which is arranged inside an interior (48) of the housing (12), as well as with a second material that at least partially surrounds the housing (48). The invention provides that the second material also seals at least one opening (63) of the housing interior (48). The invention also relates to a method for producing a measuring device of the aforementioned type during which the second material is provided as a sealing element that seals at least one opening of the housing interior.

Abstract: This invention relates to a three-dimensional image of ground surface and the method and system that generates the three-dimensional image. Here, a three-dimensional image is an image that has three-dimensional XYZ coordinates in a ground coordinate system for every pixel of the image and the ground surface means the bare-earth surface plus all the objects on the bare-earth surface. The scene covered and represented by such a three-dimensional image is a three-dimensional real world scene where everything visible in the three-dimensional image has three-dimensional coordinates. The three-dimensional XYZ coordinates of all the pixels of a three-dimensional image are attributed by the method and system of this invention for generating three-dimensional images with airborne oblique/vertical imagery, GPS/IMU, and LIDAR ground surface elevation or range data.

Abstract: A method for passive background correction during spatially or angularly resolved detection of emission that is based on the simultaneous acquisition of both the passive background spectrum and the spectrum of the target of interest.

Abstract: Rapid calibration of a TOF system uses a stationary target object and electrically introduces phase shift into the TOF system to emulate target object relocation. Relatively few parameters suffice to model a parameterized mathematical representation of the transfer function between measured phase and Z distance. The phase-vs-distance model is directly evaluated during actual run-time operation of the TOF system. Preferably modeling includes two components: electrical modeling of phase-vs-distance characteristics that depend upon electrical rather than geometric characteristics of the sensing system, and elliptical modeling that phase-vs-distance characteristics that depending upon geometric rather than electrical characteristics of the sensing system.

Abstract: An optical locating and tracking system may have two or more optical scanners, one or more optical detectors responsive to radiation from one or more optical sources, and a controller coupled to the detector(s) and the scanner(s). Each scanner has a reflector mounted to a two-dimensional actuator that tilts the reflector about first and second axes. The controller determines whether a given reflector of a given scanner is aligned to provide an optical path between the optical source(s) and the detector(s) from one or more detection signals from the one or more optical detectors. The optical path originates, terminates or is deflected at the object. The controller also determines the object's position in three dimensions from control signals to the two-dimensional actuators of the scanners obtained the reflectors are aligned to provide the optical path. The control signals determine a tilt of each reflector about its first and second axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optoelectronic contactless distance or range measurement or finding according to the transit time principle, in which a distance of an object from a sensor unit is determined from a time difference between a starting signal and an echo signal, which is derived from an optical measurement pulse reflected by the object and where for determining the time difference the following steps are performed: a) by comparing the starting signal and echo signal with a digital clock a digital raw value is obtained, b) with the aid of at least two fine interpolators an initial time difference between the starting signal and the beginning of the digital raw value as well as a final time difference between the echo signal and the end of the digital raw value is determined, c) to the fine interpolators are in each case supplied analog signals corresponding to the initial time difference or final time difference, respectively, and converted into a digital initial time difference or digital f

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote object or a size of the remote object.

Abstract: A projector includes a light source unit, a light source-side optical system for guiding light from the light source unit to a display device, the display device, a projection-side optical system for projecting an image emitted from the display device on to a screen, and a distance measuring system 1 and has a projector control unit for controlling the light source unit and the display device. In addition, the distance measuring system 1 has a laser beam emitter 2 for emitting a laser beam to a distance measurement target object, a receiving lens 4 for concentrating reflected light from the distance measurement target object and a receiving element 3 for receiving the reflected light from the distance measurement target object which has passed through the receiving lens 4, and optical axes of the receiving lens 4 and the receiving element 3 are made to be aligned with an optical axis of the emitted laser beam.

Abstract: A light meter for measuring photometric quantities includes a telephotometer having a photo detector to receive light energy entering the telephotometer. A light metering valve, for the purpose of providing a variable field of view, is located in the body of the telephotometer generally at the focal plane of the objective lens of the telephotometer. A controller, which includes a digital processor in communication with the photo detector will process information from the photo detector and from a range finder included in the system to output light intensity of a target light source.

Abstract: A device for determining a distance from an object may include a light emitter for emitting an emission light beam, a light receiver for receiving a reception light beam, and an evaluation unit for determining the distance on the basis of a propagation time of the emission and reception light beams. The reception light beam may arise as a result of reflection of the emission light beam at the object. The light receiver may have a reception optical unit comprising a first lens element and a pinhole diaphragm. A light-impermeable element may shade a central region of the reception optical unit in such a way that the reception light beam is incident in the form of a light ring on the pinhole diaphragm. A second lens element, which is substantially hat-shaped in cross section, is arranged between the first lens element and the pinhole diaphragm.

