Laser measuring system

A laser measuring system, which comprises a laser rotary irradiation device for forming a laser reference plane by projecting a laser beam in rotary irradiation, and a photodetection device for performing position measurement by receiving the laser beam, wherein the laser rotary irradiation device comprises a laser beam emitter, an emission light amount adjusting means for adjusting light amount of the laser beam of the laser beam emitter, and a first communication means for performing communication with said photodetection device, and wherein the photodetection device comprises a photodetector for detecting the reference plane, a second communication means for performing communication to and from the laser rotary irradiation device, and a control unit for calculating whether a photodetection signal from the photodetector is within a predetermined range or not, wherein the first communication means transmits a laser beam emitting condition of the laser rotary irradiation device to the second communication means, and the second communication means transmits a photodetecting condition of the photodetection device to the first communication means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a laser measuring system for forming a reference plane by projecting a laser beam in rotary irradiation from a laser rotary irradiation device, for receiving the laser beam by a photodetection device (light receiving device), and for measuring a position of operation or the like.

In the past, a laser rotary irradiation device has been known as a device for forming a reference plane to indicate a reference for operation in a wide range, and a photodetection device has been known as a device for receiving a laser beam and for measuring a position of the reference plane.

A laser rotary irradiation device forms a reference plane by projecting a laser beam with a spot-like luminous flux in rotary irradiation. For instance, by projecting the laser beam in rotary irradiation within a horizontal plane, a horizontal reference plane can be formed. When the laser beam is projected in rotary irradiation within a vertical plane, a vertical reference plane can be formed. When the laser beam is projected in rotary irradiation within a tilted plane, a tilted reference plane can be formed.

A photodetection device has a photodetector for receiving and detecting a laser beam. Based on the laser beam detected by the photodetector, a horizontal reference position, a vertical reference position, etc. can be measured. A laser measuring system can be made up by combining the laser rotary irradiation device and the photodetection device. The laser measuring system using the reference plane formed by the laser beam is used for from the operation in wide range including civil engineering work to the operation in relatively limited space such as room interior finishing work, for example.

In the laser measuring system as described above, the emission light amount of the laser beam of the laser rotary irradiation device is determined for each intended purpose. Usually, the emission light amount of the laser beam is set to a constant value depending on each type of the laser rotary irradiation device. On the other hand, in the case where the distance between the laser rotary irradiation device and the photodetection device is short, the light amount received by the photodetection device is high. In the case where the distance is long, the light amount is low. The photodetection light amount received at the photodetection device varies according to the distance between the laser rotary irradiation device and the photodetection device. The photodetection device has gain control function. Even when there is a change in the light amount of the received laser beam, the gain is adjusted so that the photodetection signal can be within the range of a predetermined level.

In the laser measuring system for performing the surveying operation in wider range, the emission light amount is set to a higher value so that the photodetection device can recognize that the laser beam has been received even when the distance between the laser rotary irradiation device and the photodetection device is long. In this respect, when the photodetection device receives the laser beam at a relatively short distance, the photodetection light amount is too high, and the photodetection light amount is often beyond the adjustment range of the gain control function of a photodetection signal amplifying circuit of the photodetection device. As a result, the photodetection signal reaches saturation.

When the laser measuring system is used in the operation at short distance, the laser measuring system is often so designed that the emission light amount of the laser beam can be manually changed by an operator in order to avoid the saturation of the photodetection signal.

Further, in actual case to use the laser measuring system, the laser rotary irradiation device is in operation at all times when the operation is going on. Moreover, the light amount of the laser beam is set in such manner that the light amount can match the operation at long distance. This means that the laser beam is projected with a higher light amount than it is required in the operation at short distance. This often leads to the waste in power consumption.

To solve the problems as described above, a laser rotary irradiation device has been proposed, in which the position where the photodetection device is installed is kept in memory and the laser beam is emitted only to a space closer to such position (JP-A-11-166832).

However, the laser rotary irradiation device as disclosed in JP-A-11-166832 is not sufficient for energy-saving purpose because the laser light amount is at a constant level. In case there are a plurality of operation points, substantial energy-saving effect cannot be attained.

