Surveying and mapping rod

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surveying pole comprising: a pole body structure extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end and comprising: a first pole portion and a second pole portion providing adjustment of an extension length of the pole body structure along the longitudinal axis; the target is arranged in the rod body structure and is a preset distance away from the first end; a top unit having a mounted state in which the top unit is attached to the second end of the rod body structure and an unmounted state in which the top unit is detached from the rod body structure, the top unit including: an electronic ranging unit that emits a light beam in a direction parallel to a central axis of the top unit to determine a distance to a measurement point, the measuring point coincides with the target of the rod body structure; and a circuit that performs a rod length determination function for determining a length of the rod body structure based on the determined distance to the target in the mounted state, and performs a remote point distance determination function for determining a distance to a remote point coinciding with the measurement point in the unmounted state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present inventive concept relates to a surveying pole. BACKGROUND

[0002] Topographic surveying is the process of measuring and mapping the features and boundaries of a terrestrial area. It can be used for various purposes, such as planning, construction, engineering, environmental management, and legal document preparation, among others. Topographic surveying often involves the use of geodetic instruments, such as total stations, GPS receivers, laser scanners, and drones, to collect data and create digital models of the terrain.

[0003] One of the challenges of topographic surveying is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. To achieve this goal, surveyors often use surveying poles, which are objects or markers that can be placed in the terrain and detected / measured by the geodetic instruments. The geodetic instruments can then determine the distance and angle between the surveying pole placed in the terrain and the position of the geodetic instrument. Typically, the tip of the surveying pole defines a point in the terrain, and the geodetic instrument is to determine the distance and / or angle to that point.

[0004] However, the geodetic instrument will typically determine the distance / angle to a target area of the surveying pole, and this target area is typically placed at a portion of the surveying pole opposite to its tip. This means that, in order to correctly determine the position of the point in the terrain, the surveying pole is typically placed vertically so that the target area is located above the tip, and the length of the surveying pole (i.e., the distance between the target area and the tip) is also taken into account when determining the position of the point in the terrain. This is because the geodetic instrument typically detects the top unit of the surveying pole, while the point of interest is the one in the terrain. This point in the terrain is typically offset in height from the top unit. To improve accuracy, the length of the surveying pole is typically constant during use. For example, the surveying pole can be manufactured so that its length is constant. However, convenience also needs to be taken into account during storage and / or transportation, whereby the constant length of the surveying pole can become a problem. To solve this problem, the surveying pole can be manufactured in multiple parts that are mounted so that the resulting length of the surveying pole is always the same during use.

[0005] Another problem can arise in cases where the tip of the surveying pole cannot access the point in the terrain. For example, the length of the surveying pole can be insufficient and / or it can be practically impossible to place the surveying pole so that its tip is at the point. In other words, it is problematic if the tip of the surveying pole cannot reach the point in the terrain. SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the above, it is an object of the present inventive concept to provide a surveying pole that can be operated in a mounted state and in an unmounted state.

[0007] It is another object to at least partly alleviate, mitigate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art, alone or in any combination, and to at least address the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a surveying pole. The surveying pole comprises a pole structure extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The pole structure comprises a first pole section and a second pole section arranged telescopically to provide adjustment of an extended length of the pole structure along the longitudinal axis, and a target arranged inside the pole structure at a predetermined distance from the first end. The surveying pole further comprises a top unit having a central axis. The top unit is arrangeable relative to the pole structure to achieve a mounted state, in which the top unit is attached to the second end of the pole structure such that the central axis of the top unit is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pole structure, and an unmounted state, in which the top unit is detached from the pole structure. The top unit comprises an electronic distance measuring unit configured to emit a light beam in a direction parallel to the central axis of the top unit to determine a distance to a measuring point, wherein, in the mounted state, the measuring point coincides with the target of the pole structure. The top unit further comprises a circuitry configured to perform, in the mounted state, a pole length determining function configured to determine a length of the pole structure based on the determined distance to the target, and, in the unmounted state, a remote point distance determining function configured to determine a distance to a remote point coinciding with the measuring point.

[0009] By the inventive concept, there is provided a surveying pole capable of operating in two modes. First, in the mounted state, the pole length determining function is capable of determining a length of the pole structure, thereby allowing a more adjustable pole structure to be obtained. For example, different lengths of the pole structure are allowed to be obtained, which in turn allows a more adaptable surveying pole. Second, in the unmounted state, the remote point distance determining function is capable of determining a distance to a remote point, thereby allowing measuring points that are not reachable by the pole structure to be measured. In other words, these two modes allow the surveying pole to be more adaptable.

[0010] The top unit can further comprise an inertial measurement unit configured to determine an orientation of the top unit. The circuitry can be further configured to perform, in the mounted state, a first end positioning function configured to determine a position of the first end of the pole structure based on the determined distance to the target, a predetermined distance between the target and the first end, and the determined orientation of the top unit. The circuitry can be further configured to perform, in the unmounted state, a remote point positioning function configured to determine a position of the remote point based on the determined distance to the measuring point and the determined orientation of the top unit.

[0011] In the context of the present application, the term "orientation" is to be interpreted as an orientation. Thus, the orientation of the top unit can be understood as the orientation of the top unit. The orientation can be an orientation in space, i.e. in three dimensions.

[0012] Thus, the mapping pole can determine the position of a wider range of measurement points. For example, in the mounted state, the position of measurement points can be determined that are reachable by the pole body structure. Furthermore, in the unmounted state, the position of measurement points can be determined that are not reachable by the pole body structure. In other words, a more adaptable mapping pole can be provided. Furthermore, during use (in the mounted state and in the unmounted state), the top unit can be tilted and this tilt can be determined depending on the orientation of the top unit. Thus, the determined orientation can be used to compensate for the tilt of the top unit.

[0013] The top unit can further comprise a positioning unit configured to determine a position of the top unit. The first end positioning function can be configured to determine the position of the first end further based on the determined position of the top unit. The remote point positioning function can be configured to determine the position of the remote point further based on the determined position of the top unit. Thus, the absolute position of the measurement point can be determined by the mapping pole itself without any interaction with another mapping instrument such as a total station.

[0014] The top unit can comprise an opening. The electronic distance measurement unit can be configured to emit and receive the light beam through the opening of the top unit to determine the distance to the measurement point.

[0015] The top unit can be releasably attachable to the second end of the pole body structure through the opening of the top unit. Thus, a single electronic distance measurement unit can be used when determining the distance in the mounted state and in the unmounted state. Thus, a less complex mapping pole can be allowed to be obtained, as such a mapping pole can not need a separate electronic distance measurement unit for height measurement (i.e. to determine the length of the pole body structure in the mounted state, the electronic distance measurement unit is for example placed in the pole body structure) nor to provide another separate electronic distance measurement unit in the top unit (for determining the distance to the remote point in the unmounted state). Furthermore, the associated economic costs can be reduced.

[0016] The opening can be a threaded opening. Thus, a simple connection between the top unit and the pole body structure can be allowed to be obtained.

[0017] The top unit can comprise a housing, in which the electronic distance measurement unit can be arranged (stored). Thus, a more weather-resistant mapping pole can be allowed to be obtained.

[0018] The top unit can be a handheld unit. Thus, the top unit can be allowed to be more easily handled in the unmounted state of the mapping pole.

[0019] The electronic distance measurement unit can be configured to emit a light beam having a wavelength of the visible light spectrum. Thereby, it can be allowed that the surveying pole is more easily usable in its unmounted state. For example, since the light beam can have a wavelength of the visible light spectrum, a user of the surveying pole can more easily orient the top unit such that the emitted light beam coincides with the measurement point.

[0020] The top unit can further comprise a reflector having a light reflecting surface. The light reflecting surface can have a normal substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the reflector. Thereby, the surveying pole can be configured to reflect an incident light beam. For example, the reflector can be configured to retro-reflect an incident light beam, e.g. a light beam emitted from a total station or other geodetic instrument. To this end, the reflector can comprise a plurality of retro-reflectors arranged around the central axis of the reflector. Using such a reflector, the detection of the surveying pole by a geodetic instrument configured to emit light, e.g. a total station, can be improved.

[0021] The reflector can be configured to cover an angular region of substantially 360 degrees around the surveying pole. Thereby, the reflector can be configured to reflect a light beam incident on the reflector from all directions along a plane having a normal substantially parallel to the central axis of the reflector and intersecting the reflector. Such a plane can typically be a horizontal plane. Thereby, the detection of the surveying pole by a geodetic instrument configured to emit light, e.g. a total station, can be improved.

[0022] The top unit can further comprise a plurality of light emitting elements configured to emit light in a direction outward from the central axis of the top unit. Thereby, the surveying pole can be detected by a geodetic instrument, e.g. a total station, configured to detect light emitted by one or more of the light emitting elements. In other words, thereby it can be allowed to enhance the detection of the surveying pole by a geodetic instrument, e.g. a total station.