Abstract: According to the invention, the sensitivity of a method for electronic measurement may be improved, carried out by the principle of heterodyne reception with the steps of broadcast of pulsed electromagnetic radiation (ES) with at least one pulse repetition frequency, reception of back-scattered radiation (RS), whereby the back-scattered radiation (RS) is converted into a received signal, mixing of the received signals, determination of at least one time parameter from the at least one output signal, whereby on mixing the received signals at least two pulsed mixed signals are mixed to give at least two output signals and the at least two mixed signals are phase-shifted relative to each other.

Abstract: An adapter and method for through the lens (TTL) laser range sensor probes enables use of a TTL probe of a given exit pupil size to be used with a shared objective lens requiring a entrance pupil size, as entered from the laser range sensor, that is different from the TTL probe exit pupil size. Embodiments of the adapter include optics, such as a first lens and a resolving second lens that expand or contract the TTL laser radiation depending on whether the first lens is a diverging, a negative focal length lens, or a converging, positive focal length lens, and the second lens is converging or diverging, respectively, in a Galilean arrangement. Embodiments also provide a Keplerian arrangement, can function with non-collimated radiation, and can include mirrors to yield a more compact adapter. Additional embodiments include at least one adjustable lens element between the first and second lenses, the at least one adjustable lens element being connected to an actuator for movement along the optical path.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise an apparatus for use with a laser range finder configured to direct a laser beam toward a scene to measure the distance to a target in the scene and having a range finder display for displaying data, including data that is indicative of the distance to a target, wherein the apparatus comprises a protective housing, a camera module in the housing, the camera module including a lens mounted in a front end portion of the housing, and a light path through the lens to image sensor, an image sensor operatively connected to the camera module for receiving images acquired by the camera module, electronic memory for selectively storing data of images from the image sensor, circuitry for controlling the operation of the image sensor and the memory, a camera display in the housing operatively connected to the image sensor for receiving the image data and providing a visual display of the image, and a switch for storing image data in the memory.

Abstract: Dual mode depth imaging system and method is provided, the system comprising a first and second image sensors and a processor able to switch between a first mode of depth imaging and a second mode of depth imaging according to at least one predefined threshold. The method comprising providing depth sensing by Time of Flight if the distance of the sensed object from the camera is not below a first threshold and/or if a depth resolution above a second threshold is not required, and providing depth sensing by triangulation, if the distance of the sensed object from the camera is below the first threshold and/or if a depth resolution above the second threshold is required.

Abstract: A single-aperture passive rangefinder and a method of determining a range. In one embodiment, the single-aperture passive rangefinder includes: (1) an imaging system configured to form a first image that includes a point of interest at a first position and a second image at a second position that includes the point of interest and (2) a processor associated with the imaging system and configured to acquire and store the first image and the second image and determine a range to the point of interest based on a separation between the first position and the second position and a position of the point of interest relative to virtual axes of the imaging system at the first position and at the second position.

Abstract: A test station for testing a laser range finder is disclosed. The test station may be a mobile test station. The test station may include an optical system having a first portion which aligns an eyepiece of the test station to the laser range finder, a second portion which aligns the eyepiece to a first range target spaced apart from the test station, and a third portion which aligns the laser range finder to the first range target.

Abstract: A method for measuring the distance of an object is provided that includes irradiating a plurality of light beams having predetermined wavelengths and then in a first round, picking up an image under irradiation of the plurality of light beams and in another round picking up the image without irradiation using a camera. The difference of the image between the first and other round is fed to an observation region part and to an irradiation angle computing part and then the distance to the object is computed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an optimized terrain database identify several regions, including test regions that are established from the identified regions. A first set of terrain data is received for a first test region. The first set of terrain data is compared to a second set of terrain data to determine a set of quality attributes. The quality attributes are used to determine a safety margin for the first test region. The safety margin is applied to other regions having the same or similar characteristics to the first test region. Safety margins are either generated for or applied to all other regions. All regions are then compiled into an area-wide terrain database, up to and including a worldwide database.

