Barcode Surveying Target for Automated Data Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surveying methods and devices are limited in providing data associated with a position of interest, as they rely on surveying markers that struggle to offer comprehensive information about a specific location.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes a barcode associated with a position of interest, where the barcode is detected and decoded by a surveying tool to extract and present data, enabling the tool to perform measurements and monitor changes in elevation or global position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional surveying markers are used, then positioning information is provided, but data associated with the position is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation provisionVSAvoiddata capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single surveying target: the barcode contains encoded position data, identification information, and measurement references, replacing multiple separate markers or data carriers. This merging allows the target to provide comprehensive data while maintaining a single physical object for surveying operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surveying target with barcode serves multiple purposes: it acts as a physical marker for positioning, an information carrier with encoded data, and a reference for measurements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the single target to provide both positioning information and comprehensive position-associated data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If surveying markers are used to mark positions, then location identification is achieved, but comprehensive information about the position cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition identificationVSAvoidposition data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The barcode creates a coded copy of position information that can be stored and retrieved. Instead of relying on physical markers alone, the system encloses measurement data, coordinates, and identification information in barcode format attached to or integrated with the surveying target, enabling comprehensive data provision while maintaining reliable position identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If traditional surveying targets are used, then positioning is enabled, but detailed data extraction is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddata extraction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual data recording and multiple measurement devices with an automated optical scanning system. The barcode scanner optically reads the encoded information, automatically extracts position data, and integrates it with surveying measurements, eliminating the need for complex manual data collection processes while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8348166B2System and method for surveying with a barcode target

Publication Date: 2013.01.08 TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LTD

AI summary

System and method for surveying. In one embodiment, a process is provided including detecting a barcode associated with a position of interest. The barcode may be decoded to extract data associated with the position of interest. Additionally, decoded data associated with the position of interest can be presented to an operator of a surveying tool.