U.S. patent application number 14/484199 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for reference systems for indicating slope and alignment and related devices, systems, and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Laserline Mfg., Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy A. Treichler, Robert W. Vanneman.
Application Number | 20150062568 14/484199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51588193 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150062568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vanneman; Robert W. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
REFERENCE SYSTEMS FOR INDICATING SLOPE AND ALIGNMENT AND RELATED
DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
Abstract
A reference system configured in accordance with a particular
embodiment includes a light-emitting device having a first light
emitter, a second light emitter, and a housing. The housing
includes a base operably connected to the first and second light
emitters. The first light emitter is configured to emit a planar
light region having a vertical orientation. The second light
emitter is configured to emit an indicator light beam. A slope of
the indicator light beam is adjustable to change a position of the
indicator light beam within a vertical adjustment field. The system
further includes a controller configured to cause the first and
second light emitters to rotate in concert relative to the base
about a vertical axis so as to rotationally reposition the planar
light region and the indicator light beam in response to a detected
misalignment of the planar light region.
Inventors: |
Vanneman; Robert W.; (Bend,
OR) ; Treichler; Timothy A.; (Redmond, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Laserline Mfg., Inc. |
Redmond |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51588193 |
Appl. No.: |
14/484199 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14019459 |
Sep 5, 2013 |
8848180 |
|
|
14484199 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
356/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 15/006 20130101;
G01C 15/008 20130101; G01C 15/002 20130101; G01C 15/004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
356/138 |
International
Class: |
G01C 15/00 20060101
G01C015/00 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A method, comprising: emitting a planar light region from a
light-emitting device, the planar light region having a vertical
orientation; adjusting an alignment of the planar light region to
move the planar light region to an aligned state; emitting an
indicator light beam from the light-emitting device; adjusting a
slope of the indicator light beam to move the indicator light beam
to a selected slope; detecting a misaligned state of the planar
light region using a detector after the planar light region moves
to the aligned state; automatically rotationally repositioning the
planar light region in concert with the indicator light beam about
a vertical axis after detecting the misaligned state; detecting a
return of the planar light region to the aligned state; and
automatically ceasing the rotational repositioning after detecting
the return of the planar light region to the aligned state.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein: emitting the planar light
region includes emitting the planar light region using a first
light emitter of the light-emitting device; emitting the indicator
light beam includes emitting the indicator light beam using a
second light emitter of the light-emitting device, the first and
second light emitters being operably connected to a base of a
housing of the light-emitting device; and the method further
comprises automatically leveling the first and second light
emitters.
18. A method, comprising: emitting a scanning light beam from a
light-emitting device, the scanning light beam having a vertical
scanning field; adjusting an alignment of the vertical scanning
field to move the vertical scanning field to an aligned state;
emitting an indicator light beam from the light-emitting device;
adjusting a slope of the indicator light beam to move the indicator
light beam to a selected slope; detecting a misaligned state of the
vertical scanning field using a detector after the vertical
scanning field moves to the aligned state; automatically
rotationally repositioning the vertical scanning field in concert
with the indicator light beam about a vertical axis after detecting
the misaligned state; detecting a return of the vertical scanning
field to the aligned state; and automatically ceasing the
rotational repositioning after detecting the return of the vertical
scanning field to the aligned state.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein: emitting the vertical scanning
field includes emitting the vertical scanning field using a first
light emitter of the light-emitting device; emitting the indicator
light beam includes emitting the indicator light beam using a
second light emitter of the light-emitting device, the first and
second light emitters being operably connected to a base of a
housing of the light-emitting device; and the method further
comprises automatically leveling the first and second light
emitters.
20. A method, comprising: emitting a planar light region having a
vertical orientation from a light-emitting device; adjusting an
alignment of the planar light region to move the planar light
region to a selected alignment; emitting an intersecting planar
light region from the light-emitting device; adjusting a slope of
the intersecting planar light region to move the intersecting
planar light region to a selected slope; projecting an intersection
of the planar light region and the intersecting planar light region
onto a surface to indicate the selected alignment and the selected
slope; detecting a misaligned state of the planar light region
using a detector after the planar light region moves to the
selected alignment; automatically rotationally repositioning the
planar light region about a vertical axis after detecting the
misaligned state; detecting a return of the planar light region to
the selected alignment; and automatically ceasing the rotational
repositioning after detecting the return of the planar light region
to the selected alignment.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein: emitting the planar light
region includes emitting the planar light region using a first
light emitter of the light-emitting device; emitting the
intersecting planar light region includes emitting the intersecting
planar light region using a second light emitter of the
light-emitting device, the first and second light emitters being
operably connected to a base of a housing of the light-emitting
device; and the method further comprises automatically leveling the
first and second light emitters.
22. The method of claim 16 wherein adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field overlapping the
planar light region.
23. The method of claim 16 wherein adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field circumferentially
offset relative to the planar light region by a non-zero fixed
angle within a horizontal plane.
24. The method of claim 17, further comprising emitting a plummet
light beam using a third light emitter of the light-emitting
device, the plummet light beam having a vertical orientation.
25. The method of claim 17 wherein adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field extending from an
uppermost radial direction away from the base to a lowermost radial
direction away from the base, the uppermost radial direction having
an angle within a range from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees
off a horizontal plane, the lowermost radial direction having an
angle within a range from about -5 degrees to about -90 degrees off
the horizontal plane.