Abstract: A distance measuring system includes a light source, an image capture apparatus, a light absorption member and a signal processing circuit. The image capture apparatus includes a first lens module, a second lens module and an image sensor. The lens modules respectively have a focus. The image sensor detects light from the light source at two optical spots of the two lens modules, respectively. The light absorption member is disposed generally between the two lens modules for absorbing light reflected from the lens modules and thereby reducing optical interference. The signal processing circuit is configured for calculating the ratios of the two distances to the focal lengths of the respective focuses. A perpendicular distance between the light source and a line passing through the centers of the first and second lens modules is obtained.

Abstract: An optical range-finding sensor includes a light-emitting element that emits irradiation light, a light-emitting side lens that collects the irradiation light and irradiates the light to a range-finding object, a light-receiving side lens that collects reflected light of the irradiation light reflected by the range-finding object, a position detecting light-receiving element that receives the collected reflected light and detects a position of the range-finding object, and a control processing integrated circuit that controls light emission of the light-emitting element and processes a detection current of the position detecting light-receiving element. The light-emitting element is configured of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measurement of a line (S), in particular, an optical distance measurement method, whereby an input means (24,42) of a distance measuring device (20,22) is operated, which triggers a measuring sequence of distance measurements, during which individual measurements (10-16) of distances from the distance measuring device (20,22) triggered by the distance measuring device (20,22) are carried out perpendicular to the line (s) for measurement. According to the invention, at least one maximum value (10,16) and at least one minimum value of the distances are determined from the measuring sequence and the length of the line (s) determined from the at least one maximum value (10,16) and the at least one minimum value (13). The invention further relates to a distance measuring device (20,22), in particular, a hand-held measuring device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of objects in a detection region, wherein at least one transmitted light bundle is transmitted into the detection region, transmitted light reflected back or remitted back from an object, when present, is detected by a receiver unit having reception elements arranged in the form of an M×N matrix, wherein M>1 and N>1, and the distance of the object is determined by triangulation from the position of the at least one light patch produced by the reflected or remitted light at the receiver unit. In addition to the position of the reflected or remitted light, the two-dimensional energy distribution of the at least one received light patch within the light incident on the receiver unit is evaluated to determine further information on the object in addition to the distance of the object determined by triangulation, with a light patch quality value being determined which includes information on the homogeneity of the light reflected or remitted at the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optical distance measurement, in particular a device functioning in accordance with the phase measurement principle, having at least one transmission unit (12) equipped with at least one light source (22, 24) for transmitting modulated optical measurement radiation (16) toward a target object (20), and having a reception unit (18) for receiving the optical measurement radiation (17) returning from the target object (20). According to the present invention, the device has means (51, 55, 68) that enable a measurement of distances from a target object (20?) by means of a triangulation method. The invention also relates to a method for optical distance measurement in which it is possible to switch back and forth between a phase measurement method for determining a distance of a distance measuring device from a target object (20, 20?) and a triangulation method for determining this distance.

Abstract: A light beam receiver includes a plurality of light beam detector elements, a plurality of integrator circuits that receive signals from the light beam detector elements, and a signal integral limiting integration time controller that is in communication with at least two of the integrator circuits so that an analysis of the light beam reception is determined. One embodiment provides a self-calibration function, using a plurality of light beam detector elements that generate output signals when receiving a light beam upon the light beam detector elements, an evaluation/control circuit that receives the output signals and is configured to substantially determine a position where the light beam impacts on the light beam detector elements, and at least one calibration light source that emits at least one light pulse that is coupled to the light beam detector elements. The light beam receiver performs a self-calibration function using the calibration light source.

Abstract: A method for calculating a distance to an object is provided. In this method, whether luminances received by at least one light receiving elements of a plurality of light receiving elements are equal to or higher than a predetermined value is determined. When luminances received by at least one light receiving elements are equal to or higher than a predetermined value, whether the luminances change in a time-series manner or not is determined. When the luminances change in a time-series manner, information is acquired from the time-series change. Then, a size of a light receiving region is detected based on a ratio of a light receiving element having received luminance with a predetermined value or more to the plurality of light receiving element. Based on the size of the light receiving region and the acquired information, the distance to the object is calculated.

Abstract: In a laser receiver receiving a laser beam from a laser transmitter and a laser receiving system composed of a plurality of laser receivers, a plurality of photo devices are arranged on an acceptance surface so that acceptance angles of the laser beam thereof are mutually different in order to detect distances between an acceptance position of a center point of a received laser beam on an acceptance surface and a reference point and an elevation angle of the received laser beam from a reference surface. Also, distance detection means respectively compare acceptance levels of the photo devices detected by the level detection means with thresholds, thereby detecting distance between the center point of the laser beam and the reference point of the acceptance surface by combination of comparison results thereof.

