Hybrid GNSS EDM Camera Surveying Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-precision GNSS receivers face accuracy issues due to signal blocking and degradation from structures or foliage, while existing surveying technologies like EDM and photogrammetry have limitations in multi-point measurements and accuracy, especially in areas with GNSS signal interference.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid measurement apparatus combining a high-precision GNSS receiver, an electronic distance meter (EDM), and an optical camera, optionally with sensors like an inclinometer and IMU, allows for simultaneous measurements and image capture from multiple locations to determine the 3D coordinates of remote target points, using a single calibration and reducing the need for additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-precision GNSS receiver is used for surveying, then positioning accuracy is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates when GNSS signals are blocked or degraded by structures or foliage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surveying technologies (GNSS receiver, EDM, and optical camera) into a single integrated system. The GNSS receiver provides positioning data, the EDM measures distances to target points, and the optical camera captures images for photogrammetric processing. By merging these technologies, the system achieves reliable multi-point measurements even when GNSS signals are blocked, as the EDM and photogrammetry components can operate independently of satellite signal quality.
2Reliability
If EDM is used for remote point measurement, then line-of-sight blocking is avoided, but measurement efficiency deteriorates due to one-point-at-a-time measurement limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges EDM with optical camera and photogrammetric processing to enable simultaneous multi-point measurements. While the EDM measures distance to a single target point, the optical camera captures images containing multiple target points. The photogrammetric software then processes these images to extract coordinates of multiple points, effectively multiplying the measurement throughput while maintaining the EDM's ability to penetrate blocked areas.
3Productivity
If photogrammetry is used for multi-point measurement, then measurement efficiency is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to computational limitations and image quality dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges photogrammetry with EDM and GNSS technologies to create a hybrid system that compensates for photogrammetry's accuracy limitations. The EDM provides precise distance measurements that serve as ground truth data, while the GNSS receiver provides accurate positioning of the survey instrument. These precise measurements are combined with photogrammetric results through coordinate transformation and adjustment algorithms, producing final measurements that achieve both high accuracy and multi-point efficiency.
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 surveying accuracy by integrating GNSS, EDM, and optical camera data, enabling precise multi-point measurements with reduced field work and eliminating the need for expensive total stations, even in areas with blocked or degraded GNSS signals.
Implementation Method 1
the accuracy of such receivers diminishes when the lines-of-sight associated with one or more satellite signals pass through large structures
Implementation Method 2
An EDM is one established, commercially available device that is typically laser-based and the accuracy of which is derived from an internal reference frequency source
Implementation Method 3
measure the distance to the remote target point using an EDM
Implementation Method 4
capturing at least two (2) images of the remote target point(s) with the optical camera
Implementation Method 5
close range photogrammetry. Photogrammetry is a technique of making measurements from photographs
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus utilizing a high-precision GNSS receiver, an EDM, and an optical camera in combination for making accurate measurements of multiple remote points. The accurate measurement of a plurality of remote points is facilitated by integrating a high-precision GNSS receiver, an EDM and an optical camera such that their combined physical location and orientation can be measured and known, and allowing for a single calibration thereof. The integration of the high-precision GNSS receiver, an EDM, and an optical camera may take various forms such as a single, integrated device, or individual devices assembled together on a surveying pole, for example. The integrated device may also include one or more sensors such as an inclination sensor and an inertial measurement unit.