26. The method of claim 17 wherein: adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field at least partially
overlapping a first vertical arc area extending from a first
horizontal direction away from the base to an upward vertical
direction away from the base; and emitting the planar light region
includes emitting the planar light region such that the planar
light region at least partially overlaps a second vertical arc area
extending from a second horizontal direction away from the base to
the upward vertical direction, the second horizontal direction
being opposite to the first horizontal direction.
27. The method of claim 18 wherein adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field overlapping the
vertical scanning field.
28. The method of claim 18 wherein adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field circumferentially
offset relative to the vertical scanning field by a non-zero fixed
angle within a horizontal plane.
29. The method of claim 19, further comprising emitting a plummet
light beam using a third light emitter of the light-emitting
device, the plummet light beam having a vertical orientation.
30. The method of claim 19 wherein adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field extending from an
uppermost radial direction away from the base to a lowermost radial
direction away from the base, the uppermost radial direction having
an angle within a range from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees
off a horizontal plane, the lowermost radial direction having an
angle within a range from about -5 degrees to about -90 degrees off
the horizontal plane.
31. The method of claim 19 wherein: adjusting the slope of the
indicator light beam includes adjusting the slope of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field at least partially
overlapping a first vertical arc area extending from a first
horizontal direction away from the base to an upward vertical
direction away from the base; and emitting the vertical scanning
field includes emitting the vertical scanning field such that the
vertical scanning field at least partially overlaps a second
vertical arc area extending from a second horizontal direction away
from the base to the upward vertical direction, the second
horizontal direction being opposite to the first horizontal
direction.
32. The method of claim 21, further comprising emitting a plummet
light beam using a third light emitter of the light-emitting
device, the plummet light beam having a vertical orientation.
33. The method of claim 21 wherein adjusting the slope of the
intersecting planar light region includes adjusting the slope of
the intersecting planar light region within a range from an
uppermost radial direction away from the base to a lowermost radial
direction away from the base, the uppermost radial direction having
an angle within a range from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees
off a horizontal plane, the lowermost radial direction having an
angle within a range from about -5 degrees to about -90 degrees off
the horizontal plane.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/019,459 filed Sep. 5, 2013, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present technology is related to reference systems for
indicating slope and alignment. In particular, at least some
embodiments are related to reference systems including light
emitters that project light onto surfaces to create visible
references for use in construction, surveying, and other
applications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In many construction, surveying, and other applications it
can be useful to create a visible reference that has a selected
deviation from horizontal (i.e., "slope" or "grade") and a selected
horizontal orientation off a vertical axis (i.e., "alignment,"
"line," or "heading"). For example, in tunneling applications,
individual tunnel sections are often formed with a selected slope
and alignment so that an overall run of tunnel will follow a
desired course. Similarly, individual pipe sections in pipe-ramming
applications are often formed with a selected slope and alignment.
During construction of a tunnel, a pipe, or a similar structure, a
visible reference can be used to guide certain operations (e.g.,
steering a tunnel-boring machine, aiming a pipe-ramming assembly,
etc.) so as to maintain a selected slope and alignment. One
conventional approach to creating this visible reference includes
positioning a light emitter directly above or below a first
alignment reference point, manually adjusting the alignment of a
light beam generated by the light emitter so that the light beam
intersects a second alignment reference point corresponding to a
given alignment relative to the first alignment reference point,
and then manually adjusting the slope of the light beam to a
selected slope. Thereafter, the light emitter automatically
maintains the light beam at the selected slope, but operates
independently of the alignment of the light beam. Based on the
initial calibration, the light beam is assumed to represent the
given alignment. This approach and other conventional approaches to
indicating slope and alignment have certain limitations and/or
disadvantages. Accordingly, there is a need for further innovation
in this field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better
understood with reference to the following drawings. The components
in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is
placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present
technology. For ease of reference, throughout this disclosure
identical reference numbers may be used to identify identical or at
least generally similar or analogous components or features.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the top and one side
illustrating a light-emitting device of a reference system
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the bottom and one side of
the light-emitting device shown in FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the light-emitting device shown in
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a front profile view of the light-emitting device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 5 is an inverse plan view of the light-emitting device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a rear profile view of the light-emitting device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the top and one side of an
assembly of internal components of the light-emitting device shown
in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a rear profile view of the assembly shown in FIG.
7.
[0013] FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan and side profile views,
respectively, of the light-emitting device shown in FIG. 1
simultaneously emitting a planar light region and an indicator
light beam.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a profile view of the planar light region and the
indicator light beam shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 projected onto a
surface.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a light-emitting device of a
reference system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the
present technology simultaneously emitting a planar light region
horizontally offset from an indicator light beam.
[0016] FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan and side profile views,
respectively, of a light-emitting device of a reference system
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology simultaneously emitting a planar light region and an
intersecting planar light region.
[0017] FIG. 15 is a profile view of the planar light region and the
intersecting planar light region shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 projected
onto a surface.
[0018] FIG. 16 is a perspective cut-away view from the top and one
side of a subterranean pit in which a reference system configured
in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology is
guiding installation of pipe sections.
[0019] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method for indicating
slope and alignment in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Specific details of several embodiments of the present
technology are disclosed herein with reference to FIGS. 1-17.
Although the embodiments are disclosed herein primarily with
respect to tunneling and pipe-ramming applications, other
applications and other embodiments in addition to those disclosed
herein are within the scope of the present technology. For example,
reference systems configured in accordance with at least some
embodiments of the present technology can be used for building
layout or for positioning elevated structures (e.g., elevated
tracks or pipes) along specific courses above grade. It should be
noted that embodiments of the present technology can have different
configurations, components, features, or procedures than those
shown or described herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in
the art will understand that embodiments of the present technology
can have configurations, components, features, or procedures in
addition to those shown or described herein and that these and
other embodiments can be without several of the configurations,
components, features, or procedures shown or described herein
without deviating from the present technology.
[0021] Any given slope has a fixed angle relative to a level plane.
Thus, a reference system including a light emitter that generates a
light beam at a selected slope can automatically maintain the light
beam at the selected slope by automatically leveling the light
emitter. In this way, many conventional reference systems are
capable of reliably indicating slope without the need for frequent
monitoring or adjustment. Unfortunately, reliably indicating
alignment is not as straightforward. A variety of factors can cause
alignment to shift after a light emitter is initially calibrated.
These factors include thermal expansion or contraction of a mount
to which a light emitter is attached, thermal expansion or
contraction of internal components of a light emitter, vibration of
a light emitter, impact against a light emitter, and handling of a
light emitter, among other examples.
[0022] Uncertainty regarding the accuracy of a reference indicating
slope and alignment can reduce productivity, cause costly errors,
or have other disadvantages. For example, when this accuracy is in
doubt, personnel may find it prudent to manually recalibrate the
reference just before key measurements are taken. In addition to
being impractical, this still does not assure that alignment errors
will not occur, since alignment shifts can occur after
recalibration. Furthermore, manual recalibrations may be executed
in haste, which may lead to calibration errors. In at least some
cases, calibration errors tend to be magnified over long distances.
For example, when a conventional light emitter is positioned in a
subterranean pit (e.g., in a tunneling or pipe-ramming
application), the length of the pit may limit the available
distance between alignment reference points. Extrapolating an
alignment calibrated using the alignment reference points to the
end of a run of tunnel or pipe magnifies any calibration errors.
Even a relatively small calibration error that may be difficult to
detect at an alignment reference point may translate into a
relatively large error at the end of a run of tunnel or pipe. In a
particular example, a 0.5 inch calibration error at 50 feet near
the top edge of a pit is magnified ten times along a 500 foot run
of tunnel or pipe to cause a 5 inch misalignment at the end of the
run of tunnel or pipe. This level of inaccuracy is often
unacceptable or at least highly undesirable in modern construction
applications.
[0023] Reference systems configured in accordance with at least
some embodiments of the present technology can at least partially
address one or more of the problems discussed above and/or other
problems associated with conventional technologies whether or not
stated herein. For example, reference systems configured in
accordance with at least some embodiments of the present technology
can have one or more features that reduce or eliminate inaccurate
indications of alignment without necessitating frequent monitoring
and/or manual adjustment. In a particular example, a reference
system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology includes a light-emitting device configured to
communicate with a detector positioned at an alignment reference
point. A light emitter of the light-emitting device can be
configured to emit a planar light region having a vertical
orientation or a scanning light beam having a vertical scanning
field. The planar light region or the scanning light beam can
interact with the detector. For example, when the planar light
region or the vertical scanning field is shifted out of alignment
(e.g., due to one of the factors discussed above), the detector can
transmit a signal to the light-emitting device (e.g., via a
controller) that causes the light-emitting device to automatically
make one or more suitable adjustments to at least partially
compensate for the shift. Accordingly, once the light-emitting
device and the detector are initially positioned and activated, the
reference system can be safely relied upon to accurately indicate
alignment. This advantage and others are further discussed below
with reference to FIGS. 1-17.
Selected Examples of Light-Emitting Devices
[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating a
light-emitting device 100 of a reference system configured in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. FIGS. 3,
4, 5 and 6 are a plan view, a front elevation view, an inverse plan
view, and a rear elevation view, respectively, of the
light-emitting device 100. With reference to FIGS. 1-6 together,
the light-emitting device 100 can include a housing 102 and a
battery compartment 104 extending rearwardly from the housing 102.
An interior of the battery compartment 104 can be accessed, for
example, by removing a circular cap 105 positioned at a rear
surface 104a of the battery compartment 104. The housing 102 can
include a base 106 configured for attachment to a tripod (not
shown) or another suitable support structure. For example, the base
106 can include a threaded recess 108 configured to receive a
threaded protrusion of a tripod mounting head.
[0025] Along an upper surface 104b of the battery compartment 104,
the light-emitting device 100 can include buttons 112 (individually
identified 112a-112e) or other suitable user-interface elements
configured to allow a user to control certain operations of the
light-emitting device 100. In addition or alternatively, one of
more of the buttons 112 can be configured to allow a user to
control certain operations of one or more other components of the
system, such as via a wireless or wired connection between the
light-emitting device 100 and the one or more other components. The
light-emitting device 100 can further include a handle 114
extending rearwardly from a rear surface 102a of the housing 102
such that the handle 114 has a position above and vertically spaced
apart from the battery compartment 104. Below the handle 114 and
above the battery compartment 104, the light-emitting device 100
can include a rearwardly facing display 116 configured to convey
settings, status indicators, and/or other information to a
user.
[0026] A row of windows 118 (individually identified as 118a-d) and
intervening bridges 120 (individually identified as 120a-c) can
extend along the rear surface 102a of the housing 102 above the
handle 114, along an upper surface 102b of the housing 102, and
along a front surface 102c of the housing 102. In some embodiments,
a single window 118d extends from a bridge 120c at a corner between
the upper surface 102b of the housing 102 and the front surface
102c of the housing 102 to a portion of the front surface 102c of
the housing 102 at least proximate to the base 106. In other
embodiments, the window 118d can extend to another suitable portion
of the front surface 102c of the housing 102. The light-emitting
device 100 can further include an antenna 122 and a groove 124
configured to receive the antenna 122 when the antenna 122 is in a
stowed state. The groove 124 can be laterally spaced apart from and
longitudinally aligned with a portion of the row of windows 118 and
intervening bridges 120 extending along the upper surface 102b of
the housing 102. The antenna 122 can be hingedly connected to the
housing 102 at a forwardmost portion of the groove 124.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the top and one side of an
assembly of internal components of the light-emitting device 100.
FIG. 8 is a rear profile view of the assembly shown in FIG. 7. Many
internal components of the light-emitting device 100 are not shown
in FIGS. 7 and 8 for clarity of illustration. With reference to
FIGS. 1-8 together, the light-emitting device 100 can include a
first light emitter 126, a second light emitter 127, and a third
light emitter 128 positioned within the housing 102 and operably
connected to the base 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the first
light emitter 126, the second light emitter 127, and the third
light emitter 128 include a first light source 129 (e.g., including
a first laser driver operably connected to one or more first
light-emitting diodes), a second light source 130 (e.g., including
a second laser driver operably connected to one or more second
light-emitting diodes), and a third light source 131 (e.g.,
including a third laser driver operably connected to one or more
third light-emitting diodes), respectively. In other embodiments,
some or all of the first, second, and third light emitters 126,
127, 128 can include a shared light source, such as a shared light
source including laser driver operably connected to one or more
light-emitting diodes and a beam splitter configured to receive
light from the one or more light-emitting diodes and to distribute
the light to some or all of the first, second, and third light
emitters 126, 127, 128.
[0028] The first light emitter 126 can be partially or entirely
dedicated to maintaining and/or indicating alignment. In contrast,
the second light emitter 127 can be partially or entirely dedicated
to indicating slope. Accordingly, the first and second light
emitters 126, 127 can be configured to emit light having different
characteristics (e.g., with respect to shape, intensity, and/or
orientation) associated with these different purposes. In one
example, the first light emitter 126 is configured to emit a planar
light region (not shown) having a vertical orientation and the
second light emitter 127 is configured to emit an indicator light
beam (not shown) having an adjustable slope. Adjusting the slope of
the indicator light beam can change a position of the indicator
light beam within a vertical adjustment field. In another example,
instead of being configured to emit a planar light region, the
first light emitter 126 is configured to emit a scanning light beam
having a vertical scanning field. In yet another example, the first
light emitter 126 is configured to emit a planar light region and
the second light emitter 127 is configured to emit an intersecting
planar light region (not shown) perpendicular to the planar light
region and having an adjustable slope. The third light emitter 128
can be configured to emit a plummet light beam via the threaded
recess 108. The plummet light beam can have a vertical orientation
and can be useful for positioning the light-emitting device 100
relative to a reference (e.g., a stake or another suitable marker)
in the field. Other types and combinations of light from the first,
second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128 are also
possible.
[0029] The first, second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128
can be carried by one or more gimbals. In the illustrated
embodiment, the light-emitting device 100 is configured to level
the first, second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128
electronically. For example, the light-emitting device 100 can
include an x-axis leveling mechanism 132 configured to rotate the
first, second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128 front-to-back
about an x-axis 136. Similarly, the light-emitting device 100 can
include a y-axis leveling mechanism 134 configured to rotate the
first, second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128 left-to-right
about a y-axis 138. The x-axis leveling mechanism 132 can include a
first motor 140 and a first set of motion-transmitting components
142 operably connected to the first motor 140. Similarly, the
y-axis leveling mechanism 134 can include a second motor 144 and a
second set of motion-transmitting components 146 operably connected
to the second motor 144.
[0030] The light-emitting device 100 can further include an x-axis
level sensor 148, a y-axis level sensor 149, and a controller 150
(shown schematically) operably associated with the x-axis leveling
mechanism 132, the y-axis leveling mechanism 134, the x-axis level
sensor 148, and the y-axis level sensor 149. The controller 150 can
include memory 151 (shown schematically) and processing circuitry
152 (shown schematically). Wires (not shown) or other suitable
electrical connectors can operably connect the controller 150 to
the x-axis leveling mechanism 132, the y-axis leveling mechanism
134, the x-axis level sensor 148, and the y-axis level sensor 149.
The memory 151 can store instructions (e.g., non-transitory
instructions) that, when executed by the controller 150 using the
processing circuitry 152, cause the x-axis leveling mechanism 132
to level the first, second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128
based on input from the x-axis level sensor 148. Similarly, the
memory 151 can store instructions that, when executed by the
controller 150 using the processing circuitry 152, cause the y-axis
leveling mechanism 134 to level the first, second, and third light
emitters 126, 127, 128 based on input from the y-axis level sensor
149. In other embodiments, the light-emitting device 100 can be
configured to level the first, second, and third light emitters
126, 127, 128 in another suitable manner, such as by gravity.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the first light emitter 126
includes a reflector 153 (e.g., a pentamirror or a pentaprism)
operably connected to a reflector-rotating mechanism 154 configured
to rotate the reflector 153 about a horizontal axis parallel to the
x-axis 136. The reflector-rotating mechanism 154 can include a
third motor 155 and a third set of motion-transmitting components
156 operably connected to the third motor 155. The reflector 153
can be configured to receive light from the first light source 129
and to emit the light away from the light-emitting device 100 via
one, some, or all of the windows 118. The speed at which the
reflector 153 rotates can determine whether the emitted light forms
a planar light region having a vertical orientation or a scanning
light beam having a vertical scanning field. In other embodiments,
the light-emitting device 100 can include a lens, a filter, or
another suitable rotating or non-rotating component configured to
convert light from the first light source 129 into a planar light
region having a vertical orientation, a scanning light beam having
a vertical scanning field, or another suitable form.
