Gimbal Posture Detection with Dual Sensor Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional posture detecting devices for surveying and image acquiring instruments face limitations in responsiveness, accuracy, and range, particularly failing to detect tilt angles in all postures and requiring complex configurations for accurate three-dimensional data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A posture detecting device with a gimbal mechanism, incorporating both high-accuracy and high-responsiveness tilt sensors, along with encoders and motors, allows for precise tilt detection across all postures. Additionally, a data acquiring device with optical axis deflecting units and a processing unit corrects three-dimensional data based on posture detection results, ensuring accurate measurements in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tilt sensor is used to detect horizontal with high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but responsiveness deteriorates and several seconds are required until stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a tilt sensor (for high accuracy) and an acceleration sensor (for high responsiveness) into a single posture detecting device. The control unit integrates data from both sensors, using the acceleration sensor for rapid response and the tilt sensor for precise horizontal detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and responsiveness.
2Speed
If an acceleration sensor is used to detect tilting with high responsiveness, then speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates and detection accuracy does not satisfy surveying level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a tilt sensor (for high accuracy) and an acceleration sensor (for high responsiveness) into a single posture detecting device. The control unit integrates data from both sensors, using the acceleration sensor for rapid response and the tilt sensor for precise horizontal detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and responsiveness.
3Measurement precision
If a conventional tilt detecting unit is used, then measurement precision is improved within a limited range, but adaptability deteriorates and cannot detect in all postures such as vertical or inverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gimbal mechanism that allows the tilt detecting unit to dynamically adjust its orientation and maintain functionality across all postures including vertical, inverse, and intermediate positions. This dynamic mechanical structure enables the detection system to adapt to any orientation while preserving measurement precision through the encoder-based detection method.
4Adaptability or versatility
If motors and encoders are added to achieve posture detection in all positions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gimbal mechanism that allows the tilt detecting unit to dynamically adjust its orientation and maintain functionality across all postures including vertical, inverse, and intermediate positions. This dynamic mechanical structure enables the detection system to adapt to any orientation while preserving measurement precision through the encoder-based detection method.
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 high-accuracy, wide-range posture detection and three-dimensional data acquisition in all postures, even under dynamic conditions, improving responsiveness and accuracy without the need for complex leveling mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first tilt sensor for detecting the horizontal with high accuracy
Implementation Method 2
a second tilt sensor for detecting the tilting in a wider range and with a response at a higher speed than the first tilt sensor
Implementation Method 3
encoders provided on each of the shafts
Implementation Method 4
a first optical axis deflecting unit disposed on a projection optical axis of the distance measuring light for deflecting an optical axis of the distance measuring light at a deflection angle as required and in a direction as required
Implementation Method 5
a photodetection element for receiving the reflected distance measuring light and for producing a photodetection signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a posture detecting device, which comprises a tilt detecting unit as rotatably supported around two shafts perpendicular each other to an outer frame and for detecting a tilting from the horizontal, encoders provided on each of the shafts, motors provided so as to rotate each shaft, and a first arithmetic processing unit for driving/controlling the motor based on a detection result from the tilt detecting unit, wherein the first arithmetic processing unit drives the motors so that the tilt detecting unit detects the horizontal based on a signal from the tilt detecting unit when the outer frame is tilted and calculates a posture of the outer frame based on outputs of the encoders when the tilt detecting unit detects the horizontal.