Method and system for automatically performing a study of a multi-dimensional space

Abstract

A method of employing a system comprising a Master station, a processor and one or more targets that allows a user of said system to automatically generate a 3-dimensional graphical representation of a construction site and also overlay a drawing onto the graphical representation to guide the user within a virtual space being displayed by the processor.

1 . A method of providing on-site real time measurement-related information useful to a party seeking to evaluate aspects of a three-dimensional structure, comprising steps which include:
 a. positioning a primary hardware station at a structure location;   b. generating at least one measurement signal in a plurality of directions from said primary hardware station;   c. enabling reflection of said signal from at least two reflection locations back to said primary hardware station;   d. transmitting spatial data which is related to the signals reflected from said reflection locations from said primary hardware station to a computer processor;   e. using computer software associated with said computer processor to generate an image capable of indicating to the viewer dimensional information of a portion of the structure; and   f. said image being available to the viewer in real time at the site of said structure.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising the further step of positioning a passive reflector-locator within range of said signal for enabling the display of the location of said passive reflector-locator on said image in real time in response to the operation of said computer software. 
     
     
         3 . A system capable of providing on-site real time measurement-related information useful to a party seeking to evaluate a three-dimensional structure, the system comprising, in combination:
 a. a primary hardware station at a structure location;   b. means integral with said primary hardware station for generating a plurality of measurement signals;   c. reflecting means for reflecting said signal from two or more reflection locations back to said primary hardware station;   d. communication means for transmitting spatial data from said primary hardware station to a computer processor;   e. computer software associated with said computer processor for generating an image capable of indicating to the viewer thereof dimensional information of a portion of the structure;   f. said image being available to the viewer in real time at the site of said structure.   
     
     
         4 . A method of providing real time on-site measurement-related location information useful to a party seeking to determine a desired location point corresponding to a point on an architectural-type image, the method comprising steps which include:
 a. positioning a primary hardware station at a construction site;   b. generating at least one measurement signal from said primary hardware station;   c. providing computer processor hardware and associated computer software in communication with said primary hardware station, said computer software having real time access to architectural-type image data associated with the construction site;   d. positioning reflection means at a location point within range of the signal for reflecting the signal back to said primary hardware station;   e. confirming with the aid of said computer processor and software the accuracy of said location point corresponding to or deviation from that on an architectural-type image generated with the aid of said architectural-type image data associated with the construction site; and   f. providing real time indicia on said image of an accurate said location point to assist in the real time site location said accurate location point, thereby enabling a party to later gain access to that accurate location point.