Further, another type of laser rotary irradiation device has been proposed, in which the reflection light from the object projected by the laser beam is received and the light amount of the laser beam can be adjusted to an adequate value based on the photodetection light amount (JP-A-2006-214850).

However, according to the laser rotary irradiation device disclosed in JP-A-2006-214850, no photodetection device is provided. This means that the system can be applied only in the operation at a relatively short distance, and it is not suitable for the operation in civil engineering work or the like for wider range.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser measuring system, by which it is possible to perform measurement operation from a narrower operation range to a relatively wider operation range by using a single laser rotary irradiation device while maintaining the power consumption at low level.

To attain the above object, the present invention provides a laser measuring system, which comprises a laser rotary irradiation device for forming a laser reference plane by projecting a laser beam in rotary irradiation, and a photodetection device for performing position measurement by receiving the laser beam, wherein the laser rotary irradiation device comprises a laser beam emitter, an emission light amount adjusting means for adjusting light amount of the laser beam of the laser beam emitter, and a first communication means for performing communication with the photodetection device, and wherein the photodetection device comprises a photodetector for detecting the reference plane, a second communication means for performing communication to and from the laser rotary irradiation device, and a control unit for calculating whether a photodetection signal from the photodetector is within a predetermined range or not, wherein the first communication means transmits a laser beam emitting condition of the laser rotary irradiation device to the second communication means, and the second communication means transmits a photodetecting condition of the photodetection device to the first communication means.

Also, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein the control unit transmits the calculation result to the laser rotary irradiation device via the second communication means, the light amount adjusting means adjusts light amount of the laser beam based on the calculation result received so that the photodetection signal will be within a predetermined range. Further, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein the control unit adjusts amplifying condition of the photodetection signal from the photodetector based on the calculation result so that the photodetection signal will be within a predetermined range. Also, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein the control unit transmits the calculation result to the laser rotary irradiation device via the second communication means, the light amount adjusting means adjusts light amount of the laser beam based on the received calculation result, the control unit adjusts amplifying condition of the photodetection signal from the photodetector based on the calculation result, and the photodetection signal is turned to a predetermined range by adjusting the light amount and the amplifying condition. Further, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein the emission light amount adjusting means increases the emission light amount of the laser beam in the case the first communication means does not receive a signal to indicate photodetecting condition from the photodetection device for a first predetermined period of time. Also, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein the light amount adjusting means decreases the emission light amount of the laser beam in case the first communication means does not receive a signal to indicate the photodetecting condition from the photodetection device for a second predetermined period of time. Further, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein the photodetection device issues a signal to decrease the light amount to the laser rotary irradiation device, and the emission light amount adjusting means decreases the emission light amount of the laser beam, in the case the photodetector does not receive light for a second predetermined period of time. Also, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein the emission light amount adjusting means further increases the emission light amount of the laser beam temporarily after the elapse of a certain predetermined period of time from the time when the emission light of the laser beam has been decreased. Further, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein, in the case the photodetection device does not receive the light for a second predetermined period of time, it is judged that level measuring operation is in suspension status. Also, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein, in the case the photodetection device does not receive light for a third predetermined period of time longer than the second predetermined period of time, it is judged that level measuring operation has been terminated. Further, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein judgment of the suspension status is given by the laser rotary irradiation device. Also, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein judgment of the suspension status is given by the photodetection device. Further, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein judgment of termination of the operation is made by the laser rotary irradiation device. Also, the present invention provides the laser measuring system as described above, wherein judgment of termination of the operation is made by the photodetection device.

According to the present invention, there are provided a laser rotary irradiation device for forming a laser reference plane by projecting a laser beam in rotary irradiation, and a photodetection device for performing position measurement by receiving the laser beam, wherein the laser rotary irradiation device comprises a laser beam emitter, an emission light amount adjusting means for adjusting light amount of the laser beam of the laser beam emitter, and a first communication means for performing communication with the photodetection device, and wherein the photodetection device comprises a photodetector for detecting the reference plane, a second communication means for performing communication to and from the laser rotary irradiation device, and a control unit for calculating whether a photodetection signal from the photodetector is within a predetermined range or not, wherein the first communication means transmits a laser beam emitting condition of the laser rotary irradiation device to the second communication means, and the second communication means transmits a photodetecting condition of the photodetection device to the first communication means. As a result, the light amount of the laser beam can be adjusted to match the photodetecting condition.

