Handheld Geodesic Device with Virtual Bubble Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geodesists face challenges in precisely positioning GNSS devices without bulky external hardware, as current devices require tripods or poles to align the antenna ground plane parallel to the ground, which are cumbersome and impractical for remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A handheld graphics-aided geodesic device equipped with a camera, distance meter, GNSS receiver, and horizon sensors, which uses image and orientation data to assist users in positioning the device over a point of interest without external equipment, by displaying virtual bubble levels and point of interest markers on a screen to ensure proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external hardware (tripod or pole) is used to position the GNSS antenna, then the antenna can be properly aligned with the ground plane parallel to the ground, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GNSS antenna positioning function with the smartphone itself by integrating a magnetometer and camera into the smartphone device. The magnetometer detects magnetic field orientation to determine device orientation, while the camera captures images for graphical feedback, eliminating the need for separate external positioning hardware like tripods or poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone performs its own positioning and alignment functions using its built-in sensors (magnetometer, camera, GNSS receiver) and processing capabilities. The device autonomously determines its orientation relative to the ground plane and provides graphical feedback to guide the user in achieving proper alignment without requiring external assistance or equipment.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors (distance meter, camera, horizon sensors) are integrated into the GNSS device, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone serves multiple functions: it acts as a GNSS receiver for satellite positioning, a magnetometer for magnetic field detection, a camera for image capture and graphical feedback, and a display device for showing alignment information. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate specialized devices into a single universal platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the smartphone's camera to capture images of the real-world environment and displays processed graphical feedback (such as virtual bubble levels or alignment guides) on the screen. This creates a visual copy or representation of the alignment state that guides the user without requiring physical alignment tools.
3Ease of operation
If graphical feedback from camera and horizon sensors is displayed, then user ability to position device over point of interest improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors device orientation using the magnetometer and horizon sensors, processes this data to determine alignment status, and provides real-time graphical feedback through the display. This feedback loop guides the user in adjusting the device position and orientation until the desired alignment is achieved, making the operation intuitive and easy to perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone's processing system acts as an intermediary between the physical device orientation and the user's perception. It translates raw sensor data from the magnetometer, camera, and horizon sensors into comprehensible graphical representations on the display, mediating the complex sensor processing and presenting simplified visual guidance to the user.
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 precise positioning of the device over a point of interest without external hardware, allowing for accurate measurements by compensating for vertical distance and using image recognition to center virtual bubble levels and point of interest markers, thus eliminating the need for tripods or poles.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include a display, camera, distance meter, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) receiver and antenna
Implementation Method 2
Data from the camera and horizon sensors may be displayed to assist the user in positioning the device over a point of interest
Implementation Method 3
the distance meter may be used to determine the position of the point of interest by compensating for the vertical distance between the device and the point of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A graphics-aided geodesic device is provided. The device may include a display, camera, distance meter, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) receiver and antenna, and horizon sensors. Data from the camera and horizon sensors may be displayed to assist the user in positioning the device over a point of interest. In one example, the distance meter may be used to determine the position of the point of interest. In another example, images of the point of interest taken from multiple locations may be used to determine the position of the point of interest.