Handheld Survey System with Laser Distance Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current survey documentation methods in the building industry are cumbersome, prone to errors, and inefficient, as they rely on manual sketches and lack electronic processing capabilities for accurately documenting spatially coherent building layouts with multiple measurements.

Innovation Solution

A handheld computer system integrated with an optoelectronic distance measuring device and a program algorithm that enables bidirectional communication, intuitive marking and surveying of graphic objects, automatic generation of basic graphic elements, and electronic storage of survey results, reducing human error and enhancing processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual sketches and photographs are used for survey documentation, then the documentation process is simple to implement, but it is cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of documentation processVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual sketching and photograph marking with an automated optoelectronic system that uses laser distance measurement, camera imaging, and computer processing to automatically generate and associate survey data with graphic objects, eliminating manual labor while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of the survey documentation process by capturing images with marked measurement points and automatically generating electronic survey logs that replicate the information extraction process without requiring manual rewriting or transcription

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If manual sketching is used for survey measurements, then the equipment required is minimal, but the process is prone to errors and lacks reliable electronic processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy of measurement association

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the camera captures images with visible measurement point markers, the computer automatically detects and verifies the marked positions, and the survey log records confirm the association between measurements and graphic objects, creating multiple verification layers that prevent errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computer system that acts as a mediator between the optoelectronic measurement device and the final documentation, automatically processing the measurement data, associating it with the correct graphic objects, and generating the survey log without manual intervention that could introduce errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If individual measurements are documented separately, then the documentation process is straightforward, but it cannot handle spatially coherent building layouts with multiple measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of individual measurement documentationVSAvoidcapability to handle complex building layouts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs multiple functions within a single integrated platform: the optoelectronic device measures distances, the camera captures images with marked points, the computer processes and associates data with graphic objects, and the survey log generates comprehensive documentation - all handling both individual measurements and complex building layouts uniformly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the documentation of individual measurements with the overall building layout documentation by automatically associating each measurement with its corresponding graphic object in the comprehensive survey log, creating a unified documentation structure that handles both simple and complex cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system allows for reliable, intuitive, and efficient documentation of building layouts by associating survey results with marked objects, eliminating errors and enabling electronic archiving, thus streamlining the survey process and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

optoelectronic distance measuring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS7342649B2Handheld survey documentation system

Publication Date: 2008.03.11 HILTI AG

AI summary

A handheld computer which is connectable to an optoelectronic distance measuring device in an integrated manner so as to communicate bidirectionally therewith or connectable via a data interface, includes a computing device, an input device, and a display suitable for marking and displaying a graphic object. In a repeated sequence, an algorithm designed for interacting with the optoelectronic distance measuring device waits, in a marking step, for a marking event initiated by the user through the input device when marking an object of a graphic representation that is displayed by the display, and in a survey step which is close in time to the marking event, waits for a survey event which is triggered by a survey result measured by the user through use of the optoelectronic distance measuring device, whereupon the survey result is associated with the marked object in a subsequent association step.