Distance-Adaptive Surveying Target Lighting for Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying targets face inefficiencies in power consumption, leading to reduced battery life and autonomy, as they emit light at a constant intensity regardless of the distance from the surveying instrument.
Innovation Solution
A target with a control unit that adjusts the intensity of its light sources based on the distance to the surveying instrument, using inputs such as distance measurements, optical signal strength, or wireless communication to optimize light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light sources emit light with high intensity continuously, then the surveying instrument can detect the target reliably, but the power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light intensity adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the light intensity based on the measured distance from the surveying instrument, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions and optimize power consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity based on distance measurements. When the target is closer to the instrument, lower intensity is sufficient; when farther away, higher intensity is used. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching light output to actual detection needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the light sources emit light with low intensity to save energy, then power consumption decreases, but the surveying instrument may fail to detect or track the target reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the distance measurement from the surveying instrument to control the light intensity. The control unit receives distance information and adjusts the light sources accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that ensures reliable detection while optimizing power usage based on actual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by measuring the distance before adjusting light intensity. This allows the target to proactively set the appropriate light level before detection begins, ensuring energy efficiency is optimized in advance rather than reacting after power is consumed.
3Reliability
If the target uses maximum light intensity at all distances, then detection is reliable at long distances, but energy is wasted when the target is close to the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different light intensities for different distance conditions. Instead of uniform high intensity everywhere, the system delivers appropriate intensity locally based on the specific distance to the instrument, reducing energy waste when the target is close while maintaining reliability when far away.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the target uses minimum light intensity to maximize battery life, then energy efficiency improves, but the surveying instrument cannot detect or track the target effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics to adjust light intensity in real-time based on distance measurements, allowing the target to extend battery life through lower intensity when close to the instrument while maintaining tracking effectiveness when farther away through higher intensity output.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency by adapting light intensity to the distance, thereby extending battery life and improving autonomy of the target.
Implementation Method 1
The light sources may for example include light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A target (100) for use in surveying applications is provided. The target comprises a plurality of light sources (106) arranged around a longitudinal axis (A) of a base element (108) of the target. The plurality of light sources is configured to emit light radially. The target further comprises a control unit (214). The control unit is configured to receive, from a surveying instrument (120) aimed towards the target, an input indicative of a distance (d) between the target and the surveying instrument. The control unit is further configured to control an intensity of the light (440a, 440b) emitted by the plurality of light sources based on the input indicative of the distance (d1, d2) between the target and the surveying instrument.