[0023] The light emitting elements of the plurality of light emitting elements can be configured to emit a light beam having a wavelength of the visible light spectrum. Thereby, the surveying pole can be more easily locatable by a user of a geodetic instrument, e.g. a total station, used for determining a distance / angle to the surveying pole. For example, the user of the geodetic instrument can be able to find the surveying pole by eye, which can allow a faster and / or easier aiming of the geodetic instrument at the surveying pole.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the inventive concept will become apparent from the accompanying description and drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is the following claims, including any amendments thereof, that define the scope of the inventive concept. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Aspects of the inventive concept, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a surveying pole having a pole structure in a contracted state. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pole structure in

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a surveying pole having a pole structure in an extended state. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pole structure in

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the top unit in an uninstalled state, i.e. detached from the pole structure. In Figure 3 is a schematic view of the top unit of the surveying pole in an installed state.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the circuitry of the top unit.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic view of an example use case of the surveying pole in an installed state.

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic view of an example use case of the surveying pole in an uninstalled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which current preferred variants of the inventive concept are shown and discussed. The inventive concept may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the variants set forth herein; rather, these variants are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. As shown, features can be exaggerated for the sake of clarity, and thus can not be drawn to scale. Throughout this specification, like reference numbers refer to like elements.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a surveying pole 10. The surveying pole 10 comprises a pole structure 100 and a top unit 110.

[0034] The pole structure 100 extends along a longitudinal axis 106 between a first end 1020 and a second end 1040. The pole structure comprises a first pole portion 102 and a second pole portion 104. As Figure 1As shown in the example, the first end 1020 may be the end of the first rod portion 102. In some variations, the first end 1020 of the rod structure 100 may coincide with the tip 1022 of the rod structure 100. Alternatively, and more commonly, the tip 1022 of the rod structure 100 may be located at a known predetermined distance D from the first end 1020 of the rod structure 100 and in a known orientation. The second end 1040 may be the end of the second rod portion 104. Figure 1 As shown, the first rod portion 102 and the second rod portion 104 are telescopically arranged to provide adjustment of the extension length L of the rod structure 100 along the longitudinal axis 106. The extension length L of the rod structure 100 can be the distance between the first end 1020 and the second end 1040. In other words, the extension length L between the first end 1020 and the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100 can be adjustable. Alternatively, the extension length of the rod structure 100 can be the distance between the tip 1022 and the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100. In this case, the extension length of the rod structure 100 can be determined based on the distance L between the first end 1020 and the second end 1040, and a known predetermined distance D between the first end 1020 and the tip 1022 of the rod structure 100. The rod structure 100 can be hollow. The rod structure 100 can define a cavity. The rod structure 100 also includes a target 108. The target 108 can have a surface 1080. Surface 1080 can be a light-reflecting surface. Surface 1080 can also be a light-scattering surface. It should be understood that surface 1080 of target 108 can at least partially reflect light incident on surface 1080 and / or at least partially scatter light incident on surface 1080. Figure 1 As shown, the target 108 is arranged inside the rod structure 100 at a predetermined distance R from the first end 1020. The surface 1080 of the target 108 can be the surface of the target 108 facing the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100. The target 108 can be arranged in the cavity defined by the rod structure 100.

[0035] The top unit 110 has a central axis 112. The top unit 110 can be arranged relative to the rod structure 100 to achieve an installed state and an installed state. The installed state is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the example. The top unit 110 can be detachably mounted / arranged at the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100 to provide an installed state. In the installed state, the top unit 110 is attached to the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100 such that the central axis 112 of the top unit 110 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 106 of the rod structure 100. In the uninstalled state, the top unit 110 is detached from the rod structure 100. The uninstalled state is as follows. Figure 3As shown in the example, in the uninstalled state, the top unit 110 and the rod structure 100 can be separate components. Therefore, the surveying rod 10 can operate in two different modes, namely, the installed state and the uninstalled state.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the top unit 110 includes an electronic ranging unit 300 and a circuit 310. The top unit 110 may also include one or more of the following: a housing 320, an inertial measurement unit 330, a positioning unit 340, a reflector 350, and a plurality of light-emitting elements 360. One or more of the electronic ranging unit 300, circuit 310, inertial measurement unit 330, positioning unit 340, reflector 350, and plurality of light-emitting elements 360 may be arranged within the housing 320. The reflector 350 and / or the plurality of light-emitting elements 360 may be arranged such that they can optically communicate with the exterior of the housing 320. For example, the reflector 350 and / or the plurality of light-emitting elements 360 may be optically communicated with the exterior of the housing 320 through one or more transparent portions of the housing 320. These one or more transparent portions may comprise an optically transparent material. Alternatively, the housing 320 may include one or more holes through which the reflector 350 and / or the plurality of light-emitting elements 360 may optically communicate with the exterior of the housing 320. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown in the example, reflector 350 and / or multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be arranged on the outer surface of housing 320. Top unit 110 can be a handheld unit. The housing 320 of top unit 110 can be formed such that it can be manipulated and / or held by hand. Therefore, it is possible to manipulate top unit 110 more easily in the unmounted state. Furthermore, it is also possible to manipulate it more easily in the mounted state. For example, rod structure 100 can be retracted (i.e., the extension length L of rod structure 100 is reduced to a minimum), thereby making the mapping rod 100 easier to manipulate when top unit 110 is a handheld unit. Figure 1 An example of the shrinking of the rod structure 100 is shown in the figure. Figure 2 An example of the rod structure 100 in its extended state is shown in the figures. As these figures illustrate, Figure 1 The extension length L of the rod structure 100 in the middle is shorter than Figure 2 The extension length L' of the rod structure in the middle. Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 Not shown in the example, but it should be understood that the rod structure 100 may include fixing devices for securing the extended length of the rod structure 100. For example, the rod structure 100 may include screws, clamps, etc., configured to secure the extended length of the rod structure 100. "Secure the extended length" here means that the extended length of the rod structure 100 cannot be changed without removing and / or loosening the fixing devices.

