Geodetic Target Identification with Switchable Optical States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geodetic targets are not reliably distinguishable from one another by measurement instruments and lack flexibility in identity determination, which hinders their detection and identification in various measurement conditions.
Innovation Solution
A geodetic target with a support, a measuring target, and an identifier equipped with an electric or electronic controller that can switch between different optical states, allowing for flexible identification and adaptation to measurement conditions, including visibility and distance, using components like organic light-emitting diodes or electrophoresis-based indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive geodetic targets are used without active identification elements, then the device complexity is low, but the targets cannot be reliably distinguished from one another by measurement instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using identification elements with different optical properties (colors) that can be selectively activated. The measurement instrument detects these color patterns to reliably distinguish between multiple geodetic targets. This resolves the contradiction by adding visual distinction capability without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters (intensity, color, activation state) of identification elements to enable reliable target distinction. By varying these parameters dynamically or statically across different targets, the system achieves reliable identification while keeping the physical structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If multiple identification elements with different optical properties are added to distinguish targets, then the reliability of target identification improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by selectively activating identification elements in sequences or patterns rather than continuously operating all elements. This allows the measurement instrument to distinguish targets through temporal patterns of activation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By using passive optical elements with different inherent optical properties (colors, reflectivity) that require minimal or no energy to maintain their state, the system achieves reliable target differentiation without high energy consumption. The optical properties are intrinsic rather than actively generated.
3Reliability
If active geodetic targets with patterned radiation are used, then the targets become distinguishable from one another, but the device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identification elements with different optical properties (colors, reflectivity patterns) that can be passively detected by the measurement instrument. This approach achieves target distinguishability through optical characteristics rather than complex active radiation emission systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical patterns and color arrangements on the targets that can be detected and copied by the measurement instrument's imaging system. This allows distinction between targets through visual patterns rather than requiring complex active radiation systems, simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 reliable and flexible identification of geodetic targets, allowing for accurate detection and correction of orientation and distance measurements, with low energy consumption and adaptability to different conditions, enhancing the precision of geodetic measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one identification element is an indicator operating according to the principle of electrophoresis, electrowetting or micromechanically controlled interferometric modulation, a bistable LCD or a light-emitting diode, in particular an organic light-emitting diode.
Implementation Method 2
the measurement instrument emits radiation that is reflected by the passive geodetic target and detected by the measurement instrument
Implementation Method 3
The at least one identification element is an indicator operating according to the principle of electrophoresis
Implementation Method 4
The at least one identification element is an indicator operating according to the principle of electrophoresis, electrowetting
Data Source
AI summary
A geodetic target for use in geodesy includes a support, a measuring target supported by the support, an identifier supported by the support, and a controller. The identifier includes at least one identification element that is configured to be switchable between at least two optical states and has a first predetermined optical property in one optical state and does not have the first predetermined optical property in a further optical state. The controller is configured to change the state of the at least one identification element. A geodetic measurement instrument includes an identifier detection unit, a measuring unit, and a transmitter configured to address a receiver of the geodetic target and to transmit control commands to the same which effect the change of the optical state of the at least one identification element of the identifier of the geodetic target. A system includes the geodetic measurement instrument and geodetic target.