[0032] The second light emitter 127 can include a cylinder 158
defining a passage (not shown) through which light from the second
light source 130 can be transmitted. For example, a first end
portion of the passage can be positioned to receive light from the
second light source 130. A collimating lens (not shown) disposed
within the cylinder 158 at a second end portion of the passage
opposite to the first end portion of the passage can be configured
to convert the light from the second light source 130 into an
indicator light beam. In at least some embodiments in which the
second light emitter 127 is configured to emit an intersecting
planar light region, the collimating lens can be replaced with a
rotatable reflector or another suitable component for generating
planar light regions. The angle of at least a portion of the second
light emitter 127 can be adjustable to change the slope of an
indicator light beam or an intersecting planar light region from
the second light emitter 127. For example, the light-emitting
device 100 can include a slope-adjusting mechanism 162 configured
to rotate the second light emitter 127 about a horizontal axis
parallel to the x-axis 136 to change the slope of an indicator
light beam or an intersecting planar light region from the second
light emitter 127. The slope-adjusting mechanism 162 can include a
fourth motor 164 and a fourth set of motion-transmitting components
166 operably connected to the fourth motor 164. In the illustrated
embodiment, the fourth set of motion-transmitting components 166
includes a vertical lead screw 168 and a yoke 170 configured to
lift and lower one end of an arm 172 having an opposite end
operably connected to the cylinder 158 at least proximate to the
second end portion of the passage. In other embodiments, the fourth
set of motion-transmitting components 166 can have another suitable
configuration.
[0033] In addition to controlling automatic leveling of the first,
second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128 via the x-axis
leveling mechanism 132 and the y-axis leveling mechanism 134, the
controller 150 can be configured to control automatic alignment of
the first, second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128. For
example, the controller 150 can be configured to receive one or
more signals from a remotely positioned detector (not shown) via
the antenna 122 and to control automatic alignment of the first,
second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128 based on the one or
more signals. Although in the illustrated embodiment the controller
150 is configured to receive the one or more signals wirelessly, in
other embodiments, the controller 150 can be configured to receive
the one or more signals via a wired connection with the detector.
Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiment the controller
150 is configured to control both automatic leveling and automatic
alignment of the first, second, and third light emitters 126, 127,
128, in other embodiments the controller 150 can be configured to
control one of automatic leveling and automatic alignment with the
other being controlled in another suitable manner.
[0034] The light-emitting device 100 can include an
alignment-adjusting mechanism 174 configured to rotate the first,
second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128 in concert relative
to the base 106 about a vertical axis 176. In this way, the
light-emitting device 100 can rotationally reposition a planar
light region from the first light emitter 126 or a vertical
scanning field of a scanning light beam from the first light
emitter 126 in concert with an indicator light beam or an
intersecting planar light region from the second light emitter 127.
The alignment-adjusting mechanism 174 can include a fifth motor 178
and a fifth set of motion-transmitting components 180 operably
connected to the fifth motor 178. In the illustrated embodiment,
the fifth set of motion-transmitting components 180 includes a
horizontal lead screw 182 extending though a threaded passage (not
shown) defined by a rotationally constrained nut 184. In other
embodiments, the fifth set of motion-transmitting components 180
can have another suitable configuration.
[0035] The controller 150 can be operably associated with the
alignment-adjusting mechanism 174. For example, the memory 151 can
store instructions (e.g., non-transitory instructions) that, when
executed by the controller 150 using the processing circuitry 152,
cause the alignment-adjusting mechanism 174 to rotate the first,
second, and third light emitters 126, 127, 128 in concert relative
to the base 106 about the vertical axis 176 in response to the one
or more signals or an absence of the one or more signals from the
detector. As further discussed below, the one or more signals or an
absence of the one or more signals can indicate a misaligned state
of a planar light region from the first light emitter 126 or of a
vertical scanning field of a scanning light beam from the first
light emitter 126. Thus, based on the one or more signals or an
absence of the one or more signals, the controller 150 can be
configured to move a planar light region from the first light
emitter 126 or a vertical scanning field of a scanning light beam
from the first light emitter 126 from a misaligned state toward an
aligned state. An indicator light beam or an intersecting planar
light region from the second light emitter 127 can move with the
planar light region from the first light emitter 126 or with the
vertical scanning field of the scanning light beam from the first
light emitter 126 such that the indicator light beam or the
intersecting planar light region is correspondingly
repositioned.
[0036] The controller 150 also can be operably associated with the
buttons 112 and the display 116. For example, pressing the button
112a can cause the controller 150 to open one or more switches (not
shown) and thereby allow electricity from batteries (not shown)
within the battery compartment 104 to flow to the first, second,
and third light emitters 126, 127, 128. Pressing the button 112e
can manually change a slope of an indicator light beam or an
intersecting planar light region from the second light emitter 127
to a selected slope. For example, the slope-adjusting mechanism 162
can include an encoder 186 operably connected to the controller
150. The controller 150 can be configured to cause the display 116
to indicate a slope of the second light emitter 127 based one or
more signals from the encoder 186. The display 116 can be a
touchscreen that allows a user to control additional operations of
the light-emitting device 100 and/or other components of the
system. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to being positioned
on the light-emitting device 100, the buttons 112 and/or the
display 116 can be positioned on a remote control (not shown)
configured to communicate with the light-emitting device 100 via a
wired or wireless connection.
