JPH09113266A - Distance measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distance measuring instrument which can easily, quickly, and indirectly measure the distance between the reflecting point of measurement waves and a point immediately below the instrument by detecting the distance to the reflecting point and the angle between the vertical direction and the transmitting direction of the measurement waves and calculating the horizontal distance from the distance and angle. SOLUTION: An inclination sensor 37 detects the inclined angle θof the emitting direction of pulsed light from the vertical direction and a mirror control section 38 calculates the rotational angle θ/2 of a half mirror 36 and rotates the mirror 36 by an angle of θ/2 on the basis of the vertical direction. The pulsed light emitted from a laser diode 35 is split into transmitted light and reflected light by the mirror 36 and the transmitted light and reflected light are respectively emitted in a prescribed direction and the vertical direction and indicate a reference point for measurement. The emitted pulsed light is received by means of a photoreceptor 40 and converted into a light receiving timing signal by means of a comparator 42 after amplification 41. A microprocessor 33 calculates the distance to the reflecting point from the time until the light receiving timing signal is received after the pulsed light is emitted and the horizontal distance by fetching the inclined angle and displays 43 the horizontal distance.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a distance measuring device for transmitting a measuring wave and measuring a distance based on a propagation delay of a returning measuring wave, and more particularly to indirectly measuring a distance such as a horizontal distance. The present invention relates to a distance measuring device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, there is known a distance measuring device which irradiates a laser beam and measures a horizontal distance to a desired point based on the propagation delay of the reflected wave. FIG. 11 shows the measurement of horizontal distance using this type of device. FIG.
In 1 (1), when measuring the horizontal distance to the ground, floor, or other desired point on the bottom surface, the measurer places the distance measuring device 51 on the bottom surface in the measurement direction.

Next, the measurer places the reflector 52 at a desired point. In this state, the distance measuring device 51 irradiates the reflector 52 with laser light to measure the horizontal distance from the reflector 52 to the distance measuring device 51. Further, in FIG. 11 (2), when performing measurement while holding the distance measuring device 51 at an arbitrary height, the measurer holds the distance measuring device 51 in the measurement direction and holds it on a tripod or the like.

Next, the measurer fixes the reflector 52 at a desired point at the same height as the distance measuring device 51 and measures the horizontal distance.

[0005]

However, in the conventional example, when the distance measuring device 51 is arranged on the bottom surface for measurement, the measurer must bend over and arrange the distance measuring device 51 on the bottom surface. There is a problem that it takes time to measure.

Further, there is a problem that the location of the distance measuring device 51 needs to be flat and stable. Furthermore, between the reflector 52 and the distance measuring device 51,
Since there is an obstacle that obstructs the laser beam, the measurement cannot be performed, and thus there is a problem that it is difficult to perform measurement in an uneven place.

When the distance measuring device 51 is held at an arbitrary height for measurement, the reflector 52 is used as the distance measuring device 5.
There is a troublesome work of arranging it at the same height as that of No. 1 and there is a problem that it takes time and effort for measurement. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a distance measuring device that measures the horizontal distance indirectly simply and quickly.

According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the object of claim 1, there is provided a distance measuring device capable of accurately setting an end point (hereinafter referred to as a "reference point") serving as a distance reference. The purpose is to It is an object of the invention as set forth in claim 3 to provide a distance measuring device capable of indirectly and simply measuring a horizontal distance and accurately setting a reference point. It is an object of the invention according to claim 4 to provide a distance measuring device that indirectly and simply measures a desired distance between two desired points.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a distance measuring device that indirectly and simply measures a horizontal distance. It is an object of the invention according to claim 6 to provide a distance measuring device that indirectly and simply measures the height of the device. The invention described in claims 7 to 9 is
An object of the present invention is to provide a distance measuring device that reliably emits laser light in two directions with a simple configuration.

[0010]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of the first aspect of the present invention. The invention according to claim 1 is based on a transmitting means 1 for transmitting the measurement wave in a predetermined direction, a receiving means 2 for receiving the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction, and a predetermined delay based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction. Distance measuring means 3 for measuring the distance to the reflection point of the measurement wave located in the direction
An angle detection means 4 for detecting an angle θ formed by the vertical direction and the transmission direction of the measurement wave, and the distance to the reflection point of the measurement wave,
Distance calculating means 5 for calculating the horizontal distance from the reflection point of the measurement wave to the point directly below the device based on the angle θ detected by the angle detecting means.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the principle of the second aspect of the present invention. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the distance measuring device according to the first aspect, the half mirror 7 is rotatably arranged at a position where the laser beam as the measurement wave is irradiated.
And the angle θ detected by the angle detection means 4 is taken in, and the half mirror 7 is moved to the angle θ / 2 with reference to the vertical direction.
And a half mirror drive unit 6 which is rotated to split the laser light as a measurement wave into a predetermined direction and a vertical direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first transmitting means for transmitting the measurement wave in a predetermined direction and the first transmitting means are rotatably arranged.
Second transmitting means for transmitting the measuring wave, weighting means for orienting the transmitting direction of the second transmitting means in the vertical direction, and receiving means for receiving the measuring wave returning from the predetermined direction and the measuring wave returning from the vertical direction, respectively. And the distance L1 to the "first reflection point" located in the predetermined direction is measured based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction, and the vertical direction is calculated based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the vertical direction. Distance measuring means for measuring the height L2 of the device, which is the distance to the "second reflection point" located at, and the distance L1 to the first reflection point in the predetermined direction and the height L2 of the device, Distance calculating means for calculating a horizontal distance L3 from the first reflection point in the predetermined direction to the second reflection point in the vertical direction based on the horizontal distance L3 = (L1 ² −L2 ² ) ^1/2. Configure.