[0037] BackFigure 3 The electronic ranging unit 300 is configured to emit a beam 302 in a direction parallel to the central axis 112 of the top unit 110 to determine the distance to the measurement point. It should be understood that the electronic ranging unit 300 can be arranged such that the beam 302 exiting the electronic ranging unit 300 is not parallel to the central axis 112 of the top unit 110, and additional optical components (e.g., mirrors, lenses, prisms, wedges, etc.) can be used to guide the beam 302 so that, after being influenced by the additional components, the beam 302 is parallel to the central axis 112 of the top unit 110. The electronic ranging unit 300 can be configured to determine the distance based on the time of flight of the emitted beam 302. In the installed state, the electronic ranging unit 300 can be configured such that the directions of emitting and receiving the beam 302 coincide with (or are at least parallel to) the longitudinal axis 106 of the pole structure 100. In the installed state, the measurement point coincides with the target 108 of the pole structure 100. In the installed state, the measurement point can coincide with the surface 1080 of the target 108 of the pole structure 100. In other words, in the installed state, the electronic ranging unit 300 can be configured to determine the distance to the surface 1080 of the target 108 of the pole structure 100.

[0038] In its uninstalled state, the top unit 110 can be oriented such that the measurement point coincides with a remote point. For example, in its uninstalled state, the top unit 110 can be oriented by the user such that the measurement point coincides with a remote point (e.g., a point of interest in the terrain). The electronic ranging unit 300 can be arranged inside the top unit 110. In its installed state, the distance and orientation between the electronic ranging unit 300 and the second end 1040 of the pole structure 100 can be predetermined. Therefore, this distance and orientation can be taken into account during distance measurement of the target 108 using the electronic ranging unit 300. Those skilled in the art know how this distance and / or orientation is taken into account during distance measurement, so this aspect will not be discussed in detail below. The electronic ranging unit 300 can be configured to emit a light beam 302 with wavelengths of the visible spectrum. Light with wavelengths of the visible spectrum can be visible to the human eye. The visible spectrum ranges from 380 nm to 750 nm. Therefore, the mapping pole 10 can be used more easily in its uninstalled state. For example, since beam 302 can have wavelengths of the visible spectrum, it is easier for a user to orient the top unit 110 such that a remote point (e.g., a point of interest in the terrain) coincides with the measurement point. Figure 3As further illustrated in the example, the top unit 110 may include an opening 114. The electronic ranging unit 300 may be configured to emit and receive a light beam 302 through the opening 114 of the top unit 110 to determine the distance to a measurement point. The opening 114 of the top unit may be covered by a transparent member 116. The transparent member 116 may be transparent to the light beam 302 emitted by the electronic ranging unit 300. The transparent member 116 may include any suitable transparent material. For example, the transparent member 116 may include light-transmitting glass with a wavelength similar to the wavelength of the light beam 302 that the electronic ranging unit 300 is configured to emit. Covering the opening 114 with the transparent member 116 can improve the weather resistance of the top unit 110 because it can protect the interior of the top unit 110 from external influences when not installed. In the uninstalled state, the light beam 302 emitted through the opening 114 of the top unit 110 can exit the top unit 110 through the opening 114 to reach a remote point coinciding with the measurement point. In the installed state, the rod structure 100 and the top unit 110 can be arranged such that the beam 302 emitted through the opening 114 of the top unit 110 can reach the target 108 of the rod structure 100. For this purpose, the top unit 110 can be releasably attached to the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100 through the opening 114 of the top unit 110. For example... Figure 3 As shown in the example, opening 114 can be a threaded opening. In other words, opening 114 can include thread 1140. The second end 1040 of the rod structure 100 can be provided with threads. The threads of the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100 can be adapted to engage the threads 1140 of the threaded opening 114. It should be understood that the top unit 110 can be releasably attached to the second end 1040 of the rod structure 100 in other ways. For example, this can be achieved using a system that includes a snap-fit ​​mechanism and / or magnets.