[0037] Pressing the button 112c can cause the controller 150 to
switch control of the alignment-adjusting mechanism 174 between a
manual state (e.g., a calibration state) and an automatic state
(e.g., a locked state). In the manual state, the controller 150 can
be configured to rotate the first, second, and third light emitters
126, 127, 128 right or left via the alignment-adjusting mechanism
174 in response to pressing the button 112b or the button 112d,
respectively. Once a selected alignment is achieved, the button
112c can be pressed to cause the controller 150 to switch control
of the alignment-adjusting mechanism 174 to the automatic state. In
the automatic state, the controller 150 can be configured to
automatically maintain the selected alignment by controlling the
alignment-adjusting mechanism 174 based on the one or more signals
or an absence of the one or more signals from the detector. For
example, in the automatic state, the controller 150 can be
configured to make small or large adjustments as needed to maintain
the selected alignment. At least some adjustments may occur
relatively frequently to compensate for factors (e.g., thermal
expansion and contraction of components of the light-emitting
device 100) with relatively minor, but persistent effects on
alignment. Other adjustments may occur relatively infrequently to
compensate for factors (e.g., impact against the light-emitting
device 100) with relatively major effects on alignment.
[0038] FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan and side profile views,
respectively, of the light-emitting device 100 simultaneously
emitting a planar light region 188 and an indicator light beam 189.
FIG. 11 is a profile view of the planar light region 188 and the
indicator light beam 189 projected onto a surface 190. The planar
light region 188 can have a vertical orientation and the indicator
light beam 189 can have an adjustable slope. For example, the
indicator light beam 189 can have a radial direction 191 away from
the base 106 within a vertical adjustment field (represented by
arrow 192) extending from an uppermost radial direction 193 away
from the base 106 to a lowermost radial direction 194 away from the
base 106. In some embodiments, the uppermost radial direction 193
has an angle within a range from about 10 degrees to about 90
degrees off a horizontal plane and the lowermost radial direction
194 has an angle within a range from about -5 degrees to about -90
degrees off the horizontal plane. In a particular embodiment, the
uppermost radial direction 193 has an angle of about 17 degrees off
the horizontal plane and the lowermost radial direction 194 has an
angle of about -6 degrees off the horizontal plane. In other
embodiments, the uppermost and lowermost radial directions 193, 194
can have other suitable positions relative to the horizontal
plane.
[0039] The vertical adjustment field can at least partially overlap
a first vertical arc area (represented by arrow 196) extending from
a first horizontal direction 198 away from the base 106 to an
upward vertical direction 200 away from the base 106. In some
embodiments, the planar light region 188 at least partially
overlaps a second vertical arc area (represented by arrow 202)
extending from a second horizontal direction 204 away from the base
106 opposite to the first horizontal direction 198 to the upward
vertical direction 200. Similarly, when the first light emitter 126
is configured to emit a scanning light beam having a vertical
scanning field instead of the planar light region 188, the vertical
scanning field can at least partially overlap the second vertical
arc area. It can be useful for the planar light region 188 or a
vertical scanning field to at least partially overlap the second
vertical arc area, for example, to allow the planar light region
188 or the vertical scanning field to interact with a detector
positioned behind the light-emitting device 100 rather than in
front of the light-emitting device 100. In some cases, positioning
a detector behind the light-emitting device 100 rather than in
front of the light-emitting device 100 can be advantageous, such as
to reduce interference between the detector and an operation (e.g.,
a tunneling operation) occurring in front of the light-emitting
device 100 or when suitable mounting positions for the detector in
front of the light-emitting device 100 are less available or
desirable than suitable mounting positions for the detector behind
the light-emitting device 100.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment the planar light region 188 is
within the same plane as the indicator light beam 189 and the
vertical adjustment field. Similarly, when the first light emitter
126 is configured to emit a scanning light beam having a vertical
scanning field instead of the planar light region 188, the vertical
scanning field can be within the same plane as the indicator light
beam 189 and the vertical adjustment field. In other embodiments,
at least a portion of the planar light region 188 or a vertical
scanning field can be circumferentially offset relative to the
vertical adjustment field by a non-zero fixed angle within a
horizontal plane. For example, FIG. 12 is a plan view of a
light-emitting device 206 in which the row of windows 118 and
intervening bridges 120 and internal components associated with
emitting the planar light region 188 are rotated 90 degrees about
the vertical axis 176 relative to their positions in the
light-emitting device 100. Similar to the advantages discussed
above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 regarding overlapping the
second vertical arc area, horizontally offsetting the planar light
region 188 or a vertical scanning field relative to the vertical
adjustment field can be advantageous, such as to reduce
interference between the detector and an operation (e.g., a
tunneling operation) occurring in front of the light-emitting
device 206 or when suitable mounting positions for the detector in
front of the light-emitting device 206 are less available or
desirable than suitable mounting positions to the side of the
light-emitting device 206 or otherwise horizontally offset from
being directly in front of the light-emitting device 206.