FIG. 3 is a principle block diagram of the invention described in claims 4 to 6. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the measuring wave is transmitted in a first direction and a second direction which is a predetermined angle θa away from the first direction, and a measuring wave returning from the first direction. Based on the receiving means 2 for receiving the measurement wave returning from the second direction and the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the first direction, the "first reflection point" located in the first direction.
Distance L4 to the second direction based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the second direction.
Distance measuring means 3 for measuring the distance L5 to the reflection point of
And using the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5, the distance L6 = (L4 ² + L5 ² −2 · L4 · L5 · cos θ
a) Distance calculating means 5 for calculating the distance L6 from the first reflection point of the measurement wave in the first direction to the second reflection point of the measurement wave in the second direction based on ^1/2 ) Configure.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means 1 for transmitting the measurement wave in the first direction and the second direction separated by a predetermined angle θa from the first direction, and the measurement returning from the first direction The receiving means 2 for receiving the wave and the measurement wave returning from the second direction, and the "first reflection point" located in the first direction based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the first direction. To the "second reflection point" located in the second direction on the basis of the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the second direction. And the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5, the horizontal distance L7 = | L4-L5 · cos θa | · L4 / (L
Distance calculating means 5 for calculating a horizontal distance L7 from the first reflection point of the measurement wave in the first direction to the point directly below the device based on 4 ² + L5 ² −2 · L4 · L5 · cos θa) ^1/2. And is configured.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means 1 for transmitting the measurement wave in the first direction and the second direction at a predetermined angle θa from the first direction, and the measurement returning from the first direction. The receiving means 2 for receiving the wave and the measurement wave returning from the second direction, and the "first reflection point" located in the first direction based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the first direction. To the "second reflection point" located in the second direction on the basis of the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the second direction. And the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5, the height L8 = L4 · L5 · sin θa / (L4 ² + L5 ² −2
The distance calculation means 5 for calculating the height L8 from the point directly below the device to the device based on L4, L5, cos θa) ^1/2 .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the distance measuring device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the transmitting means has a measuring wave at a position irradiated with laser light as a measuring wave. It is configured by including a half mirror arranged so as to split the laser light that is the first direction and the second direction. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the distance measuring device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the transmitting means is rotatably arranged at a position irradiated with a laser beam as a measurement wave. And a mirror drive unit that sequentially drives the mirrors at an angle that reflects the laser light that is the measurement wave in the first direction and the second direction.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the distance measuring device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the transmitting means transmits the measurement wave in the first direction. And second transmitting means for transmitting the measurement wave in the second direction.

[0018]

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the invention described in claims 1 to 3. In the distance measuring device according to the first aspect, the transmitting means 1 transmits the measurement wave in a predetermined direction. Further, the receiving means 2 receives the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction. The distance measuring means 3 is based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave received by the receiving means 2,
The distance L1 to the reflection point A of the measurement wave located in the predetermined direction is measured. The angle detection means 4 detects an angle θ formed by the vertical direction and the transmission direction of the measurement wave. The distance calculation means 5 has a distance L
1 and the angle θ are taken in, and the horizontal distance L3 from the reflection point A in the predetermined direction to the point B directly below the distance measuring device is calculated based on the horizontal distance L3 = L1 · sin θ.

In the distance measuring device according to the second aspect, the rotatable half mirror 7 is arranged at the position where the laser beam is irradiated. The half mirror driving unit 6 moves the half mirror 7 based on the angle θ detected by the angle detecting unit 4.
Rotate at an angle of θ / 2. Therefore, the laser light is branched into a predetermined direction and a vertical direction, and is irradiated to points located in the predetermined direction and the vertical direction. The irradiation light spot of this laser beam indicates a reference point for measurement.

