Buoyant Surveying Platform Positioning via Tachymeter and GNSS Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for building inspection near water bodies face challenges in achieving precise positional accuracy due to interruptions in GNSS reception and limited data quality, leading to inaccuracies in trajectory determination and localization of damage.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a buoyant carrier platform with an inertial measuring unit, GNSS receiver, and a tachymeter, where the measurement data from these components are synchronized using the GNSS receiver's clock for real-time position determination and trajectory control, ensuring precise localization even during GNSS signal interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS signals are used for position determination, then position accuracy is improved, but position determination becomes unreliable during signal interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple position determination systems (GNSS receiver, inertial measuring unit, and land-based tachymeter) into a unified system. The control unit integrates data from all three sources to determine the carrier platform's position, ensuring continuous and reliable positioning even when GNSS signals are interrupted. This merging of systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision through multiple redundant sources while improving reliability through their combined operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential GNSS signal interruptions by having alternative position determination methods (inertial measuring unit and land-based tachymeter) ready in advance. The control unit is designed to switch to these alternative methods when GNSS signals become unavailable, cushioning against the harmful effect of signal interruptions and maintaining continuous position determination reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement systems are combined for position determination, then position accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from the GNSS receiver, inertial measuring unit, and land-based tachymeter; determines the carrier platform's position; synchronizes measurement data from different sources; and generates control commands for the propulsion unit. This multi-functionality consolidates the complexity into a single versatile component rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the multiple measurement systems (GNSS receiver, inertial measuring unit, tachymeter) and the propulsion unit. It synchronizes data from different sources using GNSS timing and integrates their information to determine position, thereby managing system complexity through centralized coordination rather than requiring complex point-to-point connections between all components.
3Measurement precision
If the carrier platform moves along a predetermined trajectory, then inspection accuracy is improved, but trajectory maintenance becomes difficult during GNSS signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives position data from the GNSS receiver, inertial measuring unit, and land-based tachymeter, compares the actual position with the predetermined trajectory, and generates control commands for the propulsion unit to correct deviations. This feedback loop maintains trajectory accuracy even during GNSS signal loss by relying on the inertial and tachymeter data, ensuring both inspection accuracy and ease of trajectory maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes the predetermined trajectory before the inspection begins. The control unit uses this pre-defined path as a reference for generating control commands that guide the carrier platform along the correct trajectory. This preliminary action simplifies trajectory maintenance during operation, as the control unit only needs to compare actual position with the pre-planned path and make corrective adjustments.
4Device complexity
If manual inspection methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The surveying device performs its own position determination and trajectory maintenance autonomously. The control unit automatically processes data from the GNSS receiver, inertial measuring unit, and tachymeter to determine position and generate control commands for the propulsion unit. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual operation while achieving high measurement precision for damage localization, resolving the contradiction between equipment complexity and measurement precision.
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
This combination allows for precise and continuous position determination and trajectory maintenance, enabling accurate localization of structural damage despite GNSS signal quality issues, ensuring adherence to planned trajectories and reliable data correlation.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier platform comprises an inertial measurement unit for determining position and, in particular, the spatial orientation of the carrier platform
Implementation Method 2
a GNSS receiver for receiving GNSS signals from satellites of a global navigation satellite system
Implementation Method 3
a tachymeter which is aimed at the carrier platform of the surveying device
Implementation Method 4
The surveying device comprises a buoyant support platform
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising a surveying device for structural inspection and recording and a tachymeter, wherein the surveying device comprises a buoyant carrier platform, wherein the carrier platform comprises at least one surveying sensor for examining a water-near structure (28), an inertial measuring unit and a GNSS receiver for receiving GNSS signals from satellites of a global navigation satellite system, wherein the tachymeter is located on land and is directed towards the carrier platform of the surveying device, wherein the system further comprises a control unit which is designed to determine a current position of the carrier platform on the basis of measurement data from the inertial measuring unit, on the basis of the GNSS signals received by the GNSS receiver and on the basis of measurement data acquired by the tachymeter and to use the GNSS receiver to process the measurement data from the inertial measuring unit,to synchronize the measurement data of the total station and the GNSS signals,