Coordinate Measuring Machine Stationing Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining suitable positions for terrestrial opto-electronic coordinate measuring machines, such as laser scanners or total stations, are inefficient and require significant user effort, often resulting in incomplete measurements due to gaps and unnecessary repositioning within complex measurement environments.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically determines and optimizes successive measurement locations by continuously analyzing the measurement environment using optical detection and data from the device's movement, checking for suitable positions and providing real-time feedback to ensure comprehensive coverage without gaps, using techniques like profiling, panoramic imaging, and deep learning-based object recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user manually determines suitable positions for stationing in a measurement environment, then the device can be positioned for measurement, but the process requires significant user effort and time, and may result in incomplete measurements or unnecessary repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser effort for determining stationing positionsVSAvoidtime for determining stationing positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-analysis by automatically evaluating the measurement environment, calculating suitable stationing positions, and determining optimal measurement paths without requiring user intervention. The processor analyzes environmental data, identifies measurable areas, and generates a measurement plan autonomously, freeing the user from manual position determination tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to the user by displaying information about suitable stationing positions, measurement coverage, and progress through the measurement environment. This feedback mechanism guides the user to optimal positions and ensures complete measurement coverage, reducing both user effort and time required for the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple stationings are performed to survey complex measurement environments, then complete coverage is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and may include duplicate measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of measurement coverageVSAvoidtime for multiple stationings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the measurement environment before actual measurement begins. It calculates all suitable stationing positions in advance, determines the optimal sequence of stationings, and identifies the measurement path that ensures complete coverage with minimal repositioning. This preliminary planning eliminates duplicate measurements and reduces the total time required for surveying complex environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement environment is divided into discrete measurable areas, and the system identifies specific stationing positions that optimally cover these areas. By segmenting the environment and calculating the most efficient sequence of stationings, the system ensures complete coverage while minimizing the number of repositioning operations required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the device surveys the measurement environment from a single stationing, then the process is simple and quick, but incomplete areas or shaded regions cannot be captured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of measurement processVSAvoidcompleteness of measurement coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis to determine whether a single stationing can achieve complete measurement coverage. It evaluates the measurement environment, identifies shaded or inaccessible areas, and calculates the optimal stationing position that maximizes coverage. If complete coverage from a single position is not possible, the system automatically determines the minimum number of stationings required and provides guidance for efficient repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for efficient, gap-free measurement of complex environments by automatically identifying and guiding the device to optimal positions, reducing user effort and ensuring high-resolution data capture with minimal redundant measurements.

Implementation Method 1

the measurement environment is optically recorded during the stationing change

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3764057B1Method for determining the suitability of a position as measurement stationing
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 HEXAGON TECH CENT GMBH
  • EP3764057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3764057B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3764057B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for automatically checking the suitability of a position of a measuring-beam-based, terrestrial coordinate measuring machine (1), e.g., a laser scanner or a total station, as a surveying station, especially as a subsequent station. The suitability check is based on a comprehensive analysis (23, 23') of a measuring range (M, M'), an optically detected task area (O, O'), and an optically detected viewing area (V, V').