Laser Scanner Electronic Level Integration Vignetting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a laser scanner with an electronic level results in a reduction of the effective irradiation range due to 'vignetting' caused by the housing of the electronic level interfering with the scan range.

Innovation Solution

A laser scanner configuration where the scanner unit is integrated with an electronic level unit, with the rotation axis of the turning mirror parallel to the collimation optical axis of the telescope, allowing the scanner unit to be arranged on top of the electronic level unit without reducing the effective irradiation range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the scanner unit is arranged on top of the electronic level unit with the rotation axis orthogonal to the collimation direction (conventional total station configuration), then the coordinate value and direction angle measurement function is improved, but the effective irradiation range is reduced due to vignetting caused by the electronic level housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinate value and direction angle measurementVSAvoideffective irradiation range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional orthogonal arrangement by making the rotation axis of the turning mirror parallel to the collimation optical axis of the telescope instead of orthogonal. This inversion allows the scanner to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the telescope's line of sight, eliminating the housing interference problem while maintaining measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional relationship between the scanner rotation plane and the telescope collimation axis. By making them parallel rather than orthogonal, the scan plane is oriented perpendicular to the collimation direction, effectively moving the scanning action to a different spatial dimension that avoids interference with the telescope housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the scanner unit is arranged on top of the electronic level unit, then the integration of laser scanner and electronic level is achieved, but the housing of the electronic level interferes with the scan range causing vignetting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of laser scanner and electronic levelVSAvoidvignetting caused by housing interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the optical paths by separating the distance measuring light path from the collimation light path. The distance measuring light is directed vertically downward through a dedicated opening, while the collimation light travels horizontally through the telescope, eliminating interference between the two functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration ensures a large effective irradiation range and reduces the ineffective range, allowing for accurate acquisition of point cloud data without the interference of the electronic level housing.

Implementation Method 1

a turning mirror configured to rotate and irradiate the distance-measuring light in a vertical direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

perform distance measurement by emitting distance-measuring light and receiving reflected light from a measurement target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

perform distance measurement by emitting distance-measuring light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3812702B1Laser scanner

Publication Date: 2025.06.11 TOPCON CORPORATION

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AI summary

Provided is a laser scanner combined with an electronic level without a reduction in effective irradiation range. A laser scanner S includes an electronic level unit 8 including a telescope and a level housing 20, being configured to acquire an image of an leveling staff LS collimated with the telescope and to measure a height of and a distance to the leveling staff, a distance measuring unit 36 for performing distance measurement by emitting distance-measuring light and receiving reflected light from a measurement target, a turning mirror 35 for rotating and irradiating the distance-measuring light in a vertical direction, a vertical rotation driving unit 33 for rotating and driving the turning mirror 35, and a horizontal rotation driving unit 15 for integrally rotating and driving the electronic level unit 8 and the scanner unit 9 in a horizontal direction. The scanner unit 9 configured to acquire an instrument height by irradiating a ground surface with the distance-measuring light while acquiring point cloud data by scanning the distance-measuring light in a measurement range. The turning mirror 35 has a rotation axis arranged parallel to a collimation optical axis A of the telescope.