Azimuth Measurement Using Image Baseline Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying methods, such as those using theodolites and total stations, require expensive equipment like scales and encoders for measuring angles, and are limited in determining locations of target points, especially on flat surfaces and outside images.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a calibrated imaging device, support structure, tilt sensor, and distance measuring device, coupled with a processor to determine angles and locations by computing baselines and orientations from overlapping images, allowing for cost-effective measurement of target points within and outside images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional theodolites and total stations with scales and encoders are used to measure angles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical angle measurement systems (scales and encoders on rotating axes) with an optical imaging system. A calibrated imaging device captures images of target points, and software algorithms compute angles from the image data and known device positions, eliminating the need for mechanical angular scales and encoder systems while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical measurement scene through imaging. Instead of directly measuring angles with mechanical scales, the system captures optical images of target points and reconstructs angular information from these image copies, allowing angle determination through computational geometry rather than direct mechanical reading
2Measurement precision
If conventional theodolites and total stations are used to measure angles, then angle measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual reading and calculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accelerates the measurement process by using automated image capture and computational algorithms. The system rapidly processes multiple images and automatically computes angles and positions through software, eliminating time-consuming manual reading, recording, and calculation steps that characterize conventional theodolite operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images, identifying target points in the images, computing angles from the image data, and determining positions without requiring manual intervention for reading scales or performing calculations. The measurement process serves itself through automated computational geometry
3Measurement precision
If conventional surveying methods are used, then angle measurement is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limitation to specific measurement scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can determine both angles and positions of target points using the same imaging-based methodology. The system adapts to different measurement scenarios (angles within images, angles outside images, position determination) by applying the same core principle of computing from calibrated image data and known device positions, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for different surveying tasks
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining an azimuth of a target point is provided. The apparatus includes a support structure and an imaging device coupled to the support structure and configured to provide image data. The apparatus also includes a position measuring device coupled to the support structure and configured to determine position information and a processor in electrical communication with the imaging device and the position measuring device. The processor is configured to receive the image data from the imaging device, receive the position information from the position measuring device, determine a baseline between a first position and a second position, determine an orientation between overlapping images, and compute the azimuth of the target point relative to the baseline.