In the distance measuring device according to the third aspect, the first
The transmitting means of transmits the measurement wave in a predetermined direction. Also, the second
Since the transmitting means is rotatable and the weighting means is added, the measuring wave is always transmitted in the vertical direction. The receiving means receives the measurement waves returning from the predetermined direction and the vertical direction, respectively. The distance measuring means is based on the propagation delay of the measuring wave received by the receiving means, the distance L1 to the reflecting point A of the measuring wave located in the predetermined direction, and the distance from the reflecting point B of the measuring wave located in the vertical direction. The height L2 to the measuring device is measured.

The distance calculating means takes in the distance L1 to the reflection point A in the predetermined direction and the height L2 of the distance measuring device, and based on the horizontal distance L3 = (L1 ² −L2 ² ) ^1/2 , the predetermined distance is calculated. The horizontal distance L3 from the reflection point A in the direction to the reflection point B in the vertical direction is calculated.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the invention described in claims 4 to 6. In the distance measuring device according to the fourth aspect, the transmitting means 1 transmits the measurement wave in the first direction and the second direction separated by the predetermined angle θa. The receiving means 2 receives the measurement wave returning from the first direction and the measurement wave returning from the second direction, respectively.

The distance measuring means 3 is located on the basis of the propagation delay of the measurement wave received by the receiving means 2 and is located at the distance L4 to the first reflection point C located at the first direction and at the second direction. The distance L5 to the second reflection point D is measured. The distance calculation means 5 uses the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5, and the distance L6 = (L4 ² + L5 ² -2 · L4 · L5 · cos θ
a) Calculate the distance L6 from the first reflection point C to the second reflection point D based on ^1/2 . In the distance measuring device according to the fifth aspect, the transmitting means 1 transmits the measurement wave in the first direction and the second direction separated by the predetermined angle θa.

The receiving means 2 receives the measurement wave returning from the first direction and the measurement wave returning from the second direction, respectively. The distance measuring means 3 is based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave received by the receiving means 2, and is a distance L4 to the first reflection point C located in the first direction and a second distance located in the second direction. Reflection point D
To the distance L5.

The distance calculation means 5 has a predetermined angle θa and a distance L4.
And the distance L5, the horizontal distance L7 = | L4-L5.cos .theta.a | .L4 / (L
The horizontal distance L7 from the first reflection point C to the point E directly below the device is calculated based on 4 ² + L5 ² −2 · L4 · L5 · cos θa) ^1/2 .

In the distance measuring device according to the sixth aspect, the transmitting means 1 transmits the measurement wave to the second direction at a predetermined angle θa away from the first direction.
And send to. The receiving means 2 receives the measurement wave returning from the first direction and the measurement wave returning from the second direction, respectively. The distance measuring means 3 is based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave received by the receiving means 2, and is a distance L4 to the first reflection point C located in the first direction and a second distance located in the second direction. And the distance L5 to the reflection point D of. Distance calculation means 5
Is the height L8 = L4.L5.sin.theta.a / (L4 ² + L5 ² -2) using the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5.
・ L4 ・ L5 ・ cos θa) ^1/2 based on the height L8 from the point E directly under the device to the device
Is calculated.

In the transmitting means described in claim 7, since the half mirror is arranged at the position where the laser beam is irradiated,
The half mirror splits the laser light into transmitted light and reflected light,
The laser light is emitted in the first direction and the second direction. In the transmitting means according to the eighth aspect, the mirror is arranged at a position where the laser light is emitted. The mirror driving unit changes the angle of the mirror, so that the mirror sequentially emits the reflected light in the first direction and the second direction.

In the transmitting means according to the ninth aspect, the first transmitting means transmits the measuring wave in the first transmitting direction, and the second transmitting means transmits the measuring wave in the second transmitting direction.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1 and 2. In FIG. 6, the main body 31
A switch 32 is disposed in the switch 32, and the contact of the switch 32 is connected to the first input terminal of the microprocessor 33. The first output terminal of the microprocessor 33 is connected to the input terminal of the laser diode 35 via the pulse drive circuit 34.

On the other hand, the half mirror 36 is obliquely arranged at the position where the pulsed light generated from the laser diode 35 is irradiated. Further, the light receiver 40 is arranged at a position for receiving the pulsed light returning from the outside after passing through the half mirror 36, and the output terminal of the light receiver 40 is connected to the input terminal of the comparator 42 via the amplifier circuit 41. To be done.

The output terminal of the comparator 42 is connected to the second input terminal of the microprocessor 33. Body 31
The tilt sensor 37 is fixed to the mirror control unit 38, and the output terminal of the tilt sensor 37 is connected to the third input terminal of the microprocessor 33 and the mirror control unit 38. The output terminal of the mirror control unit 38 is connected to the motor 39, and the drive shaft of the motor 39 is connected to the rotation shaft of the half mirror 36.