Also, according to the present invention, the control unit transmits the calculation result to the laser rotary irradiation device via the second communication means, the light amount adjusting means adjusts light amount of the laser beam based on the calculation result received so that the photodetection signal will be within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to decrease the emission light amount at the photodetector and to decrease power consumption when the laser beam with the light amount higher than the necessary light amount is projected.

Further, according to the present invention, the control unit adjusts amplifying condition of the photodetection signal from the photodetector based on the calculation result so that the photodetection signal will be within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to decrease the emission light amount at the photodetector and to decrease power consumption when the laser beam with the light amount higher than the necessary light amount is projected.

Also, according to the present invention, the control unit transmits the calculation result to the laser rotary irradiation device via the second communication means, the light amount adjusting means adjusts light amount of the laser beam based on the received calculation result, the control unit adjusts amplifying condition of the photodetection signal from the photodetector based on the calculation result, and the photodetection signal is turned to a predetermined range by adjusting the light amount and the amplifying condition. This is helpful in realizing adequate photodetecting condition.

Further, according to the present invention, the emission light amount adjusting means increases the emission light amount of the laser beam in the case the first communication means does not receive a signal to indicate photodetecting condition from the photodetection device for a first predetermined period of time. As a result, the problem that the measurement cannot be performed due to insufficient light amount can be solved.

Also, according to the present invention, the light amount adjusting means decreases the emission light amount of the laser beam in the case the first communication means does not receive a signal to indicate the photodetecting condition from the photodetection device for a second predetermined period of time. This contributes to the prevention of the waste in power consumption caused by the operation of the laser rotary irradiation device during the suspension of operation or after the termination of operation.

Further, according to the present invention, the photodetection device issues a signal to decrease the light amount to the laser rotary irradiation device, and the emission light amount adjusting means decreases the emission light amount of the laser beam, in the case the photodetector does not receive light for a second predetermined period of time. This contributes to the prevention of the waste in power consumption caused by the operation of the laser rotary irradiation device during the suspension of operation or after the termination of operation.

Also, according to the present invention, the emission light amount adjusting means further increases the emission light amount of the laser beam temporarily after the elapse of a certain predetermined period of time from the time when the emission light of the laser beam has been decreased. Thus, in the case the photodetection signal from the photodetection device is not received due to the suspension of operation or the termination of operation or the other causes, the operation can be resumed by increasing the emission light amount while suppressing the power consumption to lower level.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Detailed description will be given below on the best mode for carrying out the invention by referring to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1shows a case where the laser measuring system according to the present invention is applied in civil engineering work.

InFIG. 1, reference numeral1denotes a laser rotary irradiation device, and numeral2represents a photodetection device (a light receiving device).

The laser rotary irradiation device1is installed at a predetermined point, preferably at a known point, and at a known height via a tripod3. The photodetection device2is mounted at a position as required on a construction machine4such as a bulldozer. More concretely, the photodetection device2is fixedly mounted on a mounting pole7erected on an operation tool, e.g. a blade6, of the construction machine4. In this case, it is assumed that a distance from a reference position for photodetection (light receiving) of the photodetection device2to the position of a blade edge6aof the blade6is already known.

A laser beam13is projected by the laser rotary irradiation device1in rotary irradiation. The laser beam13is then detected by the photodetection device2. In this case, the height of the blade6is controlled so that photodetecting position at the photodetection device2is maintained at a predetermined position, and ground-leveling operation can be carried out accurately as per the plane as planned.

FIG. 2shows an example of the laser rotary irradiation device1, which comprises a main unit11for containing a laser beam emitter, a projection optical system, a rotary driving mechanism, a leveling unit, etc., a power source accommodating unit12for accommodating power source such as battery, and a rotator14for deflecting the direction of the laser beam13to a horizontal direction and projecting the laser beam13in rotary irradiation. The main unit11further comprises an operation unit15and a first communication unit16such as a radio device.

