Distance Measurement Instrument with Scanning Deflection Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic distance measurement (EDM) technologies face limitations in achieving the precision of total stations while also acquiring dense clouds of point measurements at high repetition rates, as seen in geodetic scanners, due to the trade-off between measurement precision and scanning speed.
Innovation Solution
A measurement instrument equipped with a deflection module positioned between the distance measurement module and the front lens assembly, allowing for both precise distance measurements to specific targets and rapid scanning of scenes by deflecting the measurement path across the optical axis, utilizing a deflection element such as a prism or multi-faceted mirror driven by motors or piezoelectric elements for rotational or translational motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a total station is used to perform distance measurements to specific targets, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow and cumbersome operation requiring telescope repositioning for each point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deflection module with movable deflection elements (mirrors or prisms) that can dynamically redirect the measurement beam across multiple target locations without requiring physical repositioning of the telescope. This dynamic beam steering enables the system to maintain total station measurement precision while achieving scanning speeds comparable to geodetic scanners, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection module acts as an intermediary between the fixed telescope and the multiple target locations. Instead of moving the telescope to each target, the deflection module redirects the measurement beam to different angles, allowing a single stationary telescope position to measure multiple points with high precision while dramatically increasing measurement throughput
2Productivity
If a geodetic scanner is used to acquire dense clouds of point measurements at high repetition rates, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to total stations
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing dynamic beam deflection with controllable deflection elements, the system achieves high-speed scanning comparable to geodetic scanners while maintaining the measurement precision of total stations. The deflection module enables rapid angular scanning without sacrificing the precision of the underlying distance measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a hybrid instrument that combines the functions of both total stations and geodetic scanners. The system can operate in targeted measurement mode with high precision or in scanning mode with high productivity, or both simultaneously through the deflection module's ability to direct the beam to specific points or sweep across multiple points rapidly
3Measurement precision
If the telescope is repositioned for each measured point in scanning mode, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to slow and cumbersome operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the angular positioning function from the heavy telescope assembly and transfers it to lightweight deflection elements (mirrors or prisms). This separation allows the telescope to remain stationary while the deflection elements rapidly change beam direction, dramatically simplifying scanning operation and eliminating the need for cumbersome telescope repositioning for each measurement point
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 solution enables the measurement instrument to provide the precision of a total station for targeted measurements and the high repetition rate of a geodetic scanner for scanning applications, enhancing both measurement accuracy and speed.
Implementation Method 1
The deflection module may include a deflection element such as a prism or multi-faceted mirror
Implementation Method 2
The deflection module may include a deflection element such as a prism or multi-faceted mirror
Implementation Method 3
the distance measurement module is configured to transmit and receive optical radiation along a measurement path
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement instrument is disclosed. The measurement instrument comprises a front lens assembly, a distance measurement module and a deflection module. The front lens assembly comprises an optical path along an instrument optical axis and the distance measurement module is configured to transmit and receive optical radiation along a measurement path. The deflection module is arranged between the distance measurement module and the front lens assembly to deflect the measurement path across the instrument optical axis.