[0041] Instead emitting an indicator light beam having an
adjustable slope, light-emitting devices of reference systems
configured in according with some embodiments of the present
technology can emit a planar light region (not shown) that has an
adjustable slope and intersects a vertical planar light region. For
example, FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan and side profile views,
respectively, of a light-emitting device 208 of a reference system
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology simultaneously emitting a vertical planar light region
210 and an intersecting planar light region 212. Similar to the
indicator light beam 189 shown in FIGS. 9-11, the intersecting
planar light region 212 can have a planar radial direction 213 away
from the base 106 within the vertical adjustment field (represented
by arrow 192) extending from an uppermost planar radial direction
214 away from the base 106 to a lowermost planar radial direction
216 away from the base 106. The angles of the uppermost and
lowermost planar radial directions 214, 216 relative to the first
horizontal direction 198 can correspond to those of the uppermost
and lowermost radial directions 193, 194, respectively.
[0042] The planar light region 188 shown in FIGS. 9-11 can be
visible or invisible to the naked eye. For example, the planar
light region 188 can be intense enough to be detected by a
detector, but not intense enough to be visibly located. When a
planar light region is only used for maintaining alignment, there
is typically no need for it to be visible. For example, a dot,
crosshair, or other discrete projection (not shown) of the
indicator light beam 189 onto a surface (not shown) can visibly
indicate a selected slope at a selected alignment. In contrast,
with reference again to FIGS. 13 and 14, the vertical planar light
region 210 can be used to visibly indicate alignment and used in
conjunction with the intersecting planar light region 212 to
visibly indicate slope. The vertical planar light region 210 shown
in FIG. 14 extends over a smaller arc than does the planar light
region 188 shown in FIG. 10. In some cases, reducing the arc of the
vertical planar light region 210 can enhance visibility by allowing
for greater light output over a smaller space.
[0043] FIG. 15 is a profile view of a first line 218 corresponding
to the vertical planar light region 210 and a second line 220
corresponding to the intersecting planar light region 212 projected
onto a surface 222. During use, the first line 218 can visibly
indicate a selected alignment, the second line 220 can visibly
indicate a selected slope, and an intersection 224 of the first and
second lines 218, 220 can indicate the selected slope at the
selected alignment. Indicating a selected slope and a selected
alignment in this way can be useful, for example, when a vertical
line, a horizontal line, or both at the selected slope and
alignment are needed as a visible reference for positioning a piece
of equipment or for another suitable aspect of an operation
occurring at the selected slope and alignment.
[0044] Although the second line 220 is shown as a level line in
FIG. 15, in other embodiments, the second line 220 can be
non-level. For example, the intersecting planar light region 212
can have an adjustable slope in two perpendicular planes. In this
way, the intersecting planar light region 212 can visibly or
invisibly indicate a compound slope. When the intersecting planar
light region 212 is used to indicate a compound slope, the accuracy
of the entire plane may depend on the alignment of the
light-emitting device 206. The vertical planar light region 210,
another visible or invisible vertical planar light region, or a
scanning light beam having a vertical scanning field can be emitted
from the light-emitting device 206 to maintain this alignment.
Planar light regions indicating compound slopes can be useful, for
example, in earthwork applications calling for complex topography,
among other examples.
[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective cut-away view from the top and one
side of a subterranean pit 226 in which a reference system 228
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology is guiding installation of pipe sections 230 using a
pipe-ramming assembly 231. The reference system 228 includes the
light-emitting device 100 and a detector 232 attached to a mount
234 positioned at an upper rim 236 of the subterranean pit 226.
After setup, the detector 232 can receive the planar light region
188 and to detect its presence and/or position (e.g., via optical
transducers positioned behind a detection window). When the
detected presence and/or position of the planar light region 188 is
accurate and does not change, the detector 232 can be configured to
transmit (e.g., wirelessly transmit) one or more signals indicating
an aligned state of the planar light region 188. When the detected
presence and/or position of the planar light region 188 changes,
the detector 232 can be configured to stop transmitting the one or
more signals so as to indicate a misaligned state of the planar
light region 188. Alternatively, when the detected presence and/or
position of the planar light region 188 changes, the detector 232
can be configured to start transmitting one or more signals so as
to indicate a misaligned state of the planar light region 188 and
when the detected presence and/or position of the planar light
region 188 is accurate and does not change, the detector 232 can be
configured to stop transmitting the one or more signals so as to
indicate a misaligned state of the planar light region 188. In some
embodiments, the detector 232 is configured to emit one or more
signals indicating a direction of misalignment of the planar light
region 188, such as a shift to the left or a shift to the right. In
other embodiments, the detector 232 can be configured to only emit
one or more signals that do not indicate a direction of
misalignment of the planar light region 188.
