GNSS Rover Electronic Leveling via Inclination Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GNSS surveying methods require cumbersome leveling processes for RTK rovers, disrupting data collection efficiency due to the need for manual adjustment of bubble levels, which is time-consuming and can compromise accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A GNSS data collection system with a pole-mounted receiver and hand-held data collector using inclination sensors to provide real-time tilt information, displayed as a virtual bubble level, allowing for automatic data capture when the rover is within tolerance, eliminating the need for manual leveling and enhancing accuracy by calculating horizontal distance and direction for leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual leveling with bubble levels is used for RTK rovers, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but data collection efficiency decreases due to time-consuming manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble level system with an electronic inclination sensor system. The inclination sensors mounted on the rover pole electronically measure tilt in multiple axes, and the data collector computer processes this information to provide digital leveling indicators and automated positioning accuracy assessment, eliminating the need for manual bubble level observation and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the rover to automatically monitor and report its own leveling status through inclination sensors. The data collector computer automatically processes the tilt data, calculates positioning accuracy, and provides real-time feedback to the operator, allowing the equipment to serve itself in maintaining accuracy without requiring constant manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of bubble levels is required, then positioning accuracy can be ensured, but operator attention is diverted from surroundings reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical bubble level observation process is replaced with electronic inclination sensing and digital display. The system continuously monitors leveling status through electronic sensors and presents the information on a data collector display, eliminating the need for the operator to visually check bubble levels and thereby keeping their attention on the surrounding environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous real-time feedback about rover leveling status through electronic sensors and display indicators. This automated feedback loop informs the operator of positioning accuracy without requiring them to manually check levels, allowing them to maintain situational awareness while the system monitors accuracy continuously.
3Measurement precision
If conventional leveling procedures are followed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling measurement function with the data collection process. The inclination sensors are integrated into the rover pole, and the data collector computer processes both positioning data and tilt data simultaneously, merging what were previously separate operations into a unified automated system that maintains accuracy without cumbersome separate procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical leveling procedure is replaced with an electronic sensing and computational system. Inclination sensors automatically measure tilt, the computer processes the data, and digital indicators provide feedback, replacing the complex manual sequence of observing, adjusting, and re-observing bubble levels with a simplified electronic process.
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
This solution streamlines the leveling process, improves data collection efficiency by allowing operators to focus on surroundings, reduces errors by ensuring accurate positioning, and enhances productivity and safety by automating data capture within set tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of inclination sensors disposed in operative engagement with the GNSS receiver are configured to generate inclination data for the range pole along mutually orthogonal x and y axes
Data Source
AI summary
A GNSS data collection system includes a pole mounted GNSS receiver and inclination sensors. A data collection module provides a data collection graphical user interface (GUI) visible on a hand-held data collector computer. The data collector computer is communicably coupled to the GNSS receiver and receives three-dimensional location data and inclination data for the range pole in real-time. A virtual level component uses the inclination data to display on the GUI real-time tilt information in the form of a virtual bubble level indicator. The inclination data and height of the range pole are used to calculate and display horizontal distance and direction to level the GNSS receiver.