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Method and apparatus for determining the relative height of two targets

  • US 6,414,745 B1
  • Filed: 03/07/2000
  • Issued: 07/02/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for determining the relative height between two targets, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) placing a first signal-responsive target and placing a second signal-responsive target;

    (b) signaling each of the targets from a first reference which is remote from both targets and measuring a respective first and second distance from the first reference to the two targets;

    (c) signaling each of the targets from a second reference which is displaced a known distance from the first reference, which is substantially vertically aligned with the first reference, and which is remote from both targets and measuring a respective third and fourth distance from the second reference to the two targets;

    (d) determining a first triangle formed by the first and second reference points and a first one of the two targets;

    (e) determining a second triangle formed by the first and second reference points and a second one of the two targets; and

    (f) forming a virtual tetrahedron from the first and second triangles and calculating the relative height between the two targets.

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