Geographic Distance Calculation via Device Orientation and Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining geographic positions and orientations lack efficiency in calculating distances between specific points on a surface of a geographic object, particularly using devices like cell phones and total stations, which require complex trigonometry and triangulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a device with a position detector, orientation detector, and processor to calculate distances by receiving position and orientation data, intersecting lines defined by device positions and orientations with object position data, and displaying the distance on an electronic display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex trigonometry and triangulation methods are used to determine distances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/trigonometric calculation systems with an electronic system that uses a processor to automatically compute distances. The total station instrument electronically processes angular measurements and coordinate data through programmed algorithms, substituting manual trigonometric methods with automated electronic calculation, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating distances and coordinates without requiring manual intervention for complex trigonometric computations. The processor autonomously processes the angular measurements from the electronic theodolite and coordinate data to determine positions and distances, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual triangulation calculations
2Productivity
If manual data processing and map generation are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the total station instrument: the electronic theodolite for angular measurement, the electronic distance meter for distance measurement, the data collector for data storage and processing, and the map generation software all operate as an integrated system. This consolidation enables automated data processing and real-time map generation, significantly improving productivity compared to separate manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accelerates the data processing workflow by using the processor to rapidly compute positions and generate maps in real-time during surveying operations. The system processes and displays results immediately rather than requiring subsequent manual analysis, effectively 'accelerating' the traditional multi-step process through electronic computation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided of determining geographic positions. In one aspect, a user points the device at first and second positions on the surface of a geographic object. Based on the position of the device, the orientation of the device, and information identifying the geographic position of the surface of the object, a processor determines and displays the distance between the first and second positions.