초록 ▼

A survey system for determining the shape of a fixed path along which there may be no line of sight from end to end. The system comprises a mobile optical detector adapted to travel along the path and a plurality of optical sources which can be arranged along the path. As it moves along, the detecto

A survey system for determining the shape of a fixed path along which there may be no line of sight from end to end. The system comprises a mobile optical detector adapted to travel along the path and a plurality of optical sources which can be arranged along the path. As it moves along, the detector receives optical signals from consecutive groups of the sources and processing circuitry in the system deduces the angular positions of the sources and hence the shape of the path. In a coal mine, the optical sources are positioned on mine roof supports and the detector on a mining machine which traverses to and fro along the coalface. The system then determines the shape of the coalface. The frequency with which the detector and processing circuitry scan the sources is compatible wiht the mining machine. The sources can be retro-reflectors, in which case a primary optical source is mounted adjacent to the detector.

대표청구항 ▼

A survey system comprising a mobile optical receiver adapted to travel a fixed path, a series of optical sources positioned in a line generally along said path, the receiver having sensor array means for substantially simultaneously receiving light from a predetermined minimum group of sources withi

A survey system comprising a mobile optical receiver adapted to travel a fixed path, a series of optical sources positioned in a line generally along said path, the receiver having sensor array means for substantially simultaneously receiving light from a predetermined minimum group of sources within the series of sources, the sensor array means being responsive to light projected by the group of optical sources visible to the receiver to determine the angle of incidence of the light projected from each visible source of the group relative to an optical axis of the receiver, the system having means for periodically electronically scanning the sensor array means to detect light impinging upon the sensor array means for effecting such source angle determinations periodically, the period of said scanning means being such that a pluraity of angle determinations are made on each group of sources visible to the receiver, the system further including processing circuitry adapted to correlate the angular measurements and to derive therefrom information identifying the shape of said fixed path.