Geolocation Using Permanent Topographic Benchmarks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geolocation methods in urban environments, such as satellite positioning and traditional topographic surveys, face challenges in accuracy and require skilled operators, making it difficult to generate 3D models and locate features without significant resources or expertise.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising permanently secured topographic benchmarks with readable codes, allowing a terrestrial scanning device to automatically determine their position in a precise frame of reference, enabling accurate geolocation and 3D data acquisition without relying on satellite signals or skilled operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite positioning systems are used for geolocation, then the coverage area is large, but the accuracy is insufficient for generating 3D models and the signal cannot be received in certain urban environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate reference elements (benchmarks with distinctive features or RFID tags) placed in the environment as mediators between the mobile scanning device and the geolocation system. These intermediaries provide known reference positions that enable accurate geolocation through triangulation or recognition, solving both the accuracy problem and the urban environment signal reception problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the satellite-based mechanical/electromagnetic positioning system with a local reference system using identifiable elements in the environment. Instead of relying on satellite signals, the system uses local benchmarks with distinctive visual features or RFID tags that can be detected by the scanning device to establish accurate geolocation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional topographic surveys with theodolites and total stations are used, then the measurement precision is high, but the operation requires skilled operators and has a temporary nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the reference elements automatically detectable and identifiable by the scanning device. The benchmarks with distinctive features or RFID tags allow the system to automatically acquire reference positions without requiring skilled operators to manually survey or mark points, enabling less qualified workers to perform the tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-placing reference elements (benchmarks with distinctive features or RFID tags) in the environment before the scanning operation. This preliminary setup enables the scanning device to automatically acquire accurate reference positions without requiring skilled operators to perform complex surveying operations during the measurement process.
3Extent of automation
If robotic stations are used to automate topographic operations, then the automation level increases, but the topographer still needs to position targets during measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the reference elements automatically detectable and identifiable by the scanning device. The benchmarks with distinctive features or RFID tags allow the system to automatically acquire reference positions without requiring skilled operators to manually survey or mark points, enabling less qualified workers to perform the tasks.
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 efficient and accurate geolocation and 3D modeling of urban environments with high positional accuracy, allowing less qualified workers to perform tasks and reducing the need for skilled topographers, while maintaining reliability across various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a code that is readable automatically at a distance of at least 3 m by the scanning device
Data Source
AI summary
A system having:a terrestrial scanning device,a topographic benchmark secured permanently to a support, including a code that is readable automatically at a distance of at least 3 m by the scanning device, this code ss providing information as to the position of the benchmark in a given frame of reference and/or having an identifier listed in a database in which the position of the benchmark in said frame of reference is also recorded.