Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for determining the dimension of an object. The apparatus of the present invention includes a transmitter that is positioned at a first point of interest on an object. The transmitter transmits a scanning light beam rotated at a predetermined angular velocity. Located at a second point of interest on the object is a target. At least a portion of the target defines a first plane that reflects the scanning light beam as the scanning light beam traverses across the target. To receive the reflected signal from the target, the apparatus of the present invention further includes a receiver positioned at the first point of interest. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a processor for processing the reflected signal and determining the dimensions of the object. In operation, the scanning light beam scans the target, where the radius of the arc that the light beam traverses across the target defines the dimension of the object. To determine the radius of the arc, the apparatus of the present invention uses the known width of the target, the angular velocity of the scanning light beam, and the time required for the scanning light beam to traverse the target. In addition to determining a dimension of an object, the present invention also provides apparatus and method for calibrating the measurement system and determining when the system is in steady state operation.

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First Claim