GNSS Survey Pole with Electronic Leveling and Tilt Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surveying methods, particularly in GNSS and total station operations, face challenges with accurate leveling of survey poles, leading to errors in data collection due to manual adjustments and the need for frequent leveling, which can result in inaccuracies and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A GNSS data collection system with a pole-mounted receiver and hand-held data collector equipped with inclination sensors that provide real-time tilt data, displayed as a virtual bubble level, allowing for automatic calculation and display of the horizontal distance and direction needed to level the receiver, enabling precise leveling and reducing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual leveling of survey poles is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to frequent adjustments and human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling operations with an electronic system comprising inclination sensors that automatically detect pole tilt and a processor that calculates correction values. This substitution eliminates manual adjustment errors while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through integrated sensor-processing-unit architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The surveying system performs self-leveling detection through inclination sensors mounted on the pole that automatically measure tilt angles without external intervention. The system self-calculates correction values and provides real-time feedback to the operator, reducing reliance on manual skill and judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If frequent manual leveling adjustments are made, then measurement precision improves, but productivity deteriorates due to time loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidsurveying speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination sensors continuously monitor pole inclination throughout the surveying process, providing uninterrupted feedback on leveling status. This continuous monitoring eliminates the need for repeated stop-start adjustment cycles, maintaining steady workflow while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback through the display device, showing inclination values and correction recommendations to the operator. This immediate feedback loop enables rapid correction without trial-and-error adjustments, reducing time loss while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustments are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processor acts as an intermediary between the inclination sensors and the operator, automatically calculating correction values based on sensor data. This intermediary function removes complex calculation requirements from the operator while providing accurate, objective guidance for leveling adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual judgment and calculation operations are replaced by automated electronic sensing and processing. The system objectively measures inclination and computes corrections, eliminating human error sources while presenting simplified information to the operator through the display interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances surveying accuracy by providing real-time tilt information and automatic data capture within tolerance levels, improving productivity and safety by allowing surveyors to focus on surroundings rather than manual leveling, while reducing errors associated with manual adjustments.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInclination sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS11662470B2Survey range pole and data collector with electronic height detection, leveling and hands-free data collection

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 CARLSON SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

A GNSS data collection system includes a pole mounted GNSS receiver and inclination sensors. The range pole has an adjustable length and an integrated electronic measurement device to capture and provide length data. 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/or the electronic measurement device and receives three-dimensional location data, the length data, and inclination data for the range pole in real-time. The inclination data and height of the range pole are used to calculate and display horizontal distance and direction to level the GNSS receiver.