[0039] The inertial measurement unit 330 can be configured to determine the orientation of the top unit 110. The orientation of the top unit 110 can be its orientation. Therefore, the inertial measurement unit 330 can be configured to determine the orientation of the top unit 110. This orientation can be an orientation in space (e.g., in three-dimensional space).

[0040] Positioning unit 340 can be configured to determine the position of top unit 110. Positioning unit 340 can be configured to determine the position of top unit 110 relative to a coordinate system. The coordinate system can be an external coordinate system of positioning unit 340. For example, the determined position of top unit 110 can be its global coordinate position. Positioning unit 340 can be configured to use a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to determine its position. For example, positioning unit 340 can be configured to use one or more of Galileo, Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, and BeiDou to determine its position. Positioning unit 340 can include sensors (e.g., one or more of a GNSS receiver, camera, LiDAR, etc.) configured to independently and / or jointly determine the position of top unit 110 relative to a coordinate system (e.g., an external coordinate system and / or a global coordinate system). By including such a positioning unit 340, the mapping pole 10 can be used as an independent unit because the absolute position of the measurement point can be obtained.

[0041] The position of the top unit 110 can be alternatively or additionally determined using a geodetic instrument (e.g., a total station). For this purpose, the top unit 110 may also include a reflector 350 and / or multiple light-emitting elements 360. The reflector 350 may have a light-reflecting surface 352. The light-reflecting surface 352 can be oriented outward from the central axis 112 of the top unit 110. The light-reflecting surface 352 may be adapted to reflect light emitted by a geodetic instrument (e.g., a total station) configured to determine distances / angles to the surveying pole 10. The light-reflecting surface 352 may have a normal substantially perpendicular to the central axis 354 of the reflector 350. The central axis 354 of the reflector 350 may be parallel to the central axis 112 of the top unit 110. For example, as... Figure 3As shown in the example, the central axis 354 of reflector 350 coincides with the central axis 112 of top unit 110. In the installed state, the central axis 354 of reflector 350 can be parallel to or even coincide with the longitudinal axis 106 of pole structure 100. The central axis 354 of reflector 350 can be parallel to or even coincide with the direction in which electronic ranging unit 300 is configured to emit beam 302. Reflector 350 can be configured to reflect the incident beam. For example, reflector 350 can be configured to reflect the incident beam in the reverse direction. For this purpose, reflector 350 can include a plurality of retroreflectors arranged around the central axis 354 of reflector 350. By including reflector 350, the detection effect of geodetic instruments (e.g., total stations) configured to emit light on the surveying pole can be improved. Reflector 350 can be configured to cover an approximately 360-degree angular area around the surveying pole 10. Reflector 350 can be configured to reflect light beams incident on it from all directions along a plane having a normal that is substantially parallel to and intersects the central axis 354 of reflector 350. Such a plane can typically be a horizontal plane.

[0042] Multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be configured to emit light outward from the central axis 112 of the top unit 110. Multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be configured to emit light in a direction parallel to the normal to the light-reflecting surface 352 of the reflector 350. Multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be arranged around an axis. The axis around which the multiple light-emitting elements 360 are arranged can be the central axis 112 of the top unit 110. The axis around which the multiple light-emitting elements 360 are arranged can be parallel to the central axis 354 of the reflector 350. The surveying pole 10 can be detected by a geodetic instrument (e.g., a total station) configured to detect light emitted by one or more of the multiple light-emitting elements 360. In other words, this allows for enhanced detection of the surveying pole 10 by the geodetic instrument (e.g., a total station). One or more of the multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs). One or more of the multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be lasers. One or more of the multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The light-emitting elements 360 can be configured to emit light beams with wavelengths of the visible spectrum. Therefore, a user of a geodetic instrument (e.g., a total station) used to determine the distance / angle to the surveying pole 10 can more easily locate the pole 10. For example, the user of the geodetic instrument can locate the surveying pole 10 visually, allowing the instrument to aim at the pole 10 more quickly and / or easily. The multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be configured to emit continuous (or substantially continuous) light. The multiple light-emitting elements 360 can be configured to emit pulsed light and / or continuous light. It should be understood that the multiple light-emitting elements 360 may include optical devices configured to influence the characteristics of the emitted light. Examples of such optical devices may be lenses, filters, apertures, etc. As a specific example, the light-emitting elements 360 may include lenses configured to reduce (or increase) the divergence of the emitted light. For example, the lens may be configured to collimate the emitted light.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 Circuit 310 is described in more detail. However, as... Figure 4As shown in the example, circuit 310 may include memory 3110. Furthermore, circuit 310 is configured to perform a lever length determination function 3112 in an installed state and a remote point distance determination function 3114 in an uninstalled state. Circuit 310 may also be configured to perform a first end positioning function 3116 in an installed state and a remote point positioning function 3118 in an uninstalled state. Circuit 310 may also be configured to perform a light-emitting element control function 3119. The light-emitting element control function 3119 may be configured to control one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements 360. For example, the light-emitting element control function 3119 may be configured to control whether one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements 360 emit light.

