Eccentric Camera Surveying Instrument Height Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying methods, such as total stations, face limitations in accuracy and user-friendliness for determining the height and localization of surveying instruments in a coordinate system, particularly when using traditional methods like measuring tapes and iterative centering procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a camera positioned eccentric to the rotation center of the surveying instrument, which captures images of a ground mark to determine the height and relative three-dimensional coordinates through image coordinates and camera calibration data, employing trigonometry and triangulation for precise alignment and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods like measuring tapes and iterative centering procedures are used, then the height and localization of surveying instruments can be determined, but the accuracy and user-friendliness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (measuring tapes, optical plummets with iterative centering) with an optical-electronic system. A camera captures images of ground marks, and computer vision algorithms automatically determine the position and height of the surveying instrument, eliminating manual mechanical measurement processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic self-localization and self-height-determination. The surveying instrument captures images of ground marks and automatically calculates its own position coordinates and height above the ground, without requiring manual intervention or external measurement tools.
2Measurement precision
If iterative centering procedures are used to position the surveying instrument directly over a control point, then the horizontal position can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the iterative mechanical centering procedure with an optical imaging system. The camera captures an image of the ground mark, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the instrument's position relative to the control point, eliminating the time-consuming iterative adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning by capturing an image of the ground mark before final measurements are taken. The image processing immediately provides position information, allowing the surveyor to proceed with measurements without waiting for iterative centering to converge.
3Ease of operation
If the camera position is eccentric to the rotation center, then the height determination becomes more complex, but this enables non-contact measurement and improves ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground marks as intermediary reference objects between the camera and the measurement target. These marks serve as mediators that enable the system to calculate height and position indirectly through image coordinates, simplifying the measurement process despite the eccentric camera position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical height measurement with optical triangulation. The eccentric camera captures images of ground marks at known positions, and computer algorithms calculate the instrument height based on image coordinates and triangulation geometry, eliminating the need for direct contact measurement.
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 provides an accurate and user-friendly method for determining the height and coordinates of a surveying instrument relative to a ground reference, enhancing the precision and efficiency of surveying operations.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an image of the ground below the housing with the camera arranged in a known camera position and orientation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed for localizing, in relation to a mark located at a ground level, a surveying instrument having a housing including at least one camera. The method comprises the steps of aligning the vertical rotational axis of the surveying instrument with the mark using a pointing device, capturing an image of the ground below the housing with the camera arranged in a known camera position and orientation, wherein the camera position is eccentric to the rotation center of the surveying instrument, identifying an object point corresponding to the mark in the captured image, measuring image coordinates of the object point in the captured image, and determining the height of the rotation center of said instrument above the ground based on the image coordinates and camera calibration data. Furthermore, a surveying instrument for performing the method is disclosed.