The second output terminal of the microprocessor 33 is connected to the input terminal of the display section 43. Claim 1
Regarding the correspondence relationship between the invention described in (1) and the above-described embodiment, the transmitting means 1 corresponds to the laser diode 35, the receiving means 2 corresponds to the light receiver 40, the distance measuring means 3 corresponds to the microprocessor 33, the comparator 42. The angle detecting means 4 corresponds to the tilt sensor 37, and the distance calculating means 5 corresponds to the microprocessor 33.

Regarding the correspondence between the invention according to claim 2 and the above-mentioned embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned correspondence, the half mirror drive unit 6 corresponds to the mirror control unit 38 and the motor 39, and the half mirror 7 Corresponds to the half mirror 36. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1 and 2.

The operation of the above embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The tilt sensor 37 detects a tilt angle θ which is an angle formed by the vertical direction and the emitting direction of the pulsed light.
The mirror control unit 38 controls the rotation angle θ / 2 of the half mirror 36.
Is calculated and the motor 39 is driven to rotate, and the half mirror 36 is rotated clockwise by an angle θ / 2 with reference to the vertical direction (step S1).

When the measurer turns on the switch 32, pulsed light is generated from the laser diode 35 (step S
2) The pulsed light generated from the laser diode 35 is split into transmitted light and reflected light by the half mirror 36, and is emitted to the outside in a predetermined direction and a vertical direction. The emitted irradiation spot of the pulsed light indicates a reference point for measurement located in the predetermined direction and the vertical direction (step S3).

The pulsed light emitted in the predetermined direction is reflected from the outside, returns from the predetermined direction, and is received by the photodetector 40.
It is converted into a light reception signal. The received light signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 41 (step S4). The comparator 42 converts the received light signal into a received light timing signal (step S
5). The microprocessor 33 measures the time from the generation of the pulsed light to the reception of the light reception timing signal, and calculates the distance L1 to the reflection point located in the predetermined direction (step S).
6).

The microprocessor 33 takes in the measured distance L1 and the inclination angle θ, calculates the horizontal distance L3 based on the horizontal distance L3 = L1 · sinθ, and causes the display unit 43 to display this distance (step S7). As described above, in the distance measuring device according to the above-described embodiment, while maintaining the distance measuring device at an arbitrary height, the distance to the reflection point located in the predetermined direction and the angle formed by the predetermined direction and the vertical direction are set. It is possible to measure and immediately calculate the horizontal distance.

Conventionally, when the distance measuring device is arranged on the bottom surface for measurement, the measurer bends over and performs the troublesome work of disposing the distance measuring device on the bottom surface. With the measuring device, the troublesome work can be omitted, and the measurement can be performed in a comfortable posture.

Further, the position where the distance measuring device is arranged needs to be flat and stable, but in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, the distance measuring device is measured while being held at an arbitrary height. So, without being directly affected by the bottom,
Can be measured. Further, it was not possible to perform measurement if there was an obstacle that interferes with the laser light between the reflector located on the bottom surface and the distance measuring device. However, in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, the distance measuring device is used. Is measured while being held at an arbitrary height, it is possible to easily perform measurement even in an uneven place unless the laser light is disturbed.

Further, conventionally, when performing measurement while holding the distance measuring device at an arbitrary height, the measurer performs a troublesome work of arranging a reflector positioned in a predetermined direction at the same height as the distance measuring device. Was there. However, in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, since the horizontal distance is indirectly measured,
This troublesome work can be omitted, and the measurer can easily perform the measurement.

Further, in the distance measuring device of the above-mentioned embodiment, the pulsed light is branched into the predetermined direction and the vertical direction, and is irradiated to the points located in the predetermined direction and the vertical direction. The irradiation light spot of this pulsed light indicates the reference point for measurement, so that at the time of measurement, the measurer can easily know the reference point for measurement located in the vertical direction and can perform the measurement accurately and quickly. .

Further, since the half mirror 36 branches the pulsed light to emit the pulsed light in the predetermined direction and the vertical direction, the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment should be configured by one laser diode. The structure can be simplified. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 3. A distance measuring device of an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 3 is a first radar device 44 and a second radar device rotatably arranged on the first radar device 44 via a rotation shaft. It comprises a device 45 and a weight 46 added to the second radar device 45.

Regarding the correspondence between the invention described in claim 3 and the above-mentioned embodiment, the first transmitting means is the first
The second transmitting means corresponds to the transmitting function of the second radar apparatus 45, the weighting means corresponds to the weight 46, and the receiving means corresponds to the first radar apparatus 4 of FIG.
4 and the second radar device 45, the distance measuring means corresponds to the distance measuring function of the first radar device 44 and the second radar device 45, and the distance calculating means corresponds to the first radar device 44. And the calculation function of the second radar device 45.

