A New Optical Technique for Machine Guidance

After briefly reviewing earlier developments by IMRU of automatic theodolites that were based on the projection of shaped laser beams, the paper describes a novel design of automatic electronic theodolite that operates entirely as an optical receiver. The theoretical basis for the measurement process is introduced in terms of instrument geometry and in relation to the emissions from a single luminous target. This is followed by a description of two embodiments of the instrument design adapted for reception of luminous emissions from a number of point targets which has application in the process of site vehicle automatic guidance.