Three-Dimensional Surveying With Gradient Reference-Light Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional surveying devices do not adequately address the issue of improving ranging precision during scanning operations due to the lack of real-time updates in correction values for distance measurements, which can be influenced by the warmup state of the device.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a reference light optical unit with a concentration-gradient-imparted filter that changes optical concentration along the scanning line of internal reference light, allowing for real-time acquisition of correction values during scanning operations, thereby improving ranging precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If correction values are updated only before scanning operations start, then device structure remains simple, but ranging precision during scanning deteriorates due to warmup state changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveranging precisionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous acquisition of correction values during scanning operations by utilizing the reference light optical unit to continuously receive and process reference light, rather than performing correction value acquisition only before scanning starts. This continuous update mechanism ensures correction values remain accurate despite warmup state changes while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own reference light path to generate correction values during operation, making the device self-correcting without requiring external calibration equipment or complex additional mechanisms. The reference light optical unit leverages the device's existing light source and optical components to perform self-diagnosis and self-correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a rotation mechanism is added to change optical concentration of the filter, then correction accuracy improves, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation mechanism with a variable optical concentration filter that can be adjusted through optical means. The filter's optical concentration varies along the scanning line, allowing different correction values to be applied without physical rotation, thereby eliminating motors and complex mechanical structures while maintaining correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter's optical concentration parameter is designed to vary along the scanning line direction, creating a gradient that corresponds to different correction values. This parameter change approach allows the system to achieve multiple correction states without mechanical movement, reducing device complexity and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances scanning precision by continuously updating correction values based on light quantity, simplifies the device structure, and reduces its size without the need for additional motors or complex mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a concentration-gradient-imparted filter in which optical concentration of a region through which the internal reference light is transmitted changes along a scanning line of the internal reference light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical concentration gradient: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a reflecting sheet that performs retroreflection of the internal reference light transmitted through the concentration-gradient-imparted filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 3

a photoreceptor that receives the reflected ranging light and the internal reference light guided from the reference light optical unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4614110A1Three-dimensional surveying device

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 TOPCON CORPORATION

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AI summary

Provided is a three-dimensional surveying device in which ranging precision of scanning can be improved. A three-dimensional surveying device includes a light source unit that discharges a ranging light, a projected light optical unit that emits the ranging light onto a ranging optical axis, a scanning mirror that performs rotational emission of the ranging light in a plane that intersects a rotation shaft, a light-receiving optical unit that receives reflected ranging light reflected at the measurement object and guided by the scanning mirror, a reference light optical unit that receives and also reflects the ranging light reflected at the scanning mirror as the internal reference light, and that is capable of changing quantity of light of the internal reference light, and a photoreceptor that receives the reflected ranging light and the internal reference light. The reference light optical unit has a concentration-gradient-imparted filter in which optical concentration of a region through which the internal reference light is transmitted changes along a scanning line of the internal reference light, and a reflecting sheet that performs retroreflection of the internal reference light transmitted through the concentration-gradient-imparted filter.