The first radar device 44 emits pulsed light in a predetermined direction and measures the distance L1 to the reflection point A. Since the second radar device 45 always faces in the vertical direction by the action of the weight 46, it emits the pulsed light in the vertical direction to reflect the reflection point B.
Measure the height L2 from the device to the device. The distance measuring device takes in the distance L1 and the height L2, and based on the horizontal distance L3 = (L1 ² −L2 ² ) ^1/2 , the distance from the reflection point A located in a predetermined direction to the reflection point B directly below the device. Then, the horizontal distance L3 is calculated.

As described above, in the distance measuring device according to the above-described embodiment, the distance L1 to the reflection point A located in a predetermined direction and the reflection position located in the vertical direction are held while the distance measuring device is held at an arbitrary height. The horizontal distance can be immediately calculated by measuring the distance to the point B. Conventionally, when the distance measuring device is placed on the bottom surface for measurement, the measurer bends his / her back and performs the troublesome work of placing the distance measuring device on the bottom surface. , The troublesome work can be omitted, and the measurement can be performed in a comfortable posture.

Further, the place where the distance measuring device is arranged needs to be flat and stable, but in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, the distance measuring device is measured while being held at an arbitrary height. So, without being directly affected by the bottom,
Can be measured. Further, it was not possible to perform measurement if there was an obstacle that interferes with the laser light between the reflector located on the bottom surface and the distance measuring device. However, in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, the distance measuring device is used. Is measured while being held at an arbitrary height, it is possible to easily perform measurement even in an uneven place unless the laser light is disturbed.

Further, conventionally, when performing measurement while holding the distance measuring device at an arbitrary height, the measurer performs a troublesome work of arranging the reflector positioned in a predetermined direction at the same height as the distance measuring device. Was there. However, in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, since the horizontal distance is indirectly measured,
This troublesome work can be omitted, and the measurer can easily perform the measurement.

Further, in the distance measuring device of the above-mentioned embodiment, the pulsed light is branched into the predetermined direction and the vertical direction, and is irradiated to the points located in the predetermined direction and the vertical direction. The irradiation light spot of this pulsed light indicates the reference point for measurement, so that at the time of measurement, the measurer can easily know the reference point for measurement located in the vertical direction and can perform the measurement accurately and quickly. .

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment corresponding to the inventions described in claims 4 to 6. In FIG. 9, the switch 32 is arranged on the main body 31, and the contact of the switch 32 is connected to the first input terminal of the microprocessor 47. The first output terminal of the microprocessor 47 is connected to the input terminal of the laser diode 35a via the pulse drive circuit 34a.

The second output terminal of the microprocessor 47 is connected to the input terminal of the laser diode 35b via the pulse drive circuit 34b. A photodetector 40 is arranged at a position for receiving pulsed light emitted from the laser diodes 35a and 35b and returning from the outside, and an output terminal of the photodetector 40 is connected to an input terminal of a comparator 42 via an amplifier circuit 41. To be done.

The output terminal of the comparator 42 is connected to the second input terminal of the microprocessor 47. The third output terminal of the microprocessor 47 is connected to the input terminal of the display unit 43. In addition, the invention according to claims 4 to 6,
Regarding the correspondence relationship with the above-described embodiment, the transmitting means 1 includes a laser diode 35a and a laser diode 35b.
The receiving means 2 corresponds to the light receiver 40, and the distance measuring means 3 corresponds to the microprocessor 47 and the comparator 4.
2, the distance calculation means 5 is the microprocessor 47.
Corresponding to

Regarding the correspondence relationship between the invention described in claim 9 and the above-mentioned embodiment, the first transmitting means corresponds to the laser diode 35a, and the second transmitting means corresponds to the laser diode 35b. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 4 to 6.

The operation of the above embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Explanation will be made using 0. When the measurer turns on the switch, pulsed light is generated in the first direction from the first laser diode 35a (step S1). As shown in FIG. 5, the pulsed light emitted from the laser diode 35a is reflected and returned at the reflection point C located in the first direction, received by the light receiver 40, and converted into a light reception signal (step). S2).

The light receiving signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 41, and the comparator 42 converts the light receiving signal into a light receiving timing signal (step S3). The microprocessor 47 measures the time from the generation of the pulsed light to the reception of the light reception timing signal, and calculates the distance L4 to the first reflection point C (step S4). Pulsed light is generated from the second laser diode 35b in a second direction that is away from the first direction by an angle θa (step S5).

The pulsed light emitted from the laser diode 35b is reflected and returned at the second reflection point D located in the second direction, received by the light receiver 40, and converted into a light reception signal (step S6). The light receiving signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 41, and the comparator 42 converts the light receiving signal into a light receiving timing signal (step S7).

