Hybrid EDM and Image Capture Device for Dynamic Surveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying devices, such as total stations, face limitations when monitoring moving structures, including the need for reflective targets, limited resolution, inability to perform dynamic measurements, and the need to measure points sequentially.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid device combining a non-contact distance measure (EDM) with an image capture device (ICD), where the ICD associates image exposure with EDM orientation, allowing for accurate measurement point location and dynamic measurement capabilities without reflective targets, enabling simultaneous multi-point measurement and higher resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reflective target is attached to the measurement point to enable monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflective target from the measurement system entirely. Instead of requiring external targets attached to measurement points, the system uses the image capture device to directly capture images of the measurement points themselves, extracting only the essential imaging function while eliminating the target attachment requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the measurement point through image capture. The image capture device photographs the measurement point, and the controller processes this visual information to determine position and movement, replacing the need for physical reflective targets with digital image processing
2Measurement precision
If sequential measurement of multiple points is performed to monitor structures, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into two independent components: image capture (which captures multiple points simultaneously) and processing (which can handle multiple points in parallel). The controller is configured to process images and determine positions of multiple measurement points concurrently, rather than sequentially measuring each point
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional sequential measurement (one point at a time) to two-dimensional simultaneous measurement (multiple points in a single image frame). The image capture device captures all measurement points within its field of view simultaneously, adding the spatial dimension of parallel measurement
3Measurement precision
If total station mechanics with encoders are used to aim EDM, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement resolution is limited by encoder angular resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical encoder-based aiming system with an optical/image-based system. Instead of relying on mechanical encoders to determine direction, the system uses the image capture device to visually locate measurement points and the controller to calculate positions from image coordinates, eliminating the mechanical resolution limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation of the measurement scene through imaging. The controller processes image data to determine the positions of measurement points, replacing the mechanical encoder readings with digital image processing that is not constrained by mechanical angular resolution
4Speed
If EDM orientation changes during image exposure to track moving points, then dynamic measurement capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to orientation uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The controller associates the EDM orientation with the image data before processing. By recording and linking the orientation information to the corresponding image frame in advance, the system ensures that even if orientation changes during exposure, the correct orientation data is available for accurate position calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and associates EDM orientation with image capture timing. The controller uses this feedback loop to match orientation data with the corresponding image frames, ensuring that position calculations always use the correct orientation information even during dynamic tracking
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 hybrid device achieves dynamic measurement of multiple points simultaneously with improved resolution and accuracy, eliminating the need for reflective targets and allowing for real-time monitoring of moving structures, while maintaining measurement accuracy even with changing EDM orientation.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture device operable to output digital images
Implementation Method 2
a non-contact distance measure (EDM)
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring device (10) for determining the location of one or more measurement points relative to the measuring device. The measuring device is arranged to be coupled to a non-contact distance measuring device or EDM (12) and one or more sensors (16) for determining the orientation of the EDM. The measuring device comprises an image capture device or ICD (20) operable to output digital images and being arranged to be coupled to the EDM such that the ICD moves in known registration with respect to the EDM. A controller (28) is arranged to receive data from the one or more sensors and the ICD. The controller is configured to: a) associate an image with the orientation of the EDM during exposure of the image; b) locate one of the measurement points within the image; and c) use the location of the measurement point within the image in combination with the EDM orientation to establish the direction of the measurement point with respect to the measuring device.