[0044] The rod length determination function 3112 is configured to determine the length of the rod structure 100 based on the determined distance to the target 108. Since the target 108 is positioned at a predetermined distance R from the first end 1020, the length of the rod structure 100 can be further determined based on the predetermined distance R between the target 108 and the first end 1020. The predetermined distance R can be the distance from the surface 1080 of the target 108 to the first end 1020. Therefore, the rod length determination function 3112 is able to determine the length of the rod structure 100, thereby allowing for a more adjustable rod structure 100. For example, different lengths of the rod structure 100 can be obtained, which in turn allows for a mapping rod 10 that can be adapted to a wider range of applications.

[0045] The remote point distance determination function 3114 is configured to determine the distance to a remote point that coincides with the measurement point. Therefore, the remote point distance determination function 3114 can determine the distance to a remote point, thereby allowing the determination of distances to measurement points that are inaccessible by the pole structure 100. For example, some points of interest in the terrain may be physically and / or practically impossible to reach using the pole structure 100.

[0046] The first end positioning function 3116 is configured to determine the position of the first end 1020 of the rod structure 100 based on the determined distance to the target 108, the predetermined distance R between the target 108 and the first end 1020, and the determined orientation of the top unit 110. The determined position of the first end 1020 can be the position of the first end 1020 relative to the top unit 110. The determined position of the first end 1020 can be the position relative to the local coordinate system of the inertial measurement unit 330. Alternatively or additionally, the first end positioning function 3116 can be configured to determine the position of the tip 1022 of the rod structure 100. In this case, the first end positioning function 3116 can be configured to determine the position of the tip 1022 of the rod structure 100 based on the determined distance to the target 108, the predetermined distance R between the target 108 and the first end 1020, the known predetermined distance D and direction between the first end 1020 and the tip 1022, and the determined orientation of the top unit 110. The first-end positioning function 3116 can be configured to further determine the position of the first end 1020 and / or the tip 1022 based on the determined position of the top unit 110. The determined position of the first end 1020 and / or the tip 1022 can be a position relative to a coordinate system outside the top unit 110. For example, the determined position of the first end 1020 and / or the tip 1022 can be a global coordinate position. As described above, the position of the top unit 110 can be determined using the positioning unit 340. However, in the case where the position of the top unit 110 is determined using a geodetic instrument (e.g., a total station) as described above, the determined position can be used by the first-end positioning function 3116. In this case, the position of the top unit 110 determined by the geodetic instrument can be transmitted (e.g., via one or more transceivers) to the circuitry 310 of the top unit 110.

[0047] The remote point positioning function 3118 can be configured to determine the position of the remote point based on the determined distance to the measurement point and the determined orientation of the top unit 110. In the uninstalled state, the measurement point coincides with the remote point. The determined position of the remote point can be the position of the remote point relative to the top unit 110. The determined position of the remote point can be the position relative to the local coordinate system of the inertial measurement unit 330. The remote point positioning function can be configured to further determine the position of the remote point based on the determined position of the top unit 110. The determined position of the remote point can be the position relative to a coordinate system outside the top unit 110. For this purpose, the orientation (i.e., orientation) of the top unit 110 relative to the external coordinate system can be determined by determining a series of positions of the top unit 110 relative to the external coordinate system. The orientation (i.e., orientation) of the top unit 110 relative to the external coordinate system can be determined by comparing the series of positions of the top unit 110 with the motion of the top unit 110 (e.g., the trajectory of the top unit 110 between the positions in the series). For example, one position and / or a series of positions of the determined remote point can be a global coordinate position.

