GNSS Layout Pointer for Walls, Ceilings, and Outdoor Surveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying instruments, such as those described in US 10,690,497 B2, are limited in their ability to accurately indicate layout points on non-horizontal surfaces like walls and ceilings, and are hindered by the need for a retroreflective target to be visible to the total station, particularly in outdoor applications.
Innovation Solution
A motorized layout pointer with a rotatable layouting beam about two axes of rotation, combined with a GNSS device and inertial measurement units, allows for accurate layout point indication on any jobsite surface, including floors, walls, and ceilings, without the need for a visible retroreflective target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a retroreflective target and total station are used to indicate layout points, then measurement precision is improved, but the retroreflective target must be visible to the total station which limits applicability particularly in outdoor applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical total station and retroreflective target system with an electronic/GNSS-based system. The motorized layout pointer uses GNSS satellite signals and inertial measurement units to determine position and orientation, eliminating the need for line-of-sight optical tracking. This substitution enables outdoor applicability while maintaining layout point indication precision through electronic positioning and digital coordinate transformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized layout pointer with two-axis rotation is used, then adaptability to indicate layout points on any surface is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized layout pointer integrates multiple functions into a single device: it combines GNSS positioning, inertial measurement for orientation tracking, two-axis motorized rotation for directional control, and digital coordinate transformation. This multi-functional integration enables the device to indicate layout points on any surface (floors, walls, ceilings) while managing complexity through unified electronic control and software-based coordinate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The layout pointer employs dynamic two-axis rotation capability allowing real-time adjustment of pointing direction. The first motor rotates the layout pointer about a first axis, and the second motor rotates it about a second axis perpendicular to the first, enabling the beam to be directed at any orientation. This dynamic adaptability allows indication on vertical walls, horizontal ceilings, and inclined surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the layouting beam is made rotatable about two axes, then ease of operation is improved by reducing operator effort, but device complexity increases due to additional motors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized layout pointer performs self-positioning and self-orientation automatically. The GNSS receiver continuously tracks satellite signals to determine device position, while the inertial measurement unit (including accelerometer and gyroscope) autonomously measures device orientation. The control system automatically calculates the required beam direction to reach target coordinates and actuates the motors accordingly, eliminating the need for manual aiming and reducing operator effort to simple target coordinate input.
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 rapid and precise layout point indication on various surfaces by determining and adjusting angles and distances to achieve desired coordinates, enhancing accuracy and reducing operational effort.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors of the inertial measurement unit can be used to determine the orientation of the GNSS device
Implementation Method 2
The inertial measurement unit includes at least a three-axes accelerometer and a three-axes gyroscope
Implementation Method 3
the layouting beam is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation
Implementation Method 4
The GNSS device includes a GNSS antenna, a GNSS receiver, and an inertial measurement unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for indicating a layout point (LP) at a jobsite (11), including a GNSS device (12) including a GNSS antenna (T), a GNSS receiver (R), and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), the GNSS device (12) configured to determine a position and orientation of the GNSS device (12) in a global coordinate frame (GCF), a motorized layout pointer (14) including a layout pointer configured to emit a layouting beam (LB), and a controller (13) configured to be communicatively connected to the motorized layout pointer (14) and/or to the GNSS device (12), wherein the layouting beam (LB) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation.