Geodetic Surveying Device Position Offset Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the position and orientation offset of geodetic surveying devices are time-consuming, costly, and require additional geodetic devices or positioning signals, especially in environments like tunnels or densely built-up areas, and direct geo-referencing provides less precise results.

Innovation Solution

A method that records environmental images from different stationings, matches image elements, determines directions and scaling factors, and calculates the position and orientation offset without additional geodetic devices or positioning signals, using existing geodetic surveying devices with imaging and laser distance measuring capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If geodetic measurements to multiple target points are performed for indirect georeferencing, then position and orientation precision is improved, but measurement time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and orientation precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image copying technology to capture and process environmental images from different stationings. By matching image elements between first and second environmental images, the system determines position and orientation offsets without requiring physical measurements to multiple target points, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical geodetic measurement methods with an optical/image-based system. Instead of using theodolites or total stations to measure angles and distances to multiple target points, the system uses imaging devices to capture environmental images and processes these images computationally to determine position and orientation, significantly reducing measurement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If marking and centering procedures are performed to position surveying equipment, then stationing precision is improved, but setup time and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestationing precisionVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the surveying device to automatically determine its own position and orientation offsets by processing environmental images captured from different stationings. The device performs self-calibration and self-positioning through image matching algorithms, eliminating the need for external marking and centering procedures by operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical parameter adjustment (marking positions, centering equipment physically) to computational parameter determination (calculating position and orientation offsets from image data). This allows the system to achieve precise stationing through software processing rather than manual physical setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If direct geo-referencing using GNSS receiver is used, then setup time is reduced, but measurement precision decreases and signal reception may be inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoidposition precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces environmental images as an intermediary medium between the surveying device and the reference system. Instead of directly receiving GNSS signals or performing complex geodetic measurements, the system uses captured images of the environment as a mediator to compute position and orientation offsets, achieving both speed and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If additional geodetic devices or positioning signals are used, then position and orientation determination capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and orientation determination capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the surveying device multi-functional by integrating image capture and processing capabilities into existing geodetic equipment. The same device that performs angle and distance measurements also captures environmental images and processes them to determine position and orientation offsets, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems or additional specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 quick, precise, and fully automated determination of position and orientation offsets, reducing the need for labor-intensive setup and specialized knowledge, and maintaining geodetic accuracy without requiring additional hardware or signals.

Implementation Method 1

the distance from the second stationing to at least one direction-determined measurement environment point in a contactless manner, preferably using a laser optic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3034995B1Method for determining a position and orientation offset of a geodetic surveying device and corresponding measuring device
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
  • EP3034995B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3034995B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3034995B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~3d

AI summary

Method for precisely determining the positional offset (ΔP) and orientational offset (ΔO) of a second stationing (S2) to a first stationing (S1) in the same measurement environment of a geodetic surveying instrument (1), in particular a total station or a theodolite, based on image-based determined directions and at least one laser-optically measured distance to measurement environment points which are depicted in both a second and a first environment image (22', 26', 22, 26) of the measurement environment.