[0048] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of circuit 310. The circuit may include one or more of a processing unit 3100, a memory 3110, a transceiver 3120, a power supply 3130, and a data bus 3140. One or more of the processing unit 3100, memory 3110, and transceiver 3120 may be configured to communicate via the data bus 3140. The processing unit 3100 may include a central processing unit (CPU). The processing unit 3100 may be configured to control one or more components and / or functions of the mapping stick 10. The memory 3110 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 3110 may be random access memory. The memory 3110 may be non-volatile memory. The memory 3110 may be configured to store program code portions corresponding to one or more functions 3112, 3114, 3116, 3118, 3119. The program code portions may be executed by the processing unit 3100 to perform the functions. Therefore, circuit 310 can control components and / or perform functions through processing unit 3100, which is configured to execute a portion of program code corresponding to a specific function that can be stored in memory 3110. However, it should be understood that one or more functions of circuit 310 can be implemented in hardware and / or in a specific integrated circuit. For example, one or more functions can be implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In other words, one or more functions of circuit 310 can be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. Transceiver 3120 can be configured to communicate with external devices. For example, transceiver 3120 can be configured to communicate with servers, computers, external peripheral devices (e.g., external memory), etc. External devices can be local devices or remote devices (e.g., cloud servers). Transceiver 3120 can be configured to communicate with external devices via external networks (e.g., local area networks, the Internet, etc.). Transceiver 3120 can be configured for wireless and / or wired communication. Suitable techniques for wireless communication are known to those skilled in the art. Some non-limiting examples include Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Li-Fi. Suitable technologies for wired communication are known to those skilled in the art. Some non-limiting examples include USB, Ethernet, and FireWire. Power supply 3130 may be a battery. Power supply 3130 may be configured to provide power to one or more components of the mapping pole 10. For example, power supply 3130 may be configured to provide power to one or more of the electronic ranging unit 300, inertial measurement unit 330, positioning unit 340, and a plurality of light-emitting elements 360. Furthermore, power supply 3130 may be configured to provide power to one or more of the processing unit 3100, memory 3110, transceiver 3120, and data bus 3140.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6Describe example use cases for two different modes (i.e., installed and uninstalled).

[0050] Figure 5 A mapping pole 10 is shown in its installed state for determining the location (i.e., the location in three-dimensional space) of a point of interest (POI) P1 in a terrain to be mapped. In this example, the tip of the pole structure 100 of the mapping pole 10 is positioned at the POI P1. The height of the top unit 110 above the POI P1 can be determined using the electronic ranging unit 300 of the mapping pole 10. Furthermore, if the top unit 110 of the mapping pole 10 includes an inertial measurement unit, the orientation of the top unit 100 can be determined. As described above, this determined orientation can be used to compensate for any tilt of the top unit 110. For example, the corrected distance between the top unit 110 (or the electronic ranging unit 300) and the POI P1 can be determined by considering the determined orientation. Furthermore, if the top unit includes a positioning unit 340, the global coordinate position of the POI P1 can be determined.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown in the example, a geodetic instrument 50 (in this case, a total station) located at reference point P2 can be used to determine the location of point of interest P1. The location of reference point P2 is known. For example, the geodetic instrument 50 may have a positioning unit (e.g., a GNSS device) configured to determine the location of reference point P2. Typically, the geodetic instrument 50 is aimed (by...) Figure 5 (The dashed line 502 in the figure represents) the surveying rod 10. Different sensors and units in the geodetic instrument (e.g., electronic distance measuring unit, camera, inertial measurement unit, etc.) can be used to determine the distance D1 and / or direction between the reference point P2 and the point of interest P1.

[0052] Figure 6 A mapping pole 10 is shown in its unmounted state for determining the location of another point of interest, P3. In this mode, a beam 302 emitted by the electronic ranging unit 300 of the top unit 110 is allowed to exit the top unit 110. The user of the top unit 110 can then orient the top unit 110 such that the measurement point coincides with the other point of interest, P3, in the terrain. Then, as previously described, the location of the other point of interest, P3, can be determined using the electronic ranging unit 300 and, possibly, the inertial measurement unit 330 and / or positioning unit 340 of the top unit 110. Figure 6 In the example, the top unit 110 is tilted, so by using the determined orientation of the top unit 110 (i.e., determined using the inertial measurement unit 330), the location of the other point of interest P3 can be better determined.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the preferred variations described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the function of circuit 310 is described as being implemented as a locally executed function (i.e., performed by circuit 310 of top unit 110). However, it should be understood that this function can be implemented at least partially as a remotely executed function (e.g., performed at a server, cloud server, geodetic instrument, etc.). Thus, the function of circuit 310 as described above can be implemented at least partially as a partially locally executed function and partially remotely executed function. For example, the first end positioning function 3116 can be implemented at least partially at a geodetic instrument used to determine the position of top unit 110 of surveying pole 10. The position determined by the geodetic instrument can then be configured to be used for a function (implemented in the geodetic instrument) to determine the position of the first end 1020 of pole structure 100 of surveying pole 10. In this case, top unit 110 can be configured to communicate with the geodetic instrument (e.g., using a transceiver). It should also be understood that the function of determining the position of the first end 1020 of the pole structure 100 of the surveying pole 10 can be implemented in a server (e.g., a cloud server) rather than in a geodetic instrument.

