Geographical Data Collecting Device with Dynamic Scale Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geographical data collecting devices struggle to easily measure both vertical and horizontal distances, which hampers their efficiency and usability in field operations such as surveying manholes, trees, and landslide areas.
Innovation Solution
A portable geographical data collecting device equipped with a GPS unit, a digital camera with a tilt sensor, a non-prism electro-optical distance measuring instrument, and a touch panel display, allowing for easy measurement of both vertical and horizontal distances by projecting distance measuring light and using a scale bar that adjusts based on tilting and distance, enabling intuitive data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable geographical data collecting device is used to measure position and acquire image data, then the portability and ease of use are improved, but the ability to easily measure both vertical and horizontal distances is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple measurement functions into a single portable unit. The scale bar display unit can display both vertical and horizontal distance measurements, and the system can switch between different measurement modes (vertical distance measurement mode and horizontal distance measurement mode), enabling the device to perform multiple measurement tasks without requiring separate specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The scale bar display dynamically adjusts its orientation and measurement function based on the device's tilt angle detected by the tilt sensor. When the device is tilted vertically, the scale bar displays vertical distances; when tilted horizontally, it displays horizontal distances. This dynamic adaptation allows the same device to accurately measure different types of distances based on the operator's holding position
2Measurement precision
If vertical distance measurement is performed using tilt sensor and field angle, then vertical distance can be calculated, but horizontal distance measurement capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measuring device is designed to perform both vertical and horizontal distance measurements using the same hardware components. By detecting the tilt angle and switching between measurement modes, the device provides universal measurement capability for different distance types without requiring additional specialized sensors or measurement instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters based on the detected tilt angle. When the tilt angle indicates vertical holding, the system calculates vertical distances using field angle and horizontal distance. When the tilt angle indicates horizontal holding, the system calculates horizontal distances using azimuth angle and radial distance. This parameter switching enables the device to measure different distance types with the same hardware
3Measurement precision
If GPS device is used to acquire present position with high accuracy, then position information can be obtained, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (GPS positioning, tilt sensing, azimuth sensing, distance measurement, and image acquisition) into a single integrated portable device. By merging these functions that would traditionally require separate instruments, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining portability and reducing the number of separate devices needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional instrument that performs GPS positioning, tilt measurement, azimuth measurement, distance measurement, and image capture all through one unit. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized instruments, achieving comprehensive measurement capability without proportionally increasing 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
The device significantly improves the working conditions and workability by allowing precise and easy measurement of distances in both directions, enhancing the accuracy and speed of data collection in various field applications.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor; a photographing auxiliary line whose tilting angle varies according to the result of detection of tilting from the tilt sensor
Implementation Method 2
a non-prism electro-optical distance measuring instrument, and a touch panel display, allowing for easy measurement of both vertical and horizontal distances by projecting distance measuring light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a geographical data collecting device, comprising a distance measuring unit 5 for projecting a distance measuring light and for measuring a distance to an object to be measured, and an image pickup unit 3 for taking an image in a measuring direction, a display unit 6 for displaying an image picked up, a touch panel installed to match a position of screen of the display unit, a tilt sensor 11 for detecting a tilting in a measuring direction, an azimuth sensor 12 for detecting a horizontal angle in the measuring direction, and a control arithmetic unit 8, wherein the control arithmetic unit displays a scale to indicate horizontal and vertical lines on the display unit and controls the scale display so that the scale always indicates the horizontal and the vertical lines in the image based on a result of detection of tilting form the tilt sensor.