FIG. 3shows an example of the photodetection device2. The photodetection device2is so designed that the photodetection device2is mounted on the mounting pole7, for instance. The photodetection device2comprises a photodetector18, a display unit19for indicating photodetecting condition, and a second communication unit20such as a radio device, which mutually communicates with the first communication unit16. Inside the photodetection device2, there is provided a control unit, which detects the level of the photodetection light amount and determines light emitting condition of the laser rotary irradiation device1based on the results of detection.

FIG. 4represents another example of the photodetection device2, which is designed as a portable unit. The photodetection device2comprises a photodetector18, a display unit19, an operation unit22and a communication unit (not shown). Similarly to the photodetection device2as shown inFIG. 3, there is provided inside the photodetection device2a control unit, which detects the level of photodetection light amount and determines light emitting condition of the laser rotary irradiation device1based on the result of detection.

Now, referring toFIG. 5, description will be given on approximate arrangement of the laser rotary irradiation device1.

The rotator14has a pentagonal prism25, which is a deflecting optical member which is rotatably supported, and the pentagonal prism25is rotated by a scanning motor26via a driving gear27and a rotary gear28. It is so designed that a rotation angle of the pentagonal prism25is detected by a rotary encoder29.

The laser beam13emitted from a laser beam emitter31enters the pentagonal prism25via a projection optical system30and is projected after being deflected in a horizontal direction by the pentagonal prism25.

The driving of the scanning motor26and the light emission of the laser beam emitter31are controlled by a control unit32.

The control unit32comprises a first arithmetic unit33, a first storage unit34, a light emission driving unit35, and a motor driving unit36. An angle detection signal from the rotary encoder29is inputted to the first arithmetic unit33, and the scanning motor26is controlled to rotate at a predetermined constant speed according to the angle detection signal.

A signal transmitted from the first communication unit16or a signal received at the first communication unit16is inputted to or outputted from the first arithmetic unit33via an input/output control unit37. For instance, a signal transmitted from the photodetection device2is received at the first communication unit16and is inputted to the first arithmetic unit33via the input/output control unit37. The result of calculation at the first arithmetic unit33and an instruction to the photodetection device2, etc. are transmitted to the photodetection device2by the first communication unit16via the input/output control unit37.

The light emission driving unit35drives the laser beam emitter31to emit light, and the light emission driving unit35also has a function as an emission light amount adjusting means for the laser beam emitted from the laser beam emitter31. Based on light amount fluctuating instruction from the first arithmetic unit33, the light emission driving unit35controls and adjusts emission light amount from the laser beam emitter31.

Various types of programs and data are stored in the first storage unit34. These programs and data include: a control program for driving the scanning motor26at a constant speed, a control program for controlling the light amount of the laser beam emitter31, a setting value necessary for the control, data table, and other data.

Referring toFIG. 6, description will be given now on the arrangement of the photodetection device2.

The photodetection device2comprises the photodetector18, a signal processing unit41, a level judging unit42, a second arithmetic unit43, and a second storage unit46.

When the photodetector18receives the laser beam13, a photodetection signal to correspond to the received light amount is outputted. The signal processing unit41performs the processing as necessary such as amplifying on the photodetection signal and determines a peak hold value and outputs the peak hold value to the level judging unit42.

The level judging unit42judges whether the peak hold value is within an adequate range Q as shown inFIG. 7or not. That is, it is judged that the level of the peak hold value is within the range between an upper limit value QH and a lower limit value QL. The signal from the level judging unit42is sent to the second arithmetic unit43via an A/D converter44.

Based on the signal from the level judging unit42, the second arithmetic unit43issues an instruction signal. The instruction signal is inputted to the signal processing unit41via a D/A converter45. Based on the instruction signal, a gain in order for amplifying the photodetection signal from the photodetector18is adjusted.

Based on the signal from the level judging unit42, the second arithmetic unit43issues another signal for adjusting the light amount. This another instruction signal is sent to the laser rotary irradiation device1via a second input/output control unit47and the second communication unit20.

The judging of the level may be performed by the second arithmetic unit43instead of the level judging unit42. In this case, the level judging unit42may not be provided.

