3D Laser Measuring System With Angle-Based Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser measuring systems face challenges in simultaneously calculating positions using multiple independent laser receivers without communication with the laser transmitter, particularly in achieving high precision 3D positioning.

Innovation Solution

A 3D laser measuring system is developed by combining N-beams with angle-based modulation and reflective surfaces on both the laser transmitter and receiver, allowing the receiver to estimate its azimuthal position and calculate distance using modulated signals, enabling full 3D positioning without transmitter communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple independent laser receivers are used to simultaneously calculate positions, then measurement capability and productivity are improved, but the ability to utilize multiple receivers without communication with the laser transmitter remains challenging due to system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous position calculation capabilityVSAvoidsystem communication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each laser receiver independently calculates its own 3D position by receiving modulated laser signals and using angle-based modulation to determine azimuthal position and distance without requiring communication with the laser transmitter or other receivers. The system makes each receiver self-sufficient in position calculation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses angle-based modulation where the laser transmitter modulates the laser signal with azimuth angle information. Receivers detect these modulated signals and extract position parameters, transforming the measurement problem into signal parameter analysis that can be done independently by each receiver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If N-beams with angle-based modulation are used, then measurement precision is improved, but the need for transmitter communication to coordinate multiple receivers increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D position accuracyVSAvoidtransmitter-receiver communication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts all necessary position information directly from the modulated laser signals themselves. The azimuth angle modulation and distance encoding are embedded in the optical signals, allowing receivers to extract position data without requiring separate communication channels or coordination with the transmitter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The modulated laser signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the measurement beam, encodes azimuth angle information through modulation, and carries distance information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication systems while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple receivers operate simultaneously without shading each other, then operational efficiency is improved, but achieving independent coordinate calculations without transmitter communication increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidindependent calculation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the position calculation process into independent components that each receiver can execute autonomously. Each receiver independently processes the modulated signals to determine its own azimuthal position and distance, without requiring coordination or communication with other receivers or the transmitter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate full 3D positioning with independent coordinate calculations, allowing various combinations of measurements, and supports multiple receivers to measure angles simultaneously without shading each other, enhancing precision and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a projection of a laser beam by a rotary irradiation (e.g., a laser transmitter) for the purpose of forming a horizontal reference plane or a reference plane tilted with respect to the horizontal reference plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser beam: Laser

Implementation Method 2

configured with a reflective surface for signal shift measuring to facilitate full 3D positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Each array of the laser receiver includes multiple individual photo detectors and associated monitoring circuitry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3436843B1Three dimensional laser measuring system and method
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 TOPCON POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3436843B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3436843B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3436843B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laser measuring system is provided by combining N-beams, angle based modulation and a laser receiver and laser transmitter configured with corner reflectors for signal shift measuring to facilitate full three dimensional positioning.