Distance Measuring System with IMU Layout Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring systems for surveying tasks lack ergonomics and efficiency, requiring manual effort to generate coherent layouts from single point measurements.
Innovation Solution
A Distance Measuring (DM)-system that integrates an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and an electromagnetic module, coupled with a computer unit that automatically or semi-automatically generates a coherent layout by analyzing relative rotational positions and continuation indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual effort is used to generate coherent layouts from single point measurements, then the system structure remains simple, but the time and effort required for surveying tasks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically calculating continuation indicators and generating layout configurations before the user needs to review them. The computer unit pre-processes the measured distance values and rotational positions to propose optimal layout arrangements, reducing the user's manual effort in layout generation while maintaining system usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically generating coherent layouts from measured data without requiring extensive manual intervention. The computer unit independently processes the raw measurement data, calculates rotational positions using the IMU, determines continuation indicators, and generates layout configurations autonomously, making the system self-sufficient in the layout generation process.
2Loss of time
If automatic layout generation is implemented, then time and effort in surveying tasks is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to integration of IMU and computer unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the IMU, electromagnetic module, and computer unit into an integrated measurement system. The IMU and electromagnetic module are combined in a single device, and the computer unit processes data from both components to generate layouts automatically. This merging reduces the need for separate manual operations and external processing tools, compensating for the increased internal complexity with streamlined overall workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical layout construction with automated computational processing. Instead of manually plotting points and drawing layouts, the computer unit uses algorithms to process measured distance values and rotational positions, calculating continuation indicators and generating layout configurations automatically. This substitution eliminates manual mechanical operations while achieving rapid layout generation.
3Measurement precision
If the system processes multiple measured distance values with rotational positions, then layout accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the IMU's rotational position measurements to continuously refine the layout generation process. The computer unit processes each measured distance value along with its associated rotational position, uses the continuation indicator to determine the next measurement direction, and adjusts subsequent measurements based on previous results. This feedback loop ensures high layout accuracy by iteratively optimizing the measurement sequence and layout configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the layout generation process into distinct computational steps: measuring distance values, determining rotational positions, calculating continuation indicators, and generating layout configurations. By dividing the complex processing task into manageable segments, the system can handle multiple measured distance values systematically, improving layout accuracy through structured processing while keeping computational complexity manageable through organized task decomposition.
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 system significantly improves ergonomics and reduces time and effort in surveying tasks by providing accurate, automatic generation of coherent layouts and optimizing the layout to minimize the distance between the starting and ending points.
Implementation Method 1
transmit modulated optical beams via a lens system to the object to be measured. At least part of the transmitted beams is reflected back by the surface region of the object in the direction of the device
Implementation Method 2
On the basis of the propagation velocity of optical beams, the distance between the measuring stop and the surface region of the object can be determined by evaluating the electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
The IMU may comprise accelerometers for the three dimensions
Implementation Method 4
at least one of a gyroscope and a magnetometer
Implementation Method 5
at least one of a gyroscope and a magnetometer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a Distance Measuring (DM)-system comprising a DM-device and a computer unit, said DM-device comprising a measuring beam unit configured for determining a value of a distance between an object and the DM-device by transmitting a measuring beam and receiving a reflection of the measuring beam from the object, and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) configured for determining an absolute first rotational position of the DM-device with respect to a first axis, said first axis being parallel to the measuring beam, and an absolute second rotational position of the DM-device with respect to a second axis, said second axis being parallel to the gravity field, wherein said computer unit is configured for receiving from the DM-device a plurality of measured distance values, for at least one of the plurality of measured distance values, an absolute first rotational position of the DM-device at the time of a respective distance measurement, and for each of the plurality of measured distance values, an absolute second rotational position of the DM-device at the time of a respective distance measurement, and generating a layout by consecutively linking the measured distances based on the plurality of measured distance values, the at least one absolute first rotational position, and the absolute second rotational positions.