Abstract: An optical device capable of measuring a condition such as deflection of a cylindrical body such as utility pole or cylindrical column precisely and rapidly is provided. The optical device has a telescope with a projection plate. The projection plate has a reference scale made of a plurality of full or substantially full circles arranged concentrically about a central axis of the telescope or a plurality of circular arcs arranged symmetrically about the central axis.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for use in a scanning optical system comprises a laser transmitter to produce a transmitter beam. This transmitter beam is deviated by a beam scanner, e.g. a tiltable mirror, to produce a pattern of a scanning beam. There are bearings which define first and second axes of rotation perpendicular to each other and intersecting each other in an intersecting point for allowing the beam scanner to scan. In front of the beam scanner is a window of transparent material in the shape of a spherical cap so as to define a central axis and a central point. The central axis intersects the intersecting point of the two other axes, and this common intersecting point coincides preferably with the central point of the sphere of the window.

Abstract: A laser scanner apparatus is disclosed herein for measuring the geometry and physical dimensions of one or more objects in a specified location or platform. The specified location or platform is within a range less than a predetermined maximum object distance. The laser scanner includes a waveform generator that generates a predetermined reference waveform to an analog laser that provides an modulated laser beam responsive to the reference waveform, an optical scanning system which 1) transmits and scans the object with the modulated laser light beam and 2) includes a means for receiving reflected the modulated laser light from the surface of an object on the platform or specified location, an avalanche photo-detector positioned to receive the processed modulated light from the optical processing system, and convert energy in the incident light into an amplitude-modulated range signal, a mixer is provided to down-convert the frequency of the range signal into a lower (LF) frequency.

Abstract: A target distance to a system target located at variable distances from an imaging system is determined by illuminating a calibration target at a calibration distance with a collimated light beam during a calibration mode of operation, by illuminating the system target at the variable target distance with the collimated light beam during an imaging mode of operation, by configuring the collimated light beam with a beam spot of a generally constant size during both modes of operation, by capturing return light of a calibration image size from the calibration target during the calibration mode, by capturing return light of a target image size from the system target during the imaging mode, and by determining the variable target distance based on the calibration distance, the calibration image size, and the target image size.

Abstract: The invention proposes a manual measuring appliance (112) and an analytical measuring system (110) which can be used to measure at least one analyte in an eye fluid of an eye (114). The handheld measuring appliance (112) comprises a measuring system (120) and a positioning system (122). The measuring system (120) can measure at least one property of the at least one analyte and/or at least one analyte-dependent change of property of at least one ocular sensor (116) in the eye fluid, and this can be used to infer a concentration of the analyte in the eye fluid. The positioning system (122) is set up to measure a spatial positioning, wherein the spatial positioning comprises a distance between at least one measurement location in the eye (114) and the handheld measuring appliance (112) and also furthermore at least one further positioning co-ordinate.

Abstract: A probe control interface is provided for a structured light non-contact coordinate measuring machine probe. Portions of a video control signal for controlling the grey level of selected rows of pixels of a spatial light modulator of the probe can be decoded into control signals for additional probe components or functions that have been added to increase the measuring capabilities or versatility of the non-contact probe. By providing the additional probe component control signals in this manner, a versatile structured light non-contact probe system can be made compatible with a standard probe head autojoint system (e.g. a Renishaw™ type system), thus allowing the probe to be automatically exchanged with other standard probes and allowing existing systems to use the non-contact probe more easily. Various aspects of the probe control interface allow for relatively simple, compact, lightweight and robust implementation.

Abstract: Pushbroom and flash lidar operations outside the visible spectrum, most preferably in near-IR but also in IR and UV, are enabled by inserting—ahead of a generally conventional lidar receiver front end—a device that receives light scattered from objects and in response forms corresponding light of a different wavelength from the scattered light. Detailed implementations using arrays of discrete COTS components—most preferably PIN diodes and VCSELs, with intervening semicustom amplifiers—are discussed, as is use of a known monolithic converter. Differential and ratioing multispectral measurements, particularly including UV data, are enabled through either spatial-sharing (e. g. plural-slit) or time-sharing.

Abstract: A visual sensor for generating an array of binarized feature signals based on a visual field is provided. The visual sensor comprises an array of photoreceptor circuits capable of generating photoreceptor signals based on the visual field, an array of feature detectors capable of generating feature signals based on the photoreceptor signals, and a reconfigurable binary generator array capable of generating binarized feature signals based on the feature signals.

