Automatic Plumb Point Finding in Building Surveying Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building surveying devices are complex and costly, making it difficult for non-trained operators to perform plumb point determination and measurement, especially in high spaces or when direct optical links are blocked, requiring sophisticated systems like total stations or theodolites.
Innovation Solution
A building surveying device with a base and upper part that can rotate, equipped with a sighting unit having a laser source and detector, goniometers for angle determination, and an evaluation and control unit that enables automatic plumb point finding by aligning the sighting unit to mark spatial points on a vertical plumb line using inclination sensors and image processing for obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surveying devices (total stations, theodolites) are used for plumb point determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical surveying systems (total stations, theodolites) with a simplified device using laser beams for measurement and a camera for visual acquisition. The laser distance measuring device emits laser beams to determine distances, while the camera captures images of spatial points, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment and measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of spatial points, creating a visual copy of the physical environment. This allows plumb point determination through image processing rather than direct complex mechanical measurement, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional surveying devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automatic plumb point determination through image processing and automated coordinate calculation. The system self-corrects for camera inclination angles and automatically calculates plumb point coordinates without requiring manual intervention or specialized surveying knowledge from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with automated digital processes. The laser distance measuring device automatically measures distances, the camera captures images, and the control unit processes data to determine plumb points, eliminating the need for trained surveying operators.
3Device complexity
If plumb bob is used for plumb point determination, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates in high spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical plumb bob with a laser-based measurement system and camera. The laser distance measuring device emits laser beams to measure distances to spatial points, and the camera captures images, eliminating the need for physical plumb bobs that require manual handling and are difficult to use in high spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates a visual record of spatial points and plumb points, allowing determination of vertical alignments through image analysis rather than physical plumb bob observation. This digital copying approach works effectively in high spaces where physical plumb bobs are difficult to reach and observe.
4Device complexity
If simple laser distance measuring devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a laser distance measuring device with a camera and control unit into an integrated system. The laser component provides distance measurements while the camera captures spatial point coordinates and images, and the control unit processes both data streams together to calculate plumb point coordinates, achieving high precision through combined functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates precise visual copies of spatial points with recorded coordinates, allowing the system to determine plumb points through image processing and coordinate analysis. This digital copying and analysis capability enhances measurement precision beyond what a simple laser device could achieve alone.
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 simple and accurate plumb point determination and marking in interior finishing without requiring specialized training, allowing users to operate a user-friendly device that can handle complex measurements and blockages, reducing the need for expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a sighting unit (13) supported on the upper part (12) such that it can pivot about a pivoting axis and equipped with a laser source (14) designed for emitting a laser beam (14)
Implementation Method 2
with the aid of portions of the laser beam (14) which are reflected at the object surface (3) and are received by the laser light detector, the distance from that spatial point of the object surface (3) which is sighted by means of the laser beam (14) can be determined
Implementation Method 3
The spatial alignment of the sighting unit (13) in relation to the base (11) can be acquired via two goniometers
Implementation Method 4
The evaluation and control unit is connected to the laser source, the laser light detector and the goniometers in order to assign an acquired distance to a corresponding alignment and thus to determine coordinates for spatial points
Data Source
AI summary
A building surveying device comprising a base, an upper part supported on the base such that it can rotate about a rotation axis, a sighting unit with a laser source designed for emitting a laser beam, and a laser light detector and an evaluation and control unit. The building surveying device has a plumb point finding functionality which, after being triggered, runs automatically, at least in part, and in the course of which the alignment of the sighting unit is changed under automatic control by the evaluation and control unit with the aid of the first and/or the second rotary drive and as a function of a known, defined first spatial point in such a way that precisely one such second spatial point lying on an object surface is approached and marked by the laser beam, which lies on a vertical plumb line containing the first spatial point.