Patent ID: 7992310
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: G01C,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A reference beam generator, comprising: a first projection turret for projecting a first fan beam of laser light, said first fan beam of laser light being projected in a first plane; a second projection turret for projecting a second fan beam of laser light, said second fan beam of laser light being projected in a second plane normal to said first plane; a third projection turret for projecting a third fan beam of laser light, said third fan beam of laser light being projected in a third plane normal to both said first plane and to said second plane; a turret support, supporting said first, second, and third projection turrets such that each turret may be pivoted through a complete revolution about an axis that is normal to the plane in which it projects a fan beam of laser light; and a time of flight measurement arrangement for modulating at least one of the laser beams, detecting reflection of the modulated beam to the generator, and determining the distance from the generator of the surface from which the modulated beam was reflected.