[0054] Furthermore, through studying the accompanying drawings, the description of the invention, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement the disclosed variations when practicing the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A surveying rod (10), comprising: A rod structure (100) extending along a longitudinal axis (106) between a first end (1020) and a second end (1040), the rod structure (100) comprising: A first rod portion (102) and a second rod portion (104), the first rod portion and the second rod portion being telescopically arranged to provide adjustment of the extension length (L, L') of the rod structure (100) along the longitudinal axis (106), and A target (108) is arranged inside the rod structure (100) at a predetermined distance (R) from the first end (1020); A top unit (110) having a central axis (112), the top unit (110) being arranged relative to the rod structure (100) to achieve an installed state and an uninstalled state. In the installed state, the top unit (110) is attached to a second end (1040) of the rod structure (100) such that the central axis (112) of the top unit (110) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (106) of the rod structure (100). In the uninstalled state, the top unit (110) is detached from the rod structure (100). The top unit (110) includes: An electronic ranging unit (300) is configured to emit a beam (302) in a direction parallel to the central axis (112) of the top unit (110) to determine the distance to a measurement point, wherein, in the installed state, the measurement point coincides with the target (108) of the rod structure (100), and Circuit (310), the circuit being configured to: In the installed state, a rod length determination function (3112) is executed. This function is configured to determine the length of the rod structure (100) based on the determined distance to the target (108). In the uninstalled state, the remote point distance determination function (3114) is executed, which is configured to determine the distance to a remote point that coincides with the measurement point.

2. The surveying rod (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The top unit (110) also includes: An inertial measurement unit (330) configured to determine the orientation of the top unit (110); and The circuit (310) is further configured as follows: In the installed state, a first end positioning function (3116) is executed. This first end positioning function is configured to determine the position of the first end (1020) of the rod structure (100) based on the determined distance to the target (108), the predetermined distance (R) between the target (108) and the first end (1020), and the determined orientation of the top unit (110). In the uninstalled state, a remote point positioning function (3118) is performed, which is configured to determine the location of a remote point based on the determined distance to the measurement point and the determined orientation of the top unit (110).

3. The surveying rod (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The top unit (110) also includes: A positioning unit (340) is configured to determine the position of the top unit (110); Wherein, the first end positioning function (3116) is configured to further determine the position of the first end (1020) based on the determined position of the top unit (110); and / or The remote point positioning function (3118) is configured to further determine the position of the remote point based on the determined position of the top unit (110).

4. The surveying rod (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The top unit (110) includes an opening (114), and wherein the electronic ranging unit (300) is configured to emit and receive a light beam through the opening (114) of the top unit (110) to determine the distance to the measurement point.

5. The surveying rod (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The top unit (10) is releasably attached to the second end (1040) of the rod structure (100) through the opening (114) of the top unit (110).

6. The surveying rod (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The opening (114) is a threaded opening.

7. The surveying rod (10) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The top unit (110) includes a housing (320) in which the electronic ranging unit (300) is arranged.

8. The surveying rod (10) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The top unit (110) is a handheld unit.

9. The surveying rod (10) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The electronic ranging unit (300) is configured to emit a light beam (302) with a wavelength having a visible spectrum.

10. The surveying rod (10) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The top unit (110) also includes: A reflector (350) having a light-reflecting surface (352), wherein the light-reflecting surface (352) has a normal that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis (354) of the reflector (350).

11. The surveying rod (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The reflector (350) is configured to cover an angular area of ​​approximately 360 degrees around the mapping rod (10).

12. The surveying rod (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The reflector (350) includes a plurality of retroreflectors arranged around the central axis (354) of the reflector (350).

13. The surveying rod (10) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The top unit (110) also includes: Multiple light-emitting elements (360) are configured to emit light in a direction outward from the central axis (112) of the top unit (110).

14. The surveying rod (10) according to claim 13, wherein, The light-emitting elements (360) are configured to emit light beams with wavelengths having a visible spectrum.

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