Geodetic Marking System Using Autonomous UAV Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geodetic surveying systems require laborious and time-consuming manual guidance for marking target points, especially in difficult terrain, as they rely on visual comparison and iterative approaches by operators, which can be inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A geodetic marking system utilizing an auto-mobile, unmanned, remotely controllable aircraft equipped with a marking unit and a geodetic position-determination arrangement, allowing for precise, automated positioning and marking of target points with sub-centimeter accuracy, using GNSS or pseudo-satellite signals for position determination and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual guidance with surveying rod is used, then marking can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft automatically positions itself at the target point using GPS navigation and autonomous control systems, eliminating the need for manual guidance by operators. The system performs the marking task independently by receiving target coordinates, navigating autonomously, and executing the marking action without continuous human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical surveying rod system with an automated aerial vehicle that uses electronic navigation (GPS), automated piloting, and remote-controlled marking mechanisms. This substitution transforms a labor-intensive manual process into an automated system driven by electronic control and satellite positioning.
2Measurement precision
If automated positioning is implemented, then marking accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft serves multiple functions: it acts as both the positioning platform and the marking device. The same vehicle that navigates to the target point also carries and deploys the marking mechanism (such as a laser marker or drop device), eliminating the need for separate surveying equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground control station or remote control unit as an intermediary that simplifies the interface between the operator and the complex automated system. This intermediary handles high-level commands while the aircraft's onboard systems manage the complex tasks of navigation, positioning, and execution, thereby managing system complexity through hierarchical control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aircraft is used for marking, then access to difficult terrain is improved, but stability against external influences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs continuous feedback from GPS receivers, inertial measurement units, and other sensing systems to monitor its position and orientation in real-time. This feedback is fed into the flight control system, which automatically adjusts control surfaces and propulsion to counteract external disturbances such as wind, maintaining stable positioning over the target point despite challenging environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft uses active counter-control mechanisms where the flight control system generates opposing control forces to counterbalance external influences like wind gusts. By continuously applying corrective forces in opposition to disturbing forces, the system maintains positional stability and marking accuracy even in difficult terrain with adverse weather conditions.
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
Enables rapid, accurate, and automated marking of target points, reducing operator intervention and improving efficiency, especially in challenging environments by maintaining a fixed position despite external influences.
Implementation Method 1
with a geodetic position-determination arrangement for the external actual position determination of the target unit
Implementation Method 2
The marking unit has a cardanic suspension in such a way that a marking direction of the marking unit is aligned essentially parallel to the earth's gravity field
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a geodetic marking system (1) for marking a known target point (5), having an automotive, unmanned, remotely controllable air vehicle (10) and having a geodetic position determination arrangement (20) for determining the external actual position of the air vehicle (10), wherein the air vehicle (10) is designed in such a manner that the air vehicle (10) can be at least temporarily positioned, as far as possible, in a fixed position, in particular in a hovering manner. The air vehicle (10) also has a marking unit (15), in particular a marking unit which can be removed in a modular manner, for marking the target point (5), and the marking system (1) has a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured in such a manner that the air vehicle (10) can be positioned, in particular continuously, in a defined desired position (6), in particular in a defined tolerance range around the desired position (6), relative to the target point position on the basis of the external actual position (4), which can be determined continuously in particular, and a known target point position of the target point (5, 5a, 5b). The control unit is also configured in such a manner that it is possible to control the marking unit (15) for marking the target point (5) taking into account the actual position (4), the desired position (6) and a defined marking direction (14) from the marking unit (15) to the target point (5), with the result that the target point (5) can be marked with geodetic accuracy in the defined marking direction (14).