Importance

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Abstract

A laser receiver is provided that is capable of providing an accurate indication of laser receiver tilt and correcting a generated elevation signal based upon the indicated laser receiver tilt. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a laser receiver is provided comprising a laser beam detection unit, an inclination detection unit, and suitable laser receiver control circuitry. The laser beam detection unit is arranged to enable production of an elevation signal indicative of an elevation of a laser beam relative to the laser receiver. The inclination detection unit comprises a reference light source, an optical fiber, and an optical detector. The optical fiber defines a light input end and a light output end and is coupled to the reference light source such that light from the reference light source enters at the light input end and exits from the light output end as an output beam of light. The optical detector is arranged to receive the output beam of light. The inclination detection unit is arranged to permit the output end of the optical fiber to move relative to the optical detector as the primary receiver axis tilts relative to a vertical reference axis. The optical detector is arranged to produce an optical detection signal indicative of a position of the output beam on the optical detector. The laser receiver control circuitry is arranged to generate a receiver tilt signal from the optical detection signal. The receiver tilt signal is indicative of a degree to which the primary receiver axis is tilted relative to the vertical reference axis. The laser receiver control circuitry is also arranged to correct the elevation signal as a function of the receiver tilt signal.

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First Claim