[0046] The light-emitting device 100 can be configured to receive
one or more signals from the detector 232 and to adjust the
position of the planar light region 188 accordingly. For example,
the controller 150 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be operably connected
to the detector 232 via a wired or wireless connection and the
memory 151 of the controller 150 can store instructions that, when
executed by the controller 150 using the processing circuitry 152
of the controller 150, cause the alignment-adjusting mechanism 174
to rotationally reposition the planar light region 188 so as to
move the planar light region 188 from the misaligned state toward
an aligned state. When the detector 232 emits one or more signals
indicating a misaligned state of the planar light region 188
without indicating a direction of the misalignment, the
light-emitting device 100 can be configured to dither or otherwise
suitably rotationally reposition the planar light region 188 until
the detector 232 stops emitting the one or more signals and/or
starts emitting one or more signals indicating an aligned state of
the planar light region 188. As another example, when the detector
232 emits one or more signals indicating a misaligned state of the
planar light region 188 without indicating a direction of the
misalignment, the light-emitting device 100 can be configured to
purposefully rotationally reposition of the planar light region 188
until the detector 232 stops emitting the one or more signals
and/or starts emitting one or more signals indicating an aligned
state of the planar light region 188. Although the planar light
region 188 is shown in FIG. 16, the same or similar functionality
can alternatively be achieved with a scanning light beam having a
vertical scanning field.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method 238 for
indicating slope and alignment in accordance with an embodiment of
the present technology. With reference to FIGS. 9-11 and 14-17
together, the method 238 can include emitting the planar light
region 188, 210 or a scanning light beam using the first light
emitter 126 (block 240). The method 238 can further include
adjusting an alignment of the planar light region 188, 210 or of a
vertical scanning field of the vertical scanning beam to move the
planar light region 188, 210 or the vertical scanning field,
respectively, to an aligned state (block 242). The method 238 can
further include emitting the indicator light beam 189 or the
intersecting planar light region 212 using the second light emitter
127 (block 244). The method 238 can further include adjusting a
slope of the indicator light beam 189 or of the intersecting planar
light region 212 to move the indicator light beam 189 or the
intersecting planar light region 212, respectively, to a selected
slope (block 246). The method 238 can further include projecting a
dot corresponding to the indicator light beam 189 or projecting a
line corresponding to the intersecting planar light region 212 onto
a surface (e.g., a working surface or the surface of a field
receiver) to indicate the selected alignment and the selected slope
(block 248).
[0048] The method 238 can further include detecting a misaligned
state of the planar light region 188, 210 or of the vertical
scanning field using the detector 232 after the planar light region
188 or the vertical scanning field moves to the aligned state
(block 250). The method 238 can further include automatically
rotationally repositioning the planar light region 188, 210 or the
vertical scanning field about the vertical axis 176 after detecting
the misaligned state (block 252). When the indicator light beam 189
is used to indicate the selected slope and alignment, the indicator
light beam 189 can be automatically rotationally repositioned in
concert (e.g., equal in degree, direction, and time, equal in
degree and direction, or coordinated in another suitable manner)
with the planar light region 188, 210. When the intersection 224 of
the planar light region 188, 210 and the intersecting planar light
region 212 is used to indicate the selected slope and alignment,
the intersecting planar light region 212 may be automatically
rotationally repositioned in concert with the planar light region
188, 210 or may remain stationary. The method 238 can further
include detecting a return of the planar light region 188, 210 or
vertical scanning field to the aligned state (block 254). The
method 238 can further include automatically ceasing the rotational
repositioning after detecting the return of the planar light region
188, 210 or of the vertical scanning field to the aligned state
(block 256). The method 238 can also include other suitable
operations. As an example, the method 238 can include automatically
leveling the first and second light emitters 126, 127.
Conclusion
[0049] This disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present technology to the precise forms disclosed herein.
Although specific embodiments are disclosed herein for illustrative
purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible without
deviating from the present technology, as those of ordinary skill
in the relevant art will recognize. In some cases, well-known
structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail
to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments
of the present technology. Although steps of methods may be
presented herein in a particular order, in alternative embodiments
the steps may have another suitable order. Similarly, certain
aspects of the present technology disclosed in the context of
particular embodiments can be combined or eliminated in other
embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain
embodiments may have been disclosed in the context of those
embodiments, other embodiments can also exhibit such advantages,
and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages or
other advantages disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the
present technology. Accordingly, this disclosure and associated
technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or
described herein.
[0050] Certain aspects of the present technology may take the form
of computer-executable instructions, including routines executed by
a controller or other data processor. In at least some embodiments,
a controller or other data processor is specifically programmed,
configured, and/or constructed to perform one or more of these
computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, some aspects of the
present technology may take the form of data (e.g., non-transitory
data) stored or distributed on computer-readable media, including
magnetic or optically readable and/or removable computer discs as
well as media distributed electronically over networks.
Accordingly, data structures and transmissions of data particular
to aspects of the present technology are encompassed within the
scope of the present technology. The present technology also
encompasses methods of both programming computer-readable media to
perform particular steps and executing the steps.
[0051] The methods disclosed herein include and encompass, in
addition to methods of practicing the present technology (e.g.,
methods of making and using the disclosed devices and systems),
methods of instructing others to practice the present technology.
For example, a method in accordance with a particular embodiment
includes emitting a planar light region from a light-emitting
device, adjusting an alignment of the planar light region to move
the planar light region to an aligned state, emitting an indicator
light beam from the light-emitting device, adjusting a slope of the
indicator light beam to move the indicator light beam to a selected
slope, detecting a misaligned state of the planar light region
using a detector after the planar light region moves to the aligned
state, automatically rotationally repositioning the planar light
region in concert with the indicator light beam about a vertical
axis after detecting the misaligned state, detecting a return of
the planar light region to the aligned state, and automatically
ceasing the rotational repositioning after detecting the return of
the planar light region to the aligned state. A method in
accordance with another embodiment includes instructing such a
method.
[0052] Throughout this disclosure, the singular terms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. Similarly, unless the word "or" is expressly
limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items
in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of "or"
in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single
item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any
combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the terms
"comprising" and the like are used throughout this disclosure to
mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any
greater number of the same feature(s) and/or one or more additional
types of features are not precluded. Directional terms, such as
"upper," "lower," "front," "back," "vertical," and "horizontal,"
may be used herein to express and clarify the relationship between
various elements. It should be understood that such terms do not
denote absolute orientation. Reference herein to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar formulations means that a particular
feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one
embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of such
phrases or formulations herein are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, various particular features,
structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
* * * * *