Dual-Host Laser Topography Meter for Slope Erosion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topography meters face challenges in calibrating laser positions and angles, especially when moved, and struggle to accurately measure deep and narrow gullies due to laser disconnection, leading to incomplete and inaccurate observations of soil erosion.
Innovation Solution
A topography meter with mechanically micro-adjustable dual hosts and an image acquisition device that emits parallel and equidistant laser planes from multiple directions, allowing for precise calibration and comprehensive observation of slope landforms, including deep trenches, by using support rods, adjusting knobs, and an image acquisition system to create a three-dimensional model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single topography meter is used to observe a narrow and deep gully, then the device structure is simple, but the laser planes may be disconnected and the measurement is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The observation system is divided into multiple independent hosts, each equipped with laser sources that emit laser planes from different positions and angles. This segmentation allows the laser planes to cover the entire gully area without disconnection, with each host independently contributing to the complete three-dimensional reconstruction of the erosion landform.
2Device complexity
If the positions and angles of linear laser sources are calibrated manually, then the device structure is simple, but the calibration process is complicated and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration by capturing images of the erosion landform with embedded reference markers (such as chessboard patterns). The calibration process is automated through image processing algorithms that automatically determine the positions and angles of laser sources and image acquisition devices, eliminating manual calibration operations and significantly reducing calibration time.
3Ease of operation
If manual investigation method is used after rainfall, then the operation is easy, but considerable errors appear due to washed away failure mass or replenished soil
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs dynamic observation during the rainfall process itself, capturing images at multiple time points to track the evolution of erosion landforms in real-time. This preliminary action during the erosion process allows for accurate measurement of soil loss without the need for post-rainfall investigation, eliminating errors caused by washed away mass or replenished soil.
4Measurement precision
If dynamic observation during rainfall is implemented, then the erosion process can be monitored, but the operation becomes difficult and few researches are found
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: multiple hosts with laser sources for three-dimensional scanning, image acquisition devices for capturing erosion processes, automatic calibration capabilities, and dynamic observation during rainfall. This multi-functional integration enables dynamic observation during rainfall while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes and unified control.
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 convenient and accurate dynamic observation of slope erosion, ensuring no blind angles and improved operational efficiency, with enhanced accuracy and reliability in rainfall-simulation experiments, as confirmed by over 100 events of observation.
Implementation Method 1
the dual hosts emit parallel and equidistant laser planes 5 from different directions
Implementation Method 2
cooperating with the image acquisition device, the dual hosts can obtain a contour map of the slope landform
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for dynamically observing the evolution behavior of the slope topography. The dual hosts emit parallel, equal-height and overlapped laser planes from different directions, and project the laser planes onto a slope landform. The image acquisition device shoots the slope landform with the projected laser lines at an angle perpendicular to the laser-planes. Then a video screenshot can be formed and imported into a computer to form a three-dimensional map. Finally, the volume, slope gradient and other parameters of the slope body can be obtained. As the knobs on the mechanically micro-adjustable host of the topography meter are turned, the laser-planes can become precisely equidistant and parallel. A novel topography meter is disclosed, which can conveniently calibrate the spacing and angle of the linear lasers and accurately observe all landforms including the local deep trenches on an eroding slope.