When the photodetector18issues the photodetection signal, the second arithmetic unit43transmits an information (i.e. an information that the photodetector18is currently in photodetecting condition regardless of whether the photodetection signal is big or small) to the laser rotary irradiation device1continuously or at a certain predetermined time interval via the second communication unit20.

Various types of programs and data are stored in the second storage unit46. These programs and data include: a program for calculating an adequate light amount of the laser beam13based on the signal from the level judging unit42, a program for calculating an adequate amplification rate (gain) of the signal processing unit41to the light amount of the laser beam13, and further, the data necessary for calculating the adequate light amount, the data necessary for calculation of the adequate gain, etc.

FIG. 7shows the photodetection light amount when the laser rotary irradiation device1projects the laser beam13in rotary irradiation with a predetermined light amount.FIG. 7shows the cases where the photodetection device2is at a short distance position A with respect to the laser rotary irradiation device1, at an adequate position B, and at a long distance position C. When the photodetection device2is at the short distance position A, the light amount is too high, and the photodetection signal is saturated. At the adequate position B, the photodetection device2issues an adequate signal. At the long distance position C, the output value is too low.

In the case, where the result of the judgment from the level judging unit42has the condition as shown in A, the second arithmetic unit43calculates a light amount, at which the value of the photodetection signal is decreased by an amount of D, for instance. The result of the calculation is sent to the laser rotary irradiation device1via the second communication unit20. In the case the peak hold value is saturated, the value of D cannot be obtained directly, and the procedures of Step06, Step07, and Step08are repeated (SeeFIG. 8).

In the case where the result of the judgment from the level judging unit42has the condition as shown in C, the second arithmetic unit43calculates the gain so that the value that the value of photodetection signal will be increased by an amount of U, for instance. Based on the result of calculation, the gain of the signal processing unit41is changed.

Next, referring toFIG. 8, description will be given on the flow of operation of the laser measuring system.

When surveying operation is started, the laser rotary irradiation device1projects the laser beam with light amount of an initial setting value in rotary irradiation (Step01). The initial setting value of the light amount is set to such a value, for instance, that measurement can be made at the most distant position as guaranteed by the laser rotary irradiation device1(i.e. the highest light amount).

The laser beam13is received at the photodetection device2. The photodetector18issues a photodetection signal. The peak hold value is detected by the signal processing unit41and the peak hold value is outputted to the level judging unit42. At the level judging unit42, it is judged whether the peak hold value is adequate or not (Step02). If the value is adequate, the second arithmetic unit43issues an adequate signal, indicating that the light amount of the laser beam is adequate, to the laser rotary irradiation device1via the second communication unit20(Step03).

The laser rotary irradiation device1receives the adequate signal via the first communication unit16. Based on the adequate signal, the first arithmetic unit33performs control so that the light emitting condition of the laser beam emitter31is maintained at the present status (Step04).

If it is judged in the level judgment of the peak hold value that the peak hold value is not within the adequate range, it is judged further whether the peak hold value is higher than the upper limit value QH or lower than the lower limit value QL (Step06).

If it is judged as higher, it is calculated at the second arithmetic unit43as to how far the photodetection light amount should be reduced to decrease the peak hold value by an amount of D (seeFIG. 7). Based on the calculation result, a light amount decreasing signal is sent to the laser rotary irradiation device1via the second communication unit20(Step07).

The laser rotary irradiation device1receives the light amount decreasing signal via the first communication unit16. Based on the light amount decreasing signal, the first arithmetic unit33controls the light emission driving unit35so that the emitted light amount from the laser beam emitter31corresponds to the light amount decreasing instruction and decreases the emitted light amount of the laser beam emitter31(Step08).

Going back to Step02, it is judged whether the decrease of the light amount is adequate or not. If the decrease of the light amount is adequate, the measurement is continued.

In case it is judged in Step06that the peak hold value is lower than the lower limit QL, it is calculated at the second arithmetic unit43as to how far the gain at the signal processing unit41should be increased. The amount of the gain to increase the peak hold value by an amount of U is calculated. Based on the result of calculation, a gain adjustment instruction is outputted to the signal processing unit41. Then, the gain of the signal processing unit41is adjusted so that the peak hold value will be within the adequate range (Step09).

