Inclination Sensor Vertical Deflection Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geodetic surveying devices face challenges in achieving high precision due to vertical deflection caused by local gravity anomalies, as existing tilt detectors only measure the local gravity vector and not the reference vector, leading to measurement errors and the need for known gravity values for compensation.
Innovation Solution
A surveying system incorporating a tilt detector, localization means for determining the object's position, and a calculation unit that stores and calculates reference vector data using local or regional vertical deflection data, allowing for accurate inclination determination with respect to a reference vector, even in areas with limited data availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tilt detectors only measure the local gravity vector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to vertical deflection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the position of the tilt detector before taking measurements, then uses this position information to retrieve or calculate appropriate vertical deflection data in advance. This allows the system to pre-compensate for vertical deflection effects, maintaining high measurement precision without adding complex real-time calculation hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary element - the position determination device and vertical deflection data - that mediates between the simple tilt detector and the reference coordinate system. By using position data as an intermediary, the system can access pre-calculated vertical deflection values that bridge the gap between local gravity measurements and reference frame alignment, solving the precision problem without complicating the core sensing mechanism.
2Productivity
If vertical deflection data is stored locally, then the productivity is improved by avoiding external data requests, but the device complexity increases due to storing means
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by storing only the essential vertical deflection data locally rather than complete gravitational field models. This selective storage approach improves productivity by having critical data immediately available, while keeping the storing means relatively simple by only retaining necessary correction values rather than comprehensive geological data.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical deflection data is prepared and stored in advance at relevant positions, allowing the system to quickly retrieve and apply corrections without real-time external data requests. This preliminary preparation of data improves productivity while maintaining simple device architecture, as the data storage requirement is minimal compared to real-time data transmission infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the position determination precision is increased, then the reliability of vertical deflection data selection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by implementing position determination at a precision level that is sufficient for reliable vertical deflection data selection, rather than maximizing precision. This approach achieves adequate reliability for the intended application while avoiding the excessive device complexity and cost that would result from ultra-precise positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adjusts the position determination precision parameter to an optimal level that balances reliability with device simplicity. By changing this parameter from maximum possible precision to sufficient precision, the system achieves reliable vertical deflection data selection without requiring complex and expensive high-precision positioning hardware.
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 enables precise determination of spatial coordinates and leveling of devices relative to a reference plane, reducing measurement errors and allowing for operation by untrained users, even in areas with insufficient data, by automatically selecting and calculating reference vector data.
Implementation Method 1
tilt detectors for allowing an alignment with or an orientation relative to the direction of gravity
Implementation Method 2
a GNSS receiver, such as for instance the Leica Viva® GNSS GS 12 receiver
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an inclination sensor for determining an inclination of an object with respect to a reference vector (75) of a reference coordinate system, comprising a tilt detector (18, 28) for determining gravity vector data of a local gravity vector (65), characterized by a position determination device (19, 29) for determining a position of the tilt detector (18, 28) and generating position data corresponding to the position of the tilt detector (18, 28), and a calculation unit (17, 27) comprising means for providing, based on the position data, position-related vertical deflection data, the vertical deflection data comprising information about a relation between the local gravity vector (65) and the reference vector (75), and calculation means (172) for calculating reference vector data based on the vertical deflection data and on the gravity vector data, wherein an inclination of the object with respect to the reference vector (75) is derivable from the reference vector data, to a surveying system comprising such an inclination sensor and to a method for determining the inclination of the object with respect to the reference vector (75).