Geodetic Instrument Positioning in Signal Shadowed Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geodetic position determination methods are limited by the need for multiple reference points and measurements, especially in shadowed regions where signal propagation is impaired, leading to high handling effort and complexity, and require manual processing which is error-prone and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method that records image information and distance measurements from multiple known positions and uses image processing to derive the actual position relative to identifiable reference structures, reducing the number of required reference points and measurements, and enabling automatic identification and surveying of these points, allowing for automated position determination and method switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple reference points (3-4 points) are used for position determination in shadowed regions, then the position can be determined unambiguously, but the handling effort and measurement complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the position determination process into two distinct phases: (1) a setup phase where reference points are surveyed from known positions using a surveying device, and (2) a measurement phase where the actual position is determined from the stored reference data. This segmentation allows complex multi-point measurements to be performed once during setup, simplifying subsequent position determinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary surveying of reference points from known positions before actual position determination is needed. The surveying device records image information and distance measurements to create a database of reference structures. This preliminary action eliminates the need to perform complex multi-point measurements repeatedly during field operations.
2Measurement precision
If manual processing of multiple distance measurements is performed, then position determination can be achieved, but errors increase and time consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processing of measurements with automated image processing and computer-based calculations. The surveying device captures image information and distance measurements, then automatically processes this data through correlation calculations to determine position. This substitution eliminates manual errors and significantly reduces processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the reference environment through image information captured by the surveying device. This digital representation (image data combined with distance measurements) serves as a virtual model that can be processed automatically without requiring physical re-measurement or manual calculation, thereby reducing time and error risks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If at least 3-4 reference points are surveyed from known positions, then position determination in dead range becomes possible, but the number of required measurements and handling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reference database that can be used for position determination at multiple different locations within the dead range. The reference structures surveyed once from known positions serve as a universal reference system that enables position determination from any location where these structures are visible, eliminating the need to perform separate surveying operations 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 approach reduces the number of reference points and measurements needed, increases accuracy, simplifies the surveying process, and enables automatic position determination and method switching, allowing for efficient geodetic surveys in both signal-receiving and shadowed regions.
Implementation Method 1
a component (10) for recording image information (6)
Implementation Method 2
a component (12) for measuring a distance (17)
Data Source
AI summary
In order to determine the actual position (A) of a geodetic measuring instrument (1) inside a dead range (T) wherein signals originating from a positioning system are shadowed, two reference structures (5) are detected from at least two known positions and the distances associated with the reference structures (5) are measured. Image information linked to said distance measurements is captured. Said information contains data on the arrangement of the reference structures (5). The actual position (1) can be derived from subsequent capture of the reference structures (5) from a position inside the dead range (T). Image processing methods are used advantageously to identify and measure the reference structures (5).