Optical communication system for survey instrument

• US 6,587,244 B1
• Filed: 09/28/1999
• Issued: 07/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
• Inventors: Yahagi, Kazuyoshi, Ishinabe, Ikuo
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US09/407,808
• Time in Patent Office: 1,372 Days
• Field of Search: 359/189, 359/834, 359/529, 359/170, 359/195, 359/293, 359/831, 359/173, 359/159, 359/155, 359/558, 359/566, 356/5-1-, 356/4.08, 356/141.1, 356/4.01, 332/93, 332/94, 332/95
• US Class Current: 359/529
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 1/02 Theodolites
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/006 using shared front-end circuitry, e.g. antennas G01S13/765, G01S13/825 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/481 Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements

Abstract

The present invention provides an optical communication system, which comprises photodetection means for receiving communication light and optical means for forming an image from the communication light on the photodetection means, wherein the optical means is provided with a diffraction optical member having at least 0-th diffraction order.

Claims

1. An optical communication system for a survey instrument capable of optical communication to a target object which comprises data communication means, wherein said data communication means of said target object comprises photodetection means for receiving communication light which is projected from said survey instrument and a diffraction optical member for directing said communication light onto said photodetection means, wherein said diffraction optical member transmits parallel light components of communication light without change and has a converging function having at least 0^th diffraction order.

2. An optical communication system for a survey instrument according to claim 1, wherein said diffraction optical member forms at least 0-th diffraction order and 1st diffraction order on the photodetection means, and the photodetection means can receive 0-th diffraction order and 1st diffraction order.

3. An optical communication system for a survey instrument according to claim 1, wherein said diffraction optical member is a Fresnel lens.

4. An optical communication system for a survey instrument according to claim 1, wherein said diffraction optical member is a diffraction grating.

5. An optical communication system for a survey for a survey instrument according to claim 1, wherein there is provided an LED lamp which is turned or when light is received after transmission of said diffraction optical member and an LED lamp which is turned on under the condition that light is not received.