Patent ID: 6389785
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: A01B,G01S

Abstract:
In an agricultural machine, an apparatus for contactless scanning of contours extending over ground; the improvement comprising:a laser distance measuring device including a laser beam transmitting and receiving device which determines the distance from at least one contour point by measuring a running time of a laser scanning beam emitted and reflected at the at least one contour point; the laser scanning beam being pivotal by a pivoting mechanism within an acute angular range stepwise in a scanning beam plane; the laser distance measuring device being mounted on the agricultural machine such that the scanning beam plane is inclined to the ground at an acute angle forward in a direction of travel; and a processor operatively connected to the laser measuring device for receiving input for a measured distance, input for an arrangement and orientation of the laser distance measuring device, including a mounting height and angle of inclination to the ground, and the processor being operative for determining a position of the at least one contour point as an output.