As the result of the gain adjustment, it is judged whether the peak hold value is within the adequate range or not in Step02. If it is in the adequate range, the measurement operation is continued.

Next, when the level measurement (reference position measurement) is not performed by the photodetection device2, no signal is issued from the photodetection device2to indicate that the photodetection device2is in photodetecting condition. In the case the signal from the photodetection device2to indicate that the photodetection device2is in photodetecting condition is not received within a certain predetermined period of time, e.g. within 30 minutes, the laser rotary irradiation device1judges that the measurement operation is currently suspended. As a result, the first arithmetic unit33controls the light emission driving unit35and decreases the emission light amount of the laser beam emitter31to the lowest light amount or the like.

When the signal to indicate that the photodetection device2is in photodetecting condition is not received further for a certain predetermined period of time, e.g. for one hour, it is judged that the measurement operation has been terminated, and the power source to the laser rotary irradiation device1is turned off.

When measurement operation is started, the operation unit15of the laser rotary irradiation device1is operated, or an instruction to resume the measurement is transmitted to the laser rotary irradiation device1from the operation unit22of the photodetection device2.

The judgment on the suspension of the level measurement operation may be made at the photodetection device2. That is, when such condition continues that the laser beam is not received from a certain period of time at the photodetector18, the photodetection device2itself judges that the operation is in the state of suspension, and a suspension signal to indicate that the operation is in the suspension state is transmitted to the laser rotary irradiation device1via the second communication unit20. When the suspension signal is received, the laser rotary irradiation device1decreases the emission light amount of the laser beam emitter31to the lowest light amount or the like. When the suspension state of the level measuring operation is judged at the photodetection device2side, the issuing of the signal from the photodetection device2to indicate that the photodetection device2is in photodetecting condition may be omitted.

When judgment is made on the suspension state of the level measurement operation at the photodetection device2, and if the suspension state continues further for a certain period of time, the power source to the laser rotary irradiation device1is turned off. When the measurement operation is started, the operation unit15of the laser rotary irradiation device1is operated or an instruction to resume the measurement is sent to the laser rotary irradiation device1from the operation unit22of the photodetection device2.

The instruction to start or terminate the measurement operation is given from the operation unit15of the laser rotary irradiation device1or from the operation unit22of the photodetection device2.

It may be designed in such manner that, when the level measuring operation is suspended, the laser emission light amount is increased after the elapse of a predetermined period of time or once in a predetermined time cycle, e.g. only one turn during the period when the laser beam of the rotary irradiation device1is rotated by 10 turns. The operation may be resumed from the suspension state if a receiving signal is obtained. In this case, the laser light amount may be increased to the value of the light amount immediately before the suspension of operation or may be set to the highest light amount. As a result, in the case the photodetection signal from the photodetection device is not received due to the suspension or the termination of the operation or the other causes, it is possible to resume the operation by increasing the emission light amount while suppressing the power consumption to lower level.

By decreasing the light amount of the laser beam or by stopping the laser rotary irradiation device1through the judgment on the suspension of the level measuring operation, it is possible to prevent omission of turning-off of the power source to the laser rotary irradiation device1due to the termination of operation or to the suspension of operation for long time, and this is helpful to avoid useless power consumption.

It is suffice that the adequate range Q as shown inFIG. 7may have such an extent to cover the variation of the peak hold value of the photodetection signal which is output when the photodetector18receives the laser beam13with a constant light amount. The upper limit QH can be set to such a low value that it may not interfere with the measurement operation.

In the measurement for short distance, the emission light amount is decreased, and this contributes to the saving of power.

In the power consumption at the laser rotary irradiation device1, power consumption by laser beam emission occupies 40% to 50% in case the light amount is at the highest. Under normal operating condition, the laser measuring system is generally used at a shorter distance than the range as guaranteed by the laser measuring system. For instance, even in the case of a laser measuring system, for which measurement is guaranteed for a range of 500 m in radius, operation is mostly performed actually for a range of less than 200 m in radius. Thus, it is very effective to save power by decreasing the light amount of the laser beam to a value to match the range of short distance.