The microprocessor 47 measures the time from the generation of the pulsed light to the reception of the light reception timing signal, and calculates the distance L5 to the second reflection point D (step S8).
The microprocessor 47 determines the angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L.
5 and, the distance L6 = (L4 ² + L5 ² −2 · L4 · L5 · cos θ
a) A distance L6 between two desired points, which is the distance from the first reflection point C to the second reflection point D, is calculated based on ^1/2 , and the horizontal distance L7 = | L4−L5 · cos θa |・ L4 / (L
The horizontal distance L7 from the first reflection point C to the point E directly below the device is calculated based on 4 ² + L5 ² −2 · L4 · L5 · cos θa) ^1/2 , and the height L8 = L4 · L5 · sin θa / (L4 ² + L5 ² -2
-The height L8 from the point E directly under the device to the distance measuring device is calculated based on L4, L5, cos θa) ^1/2 .

Then, the display unit 43 displays these distances (step S9). As described above, in the distance measuring device according to the above-described embodiment, the distance to the first reflection point C located in the first direction and the first direction from the first direction while keeping the distance measuring device at the height to be measured. By measuring the distance to the second reflection point D located in the second direction at a predetermined angle θa,
The “distance from the first reflection point to the second reflection point”, the “horizontal distance”, and the “height of the distance measuring device” can be calculated immediately.

Conventionally, when the distance measuring device is placed on the bottom surface for measurement, the measurer bends over and performs the troublesome work of placing the distance measuring device on the bottom surface. With the measuring device, the troublesome work can be omitted, and the measurement can be performed in a comfortable posture. Further, the position where the distance measuring device is arranged needs to be flat and stable, but in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, since the distance measuring device is measured while being held at the height to be measured, It can be measured without being affected by the bottom surface. Further, it was not possible to perform measurement if there was an obstacle that interferes with the laser light between the reflector located on the bottom surface and the distance measuring device. However, in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, the distance measuring device is used. Is measured at a desired height, so that it can be easily measured even in an uneven place unless the laser light is disturbed.

Further, conventionally, when performing measurement while holding the distance measuring device at an arbitrary height, the measurer performs a troublesome work of arranging the reflector positioned in a predetermined direction at the same height as the distance measuring device. Was there. However, in the distance measuring device of the above-described embodiment, since the horizontal distance is indirectly measured,
This troublesome work can be omitted, and the measurer can easily perform the measurement.

Further, in the distance measuring device of the above-mentioned embodiment, the pulsed light is branched into the first direction and the second direction,
The reflection points C and D located in the first direction and the second direction are irradiated. Since the measurement spot is indicated by the irradiation spot of the pulsed light, when measuring the “distance from the first reflection point to the second reflection point”, the measurer can easily determine the measurement reference point. You can understand and make measurements accurately and quickly.

Although the distance is measured based on the propagation delay of the pulsed light in the above-described three embodiments, continuous laser light is emitted and the phase of the reflected light is measured.
The distance may be measured. Further, in the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 3 and the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 4 to 6 and 9, the laser light is used as the measurement wave. Not limited to
Any measurement wave having the property of reflecting can be used. For example, sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and light can be used.

Further, in the distance measuring device of the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1 and 2, the horizontal distance L3 is used.
However, the distance measuring device is not limited to this, and the distance L1 to the reflection point located in the predetermined direction and the angle θ formed by the predetermined direction and the vertical direction are taken in, and the distance measuring device is based on the height L2 = L1 · cosθ. It is also possible to calculate the height L2.

Further, in the distance measuring device of the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 3, the distance between the predetermined direction and the vertical direction is measured together by using two radar devices. It is possible to measure the predetermined direction and the vertical direction individually by attaching a weight to the laser device and sequentially changing the direction of the device. Further, claims 4 to 6 and 9 described above.
In the distance measuring device of the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in,
Although the predetermined angle θa is fixed and measured, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, an angle changing mechanism for changing the first direction or the second direction and an angle detecting means for detecting an angle θa formed by the first direction and the second direction may be provided. With such a configuration, the measurer can freely set the first direction or the second direction, so that a desired horizontal distance or a desired distance between two points can be set regardless of the installation position and installation direction of the device. The distance can be measured more quickly.

Further, in the distance measuring device of the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 4 to 6 and 9 described above,
The invention described in claim 7 or claim 8 may be used in place of the invention described in. When the invention according to claim 7 is used, the transmitting means is composed of one laser diode and a half mirror obliquely arranged in front of the laser diode. In such a configuration, the pulsed light of the laser diode is branched via the half mirror and is emitted simultaneously in the first direction and the second direction. And
The pulsed light emitted in the first direction and the second direction returns from the outside at substantially the same time.

Therefore, shutters (beam selectors) are provided at the exits of the branched pulsed lights, and these shutters are alternately opened and closed to alternate in the first direction and the second direction. Alternatively, pulsed light may be emitted. Alternatively, instead of using the shutter, two light receivers may be used to individually receive the pulsed lights returning from the first direction and the second direction.

