Geodetic Instrument Pulse Synchronization for Crosstalk-Free Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geodetic instruments with shared common optical channels for imaging devices and optical sources face issues with crosstalk, which degrades image quality, interferes with measurements, and complicates user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method where the optical source emits optical pulses synchronized with the frame sequence of the imaging device, allowing for frames without optical pulses to be captured, thereby reducing crosstalk. This is achieved by switching the optical source off during exposure times of specific frames and adjusting the exposure time and peak power to maintain image quality and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an imaging device and an optical source share a common optical channel, then the optical setup becomes more compact and calibration is simplified, but crosstalk occurs in the common optical channel that degrades image quality and interferes with measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the optical source to emit light pulses only during specific time intervals that correspond to certain image frames, while remaining off during other frames. This periodic emission pattern allows the imaging device to capture frames without optical pulse interference, thereby eliminating crosstalk while maintaining the compact common optical channel architecture. The optical source is activated and deactivated in a rhythmic sequence that matches the frame capture timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the optical source emission timing with the frame sequence of the imaging device. Before actual image capture begins, the system establishes a coordinated timing pattern where the optical source is programmed to emit pulses only during designated frames, ensuring that frames intended for clean imaging are captured when no optical pulses are present. This advance coordination prevents crosstalk from occurring in the first place.
2Ease of operation
If the optical source emits continuous light, then the user experience for aiming is improved, but crosstalk continuously degrades image quality and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms continuous light emission into periodic pulsed emission, where the optical source emits light in synchronized intervals matching the frame sequence. This allows the system to provide aiming assistance during specific frames while ensuring that other frames are captured without optical interference. The periodic nature of the emission maintains user experience during aimed frames while preserving measurement accuracy during non-emission frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical source emission state variable rather than static. The optical source dynamically switches between active and inactive states based on the current frame in the sequence, being active during frames where aiming assistance is beneficial and inactive during frames where clean imaging is required. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between continuous user assistance and continuous measurement accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the exposure time is increased to capture images without optical pulses, then crosstalk is reduced, but the frame rate and productivity of the instrument decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to create an alternating pattern of frames with and without optical pulses. Instead of extending exposure time for all frames, the system alternates between frames captured during optical pulse emission (providing aiming feedback) and frames captured during intervals between pulses (providing clean measurement data). This periodic alternation maintains the overall frame rate while ensuring that every other frame is free from crosstalk interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-planning the frame sequence to include both types of frames (with and without optical pulses) in a predetermined pattern. This allows the imaging device to capture clean frames at regular intervals without needing to extend individual exposure times, thereby maintaining the overall frame rate and productivity while still obtaining sufficient crosstalk-free images for accurate measurements.
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 results in a simpler and more compact optical setup, reducing crosstalk and improving image quality, measurement accuracy, and user experience in geodetic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
causing capture, by the imaging device, of images of the scene using a frame sequence, wherein a frame of the frame sequence includes an exposure time during which the imaging device is exposed to light from the scene
Implementation Method 2
causing emission, by the optical source, of optical pulses towards the target
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a method for operating a geodetic instrument comprising an optical source for assisting a user in aiming at a target in a scene and an imaging device, wherein the imaging device and the optical source share a common optical channel within the geodetic instrument, said method comprising: causing emission, by the optical source, of optical pulses towards the target; causing capture, by the imaging device, of images of the scene using a frame sequence, wherein a frame of said frame sequence includes an exposure time during which the imaging device is exposed to light from the scene; synchronizing emission of the optical pulses to the frame sequence for obtaining data from images in which the optical pulses are absent; and processing the obtained data for surveying said scene.