Magnetic Compass Compensation for Azimuthal Orientation Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optoelectronic measuring devices with magnetic compasses face challenges in accurately determining azimuthal orientation due to device-specific hard and soft magnetic interference, requiring frequent compensation procedures that are time-consuming and often overlooked, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability, especially when used in varying operating states and external interference conditions.

Innovation Solution

An optoelectronic measuring device with an electronic magnetic compass that can perform an initial compensation by measuring magnetic fields in multiple defined states, deriving a fourth set of parameters to extrapolate for future states, reducing the need for repeated compensation and improving handling and accuracy by automatically detecting changes in operating and application states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic compass compensation is performed frequently to maintain accuracy in varying operating states, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate due to the time-consuming nature of compensation procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveazimuthal orientation accuracyVSAvoidcompensation procedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary compensation actions by measuring magnetic fields in multiple predefined operating states during an initial calibration phase. These preliminary measurements establish a database of compensation parameters that can be automatically selected and applied later without requiring time-consuming real-time compensation procedures, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing time loss during actual operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation system operates autonomously by automatically detecting the current operating state and selecting the appropriate compensation parameters from pre-stored data. The microprocessor automatically performs the compensation calculation and adjusts the azimuthal orientation readings without requiring manual intervention or user initiation of compensation procedures, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If magnetic compass compensation is performed frequently to maintain accuracy in varying operating states, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveazimuthal orientation accuracyVSAvoiduser effort for compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation system operates autonomously by automatically detecting the current operating state and selecting the appropriate compensation parameters from pre-stored data. The microprocessor automatically performs the compensation calculation and adjusts the azimuthal orientation readings without requiring manual intervention or user initiation of compensation procedures, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where the microprocessor continuously monitors operating state changes and automatically triggers the appropriate compensation adjustments. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the compass maintains accuracy across different operating states without requiring user awareness or action, significantly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device assumes multiple operating states with different interference fields, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple compensation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating state flexibilityVSAvoidcompensation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation system is segmented into distinct modules: a database storing compensation parameters for each predefined operating state, a detection mechanism for identifying current operating states, and a microprocessor for selecting and applying appropriate compensation. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple operating states systematically without creating unmanageable complexity, as each state has its dedicated compensation data and selection logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple operating states through a single integrated framework. The microprocessor and database work together as a universal compensation mechanism that can adapt to any predefined operating state without requiring separate physical compensation systems for each state, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility

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

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

The solution enables quicker and less effort-intensive initial compensation, reduces errors, and maintains accuracy without the need for further compensation in the presence of known external magnetic interference, making the device more reliable and user-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

to measure a first magnetic field set in a first overall state of the measuring device, in which the measuring device assumes the first operating state and a first application state, to measure a second magnetic field set in a second overall state of the measuring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3367059B1Optoelectronic measuring device with magnetic compass and compensation functionality
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 VECTRONIX AG
  • EP3367059B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3367059B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a
  • EP3367059B1 patent drawingFigure 4b~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic measuring device (1) with an electronic magnetic compass (10) for determining an azimuthal orientation of the measuring device and a compensation device associated with the magnetic compass for compensating for device-fixed interference fields, wherein the measuring device is configured to assume at least two defined, repeatable operating states, wherein the measuring device has a different device-fixed interference field in each of the operating states, and the compensation device comprises a computing unit and a compensation functionality for performing an initial compensation of the electronic magnetic compass in a first and a second operating state of the measuring device, wherein the measuring device is configured to assume at least two defined, repeatable application states, wherein the magnetic compass is exposed to a different external magnetic interference field in each of the application states.and the compensation device is additionally designed to compensate for external interference fields, wherein the compensation device is designed to measure a first, second and third set of magnetic fields in a first, second and third overall state of the measuring device by means of the magnetic compass within the framework of the compensation functionality, and to determine a first, second and third set of parameters by means of the computing unit based on the first, second and third set of magnetic fields, and to derive a fourth set of parameters based on the first, second and third set of parameters.