When the invention described in claim 8 is used, the transmitting means includes one laser diode, and a mirror rotatably arranged at a position irradiated with pulsed light generated from the laser diode. A mirror driving unit that sequentially drives the mirrors at an angle that reflects the pulsed light in the first direction and the second direction is configured.

[0069]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the distance to the reflection point located in the predetermined direction and the angle formed by the predetermined direction and the vertical direction are maintained while the distance measuring device is held at an arbitrary height. It is possible to measure and immediately calculate the horizontal distance.

Conventionally, when the distance measuring device is arranged on the bottom surface for measurement, the measurer bends over and performs the troublesome work of disposing the distance measuring device on the bottom surface. In the invention, the troublesome work can be omitted at all,
Measurement can be performed in a comfortable posture. Further, the position where the distance measuring device is arranged needs to be flat and stable, but in the invention according to claim 1, since the distance measuring device is measured while being held at an arbitrary height, the bottom surface is directly attached. Can be measured without being affected by.

Furthermore, it was not possible to perform measurement if there was an obstacle that interfered with the laser beam between the reflector located on the bottom surface and the distance measuring device. Since the measurement is performed while the measurement device is held at an arbitrary height, it is possible to easily perform measurement even in an uneven place unless the laser light is disturbed.

Further, conventionally, when performing measurement while holding the distance measuring device at an arbitrary height, the measurer performs a troublesome work of arranging the reflector positioned in a predetermined direction at the same height as the distance measuring device. Was there. However, in the invention described in claim 1, since the horizontal distance is indirectly measured, this troublesome work can be omitted at all, and the measurer can easily perform the measurement.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the laser light as the measurement wave is branched into a predetermined direction and a vertical direction, and is radiated to a point located in the predetermined direction and the vertical direction. The irradiation light spot of the laser beam indicates the measurement reference point, so that at the time of measurement, the measurer can easily know the measurement reference point located in the vertical direction and can perform the measurement accurately and quickly. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first distance measuring device is positioned in a predetermined direction while holding the distance measuring device at an arbitrary height.
The horizontal distance can be calculated immediately by measuring the distance to the reflection point and the height from the second reflection point located in the vertical direction to the device. In the invention according to claim 4, the distance to the first reflection point located in the first direction and the second distance separated from the first direction by a predetermined angle while the distance measuring device is held at an arbitrary height. The distance from the first reflection point to the second reflection point can be immediately calculated by measuring the distance to the second reflection point located in the direction.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the distance to the first reflection point located in the first direction and the distance from the first direction by a predetermined angle while the distance measuring device is held at an arbitrary height. The horizontal distance can be immediately calculated by measuring the distance to the second reflection point located in the second direction. In the invention according to claim 6, the distance to the first reflection point located in the first direction and the second distance apart from the first direction by a predetermined angle while keeping the distance measuring device at the height to be measured. The distance to the second reflection point located in the direction of is measured, and the height of the distance measuring device is immediately calculated. Therefore, even if there is an obstacle between the distance measuring device and the point directly below the device, the height of the distance measuring device can be accurately measured.

In the seventh aspect of the invention, the laser beam is emitted in the first direction and the second direction by splitting the laser beam by the half mirror. Therefore, the transmitting means can be composed of one light source, and the structure can be simplified. Further, since the laser light is emitted in two directions at the same time, the measurement can be performed quickly. In the invention described in claim 8, since the laser light is sequentially emitted in the first direction and the second direction, the transmitting means can be configured by one light source, and the structure can be simplified.

In the invention described in claim 9, since the measurement wave is transmitted in the first direction and the second direction using the first transmission means and the second transmission means, sound waves, electromagnetic waves, A measurement wave having a reflective property such as light can be reliably transmitted in two directions. In addition, since the measurement waves are transmitted in two directions at the same time, it is possible to measure quickly. As described above, in the distance measuring device to which the present invention is applied, the distance between two points can be measured more simply, quickly, and efficiently than in the conventional case.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claim 1;

FIG. 2 is a principle block diagram of the invention according to claim 2;

FIG. 3 is a principle block diagram of the invention described in claims 4 to 6.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the invention described in claims 1 to 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the invention described in claims 4 to 6;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1 and 2.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment corresponding to the invention according to claim 3;

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 4 to 6.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 4 to 6 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a conventional distance measurement.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Transmitting means 2 Receiving means 3 Distance measuring means 4 Angle detecting means 5 Distance calculating means 6 Half mirror driving section 7, 36 Half mirror 31 Main body 32 Switch 33, 47 Microprocessor 34, 34a, 34b Pulse driving circuit 35, 35a, 35b Laser diode 37 Tilt sensor 38 Mirror control unit 39 Motor 40 Light receiver 41 Amplifying circuit 42 Comparator 43 Display unit 44 First radar device 45 Second radar device 46 Weight 51 Distance measuring device 52 Reflector

