Patent ID: 7864342
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: G01B,G01S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for measuring displacement of a structure having a curved surface, the apparatus comprising: a support structure having opposing first and second ends; a first laser distance measurement device disposed adjacent the first end of the support structure, the first laser distance measurement device for generating a first laser beam that illuminates the curved surface of the structure, for detecting laser energy reflected from the curved surface of the structure, and for generating a first distance signal based on the detected laser energy; a second laser distance measurement device disposed adjacent the second end of the support structure, the second laser distance measurement device for generating a second laser beam that illuminates the curved surface of the structure, for detecting laser energy reflected from the curved surface of the structure, and for generating a second distance signal based on the detected laser energy; and a computer processor for calculating position values indicating displacement of the structure based on the first and second distance signals, a spacing between the first and second laser beams, and a radius of curvature of the curved surface.