Abstract: A device for measuring the radius of curvature of a surface comprises a main body that is held above the surface being measured; and a non-contact sensor mounted to the main body that measures a distance between the surface being measured and the sensor, the device calculating the radius of curvature of the surface based on the measured distance. The device can further include a display mounted to the main body that displays the calculated radius of curvature. The non-contact sensor can be, for example, an acoustical distance sensor or an optical distance sensor. In one embodiment, the device includes two arms extending from the main body of the device and being substantially symmetric about the non-contact sensor, the arms terminating in contact points that make contact with the surface being measured.

Abstract: A range finder system (100) includes a point light source (10), image pickup devices (20), (30), and a processing device (50). The point light source (10) emits light. The image pickup devices (20), (30) include lenses (22), (32) and sensors (24), (34), respectively. The lenses have focal lengths F1, F2 and the sensors (24), (34) have light-received units. The processing device (50) is electrically coupled to the image pickup devices (20), (30). The processing device (50) calculates distance D1, D2 from locations of images of the point light source (10) on the light-received units to centers of the sensors (24), (34), respectively. A distance X from the point light source (10) to the first lens (22) and the second lens (32) is determined based on the ratio of D1 to F1 and the ratio of D2 to F2.

Abstract: A pattern projection light source is disclosed in which a light source (2a); a plurality of mask regions (5) in each of which a light-transmitting portion that transmits light from the light source therethrough is formed in a predetermined pattern; and a plurality of lenses (7) that each form an image of the predetermined pattern of the light-transmitting portion at a predetermined distance are arranged in this order. Since the pattern projection light source includes a plurality of projection optical systems each including a mask region and a lens, a compact and thin pattern projection light source can be realized. Moreover, provision of a plurality of lenses makes it possible to increase the imaging range of a pattern image. Furthermore, an image of the pattern of the light-transmitting portion can be formed clearly on the object.

Abstract: A laser beam projecting device, comprising a laser light source for emitting a laser beam, a wavelength selecting film for allowing the laser beam from the laser light source to. pass, and a birefringent optical member arranged on an optical axis closer to an exit side than the wavelength selecting film, wherein the wavelength selecting film is tilted so that an incident angle of the laser beam is in a range of 45° to 80°.

Abstract: A surveying method using a the video total station comprises placing the video total station on a first platform, recording a first image of scenery, placing the video total solution on a second platform disposed at a distance from the first platform, measuring the distance from the first platform and recording a second image of the scenery. Three-dimensional coordinates of objects contained in the images are determined by a photogrammetric analysis of the images based on the measured distance. Further, orientations of the video total station can be recorded when taking the images and when measuring the distance.

Abstract: A method for measuring the area of polygonal planar surfaces in space, wherein a device is used having a range finder mounted on a leg support by a frame having a central point, elements for the angular tracking in space of the viewing direction of the range finder, elements for triggering the acquisition of the spherical coordinates of the point targeted by the range finder, and a digital processing unit. For each polygonal planar surface to be measured, a series of measuring points is plotted which allows the surface to be determined topologically and individually and which includes, for each surface edge, at most two points, whose projections on the surface in a predetermined direction pertain to the edge. The processing unit produces a digital model of the surface by generating segments from the spherical coordinates of the measuring points plotted and for calculating the surface area of the digital model.

Abstract: A device for measuring the radius of curvature of a surface comprises a main body that is held above the surface being measured; and a non-contact sensor mounted to the main body that measures a distance between the surface being measured and the sensor, the device calculating the radius of curvature of the surface based on the measured distance. The device can further include a display mounted to the main body that displays the calculated radius of curvature. The non-contact sensor can be, for example, an acoustical distance sensor or an optical distance sensor. In one embodiment, the device includes two arms extending from the main body of the device and being substantially symmetric about the non-contact sensor, the arms terminating in contact points that make contact with the surface being measured.

Abstract: The position of an apparatus moving along a surface is determined by calculating a plurality of vertical angles between the apparatus and a known location, where the vertical angles vary only within a range having a largest expected maximum angle. A plurality of horizontal distances between the apparatus and the known location are determined, each of the horizontal distances associated with one of the vertical angles. The horizontal distances are computed to within a tolerance based at least in part on the largest expected maximum angle. A plurality of heights of the apparatus are then determined using the plurality of vertical angles and associated horizontal distances. In particular embodiments, the known location may be associated with a rotating laser used with a photodetector at the target to determine the vertical angle. Further, the target may comprise a GPS receiver for use in determining the horizontal distance measurements.