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A transmission means for transmitting a measurement wave in a predetermined direction, a reception means for receiving the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction, and a predetermined direction based on a propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction. Distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the reflection point of the measurement wave located at, angle detection means for detecting the angle θ formed by the vertical direction and the transmission direction of the measurement wave, up to the reflection point of the measurement wave A distance measuring means for calculating a horizontal distance from the reflection point of the measurement wave to a point directly under the device based on the distance and the angle θ detected by the angle detecting means; apparatus. 2. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a half mirror rotatably arranged at a position where the laser beam as the measurement wave is irradiated, and an angle θ detected by the angle detecting means. Take in,
Based on the vertical direction, the half mirror has an angle of θ / 2.
And a half mirror driving unit that turns the laser beam, which is the measurement wave, into a predetermined direction and a vertical direction, and a distance measuring device. 3. A first transmission means for transmitting a measurement wave in a predetermined direction, a second transmission means rotatably arranged for transmitting a measurement wave, and a transmission direction of the second transmission means. Weighting means directed in the vertical direction, receiving means for receiving the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction and the measurement wave returning from the vertical direction, respectively, based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the predetermined direction, the predetermined L1 to the "first reflection point" located in the direction
Distance measuring means for measuring the height L2 of the device, which is the distance to the “second reflection point” located in the vertical direction, based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the vertical direction, The distance L1 to the first reflection point in a predetermined direction and the height L2 of the device are taken in, and the first reflection point in the predetermined direction is calculated based on the horizontal distance L3 = (L1 ² −L2 ² ) ^1/2. And a distance calculating means for calculating a horizontal distance L3 from the second reflection point in the vertical direction to a distance measuring device. 4. A transmitting means for transmitting a measurement wave in a first direction and a second direction at a predetermined angle .theta.a from the first direction, the measurement wave returning from the first direction, and the second direction. Receiving means for respectively receiving the measurement wave returning from the direction, and based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the first direction, up to the "first reflection point" located in the first direction. Distance measuring means for measuring the distance L4 and for measuring the distance L5 to the "second reflection point" located in the second direction based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the second direction. And using the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5, the distance L6 = (L4 ² + L5 ² −2 · L4 · L5 · cos θ
a) based on ^1/2 , the distance L from the first reflection point of the measurement wave in the first direction to the second reflection point of the measurement wave in the second direction
6. A distance measuring device comprising: a distance calculating means for calculating 6. 5. A transmitting means for transmitting a measurement wave in a first direction and a second direction at a predetermined angle θa away from the first direction, the measurement wave returning from the first direction, and the second direction. Receiving means for respectively receiving the measurement wave returning from the direction, and based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the first direction, up to the "first reflection point" located in the first direction. Distance measuring means for measuring the distance L4 and for measuring the distance L5 to the "second reflection point" located in the second direction based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the second direction. And using the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5, the horizontal distance L7 = | L4-L5 · cos θa | · L4 / (L
Distance calculating means for calculating a horizontal distance L7 from the first reflection point of the measurement wave in the first direction to a point directly below the device based on 4 ² + L5 ² −2 · L4 · L5 · cos θa) ^1/2 And a distance measuring device. 6. A transmitting means for transmitting a measurement wave in a first direction and a second direction at a predetermined angle θa from the first direction, the measurement wave returning from the first direction, and the second direction. Receiving means for respectively receiving the measurement wave returning from the direction, and based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the first direction, up to the "first reflection point" located in the first direction. Distance measuring means for measuring the distance L4 and for measuring the distance L5 to the "second reflection point" located in the second direction based on the propagation delay of the measurement wave returning from the second direction. And using the predetermined angle θa, the distance L4, and the distance L5, the height L8 = L4 · L5 · sin θa / (L4 ² + L5 ² −2
A distance measuring device for calculating a height L8 from a point directly under the device to the device based on L4, L5, cos θa) ^1/2 . 7. The distance measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the transmitting unit irradiates the laser beam, which is the measuring wave, with a laser beam, which is the measuring wave. A distance measuring device comprising: a half mirror arranged so as to be branched into the first direction and the second direction. 8. The distance measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the transmitting unit is rotatably arranged at a position where the laser beam as the measurement wave is irradiated. A mirror, and a laser beam that is the measurement wave to the first direction and the second direction.
And a mirror drive unit that sequentially drives the mirrors at an angle for reflection in the direction. 9. The distance measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the measuring wave in the first direction, and the measuring unit. A distance measuring device comprising: a second transmitting means for transmitting a wave in the second direction.