Laser Scanner Attitude Determination via Sunlight Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the attitude of a laser scanning apparatus, such as using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) or a highly accurate compass, are expensive and require additional dedicated devices with complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the incident direction of sunlight using the detected waveform of incident light and astronomical data to calculate the attitude of the laser scanning apparatus in an absolute coordinate system, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated devices and complex operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an IMU or highly accurate compass is used to determine the attitude of the laser scanning apparatus, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sunlight as an intermediary natural reference to determine the laser scanning apparatus's attitude. By detecting the incident direction of sunlight and comparing it with the Sun's position from astronomical data, the system calculates the apparatus's attitude without requiring complex dedicated devices like IMU or compass, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The laser scanning apparatus uses its own light receiving unit to detect sunlight, and its own processor to calculate the attitude. The system serves itself by utilizing naturally available sunlight and astronomical data rather than requiring external dedicated attitude determination devices, reducing both complexity and cost while maintaining precision
2Measurement precision
If an IMU or highly accurate compass is used to determine the attitude of the laser scanning apparatus, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects sunlight incident direction using its built-in light receiving unit and automatically calculates the attitude using the processor. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to perform additional accurate operations with dedicated devices, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining high measurement precision through automatic processing
3Reliability
If an IMU or highly accurate compass is used to determine the attitude of the laser scanning apparatus, then the reliability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sunlight as a free, naturally available intermediary reference that eliminates the need for expensive dedicated attitude determination devices. By using the light receiving unit (which is already part of the laser scanning apparatus) to detect sunlight and comparing it with astronomical data, the system achieves reliable attitude determination without additional hardware costs, resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost
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
Enables easy and accurate determination of the attitude of the laser scanning apparatus, reducing costs and operational complexity while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit configured to detect light that enters the laser scanning apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A technique that enables easily determining an attitude of a laser scanning apparatus is provided. A surveying device includes a sunlight incident direction measurement unit, a Sun direction acquisition unit, and an attitude calculator. The sunlight incident direction measurement unit measures an incident direction of sunlight that enters a laser scanning apparatus, based on a detected waveform of incident light entering the laser scanning apparatus. The Sun direction acquisition unit acquires a direction of the Sun as seen from the laser scanning apparatus, from astronomical data, based on a position of the laser scanning apparatus. The attitude calculator calculates an attitude of the laser scanning apparatus in an absolute coordinate system, based on the incident direction of sunlight and the direction of the Sun as seen from the laser scanning apparatus, which is acquired from the astronomical data.