Next, referring toFIG. 9, description will be given on a case where gain adjusting function in the signal processing unit41is omitted, and a case where the laser beam emitter31has ample allowance in the increase or the decrease of light amount or the emission light amount when the measurement is started is not at the highest and the laser beam emitter31is set to have some allowance for the increase of the light amount. The flow of operation up to Step06is similar to the procedure explained in connection withFIG. 8, and detailed description is not given here.

In the case it is judged in Step06that the peak hold value is lower than the lower limit QL, it is calculated at the second arithmetic unit43as to how far the photodetection light amount should be increased in order to increase the peak hold value by an amount of U (seeFIG. 7). Based on the result of calculation, a light amount increasing instruction is transmitted to the laser rotary irradiation device1via the second communication unit20(Step11).

The laser rotary irradiation device1receives the light amount increasing instruction via the first communication unit16. Based on the light amount increasing instruction, the first arithmetic unit33controls the light emission driving unit35so that the emission light amount of the laser beam emitter31corresponds to the light amount increasing instruction and increases the emission light amount of the laser beam emitter31(Step12).

When the projection of the laser beam in rotary irradiation by the laser rotary irradiation device1is started and the photodetection signal is not outputted from the photodetector18within a certain predetermined period of time, e.g. within about 10 seconds, an instruction to increase the light amount of the laser beam13is issued to the laser rotary irradiation device1.

Now, referring toFIG. 10, description will be given on a case where the signal processing unit41has gain adjusting function, and a case where the laser beam emitter31has ample allowance in the increase or the decrease of light amount or the emission light amount when the measurement is started is not at the highest and the laser beam emitter31is set to have ample allowance with respect to the increase of light amount. The flow of operation up to Step06is similar to the procedure described in connection withFIG. 8, and detailed description is not given here.

In the case the peak hold value is judged as lower than the lower limit QL in Step06, it is confirmed to the laser rotary irradiation device1whether the light amount can be increased or not via the second communication unit20and the first communication unit16(Step21).

If it is possible to increase the light amount, it is calculated at the second arithmetic unit43as to how far the emission light amount should be increased for the purpose of increasing the peak hold value by an amount of U (seeFIG. 7). Based on the calculation result, an instruction to increase the light amount is issued to the laser rotary irradiation device1via the second communication unit20(Step22).

The laser rotary irradiation device1receives the light amount increasing instruction via the first communication unit16. Based on the light amount increasing instruction, the first arithmetic unit33controls the light emission driving unit35so that the emission light amount of the laser beam emitter31corresponds to the light amount increasing instruction and increases the emission light amount of the laser beam emitter31(Step23).

In the case it is judged that the light amount cannot be increased in Step21, the amount of gain is calculated at the second arithmetic unit43to increase the peak value by an amount of U. Based on the result of calculation, a gain adjusting instruction is output to the signal processing unit41. Then, the gain at the signal processing unit41is adjusted so that the peak hold value is turned to the adequate range (Step24).

It is controlled in such manner that the peak hold value is to be within the adequate range by giving priority to the light amount adjustment of the laser beam13. As a result, it is possible to give optimal light amount without causing waste of power for the measurement. As a result, power can be saved. Also, the burden by the gain adjustment on the signal processing unit41can be reduced. This makes it possible to simplify the circuit configuration and to reduce the cost.

The laser emission light amount may be controlled linearly or non-linearly. For instance, control can be made in such manner as to match the amount of the deviation from the adequate light amount. In this case, if the light amount is extensively deviated from the adequate light amount, the light amount can be increased or decreased by a large amount. If the light amount is closer to the adequate light amount, the light amount can be gradually increased or decreased. As a result, the emission light amount can be quickly set within the adequate light amount range and useless power consumption can be avoided.

By providing a plurality of the upper limit values QH and the lower limit values QL and also by setting a narrower light amount range within the adequate light amount range Q, it is possible to obtain the adequate emission light amount regardless of the operation distance, and this makes it possible to increase the efficiency to reduce power consumption. By setting a target light amount value within the adequate light amount range, the emission light amount may be controlled so that the target light amount value can be attained at all times.