POME Target Positioning via Bundle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction layout process is lengthy, tedious, and expensive due to the need for significant labor and potential errors in measuring and marking predetermined locations, even with the use of robotic total stations.
Innovation Solution
A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) system that includes a rotatable housing with an electronic distance measuring unit and cameras, allowing for the acquisition of images and measurement of target distances to calculate target locations more efficiently and cost-effectively, using techniques like bundle adjustment to determine precise target positions without external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If robotic total stations are used to determine target locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photographic images as copies of the target scene, extracting geometric information from 2D image data. Instead of using complex total station equipment, the system captures multiple images from different positions and uses photogrammetric algorithms to reconstruct 3D target locations, replacing expensive measurement equipment with standard cameras and computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical measurement system of total stations with a digital imaging and computational system. Instead of using laser ranging and mechanical angle measurement, the system uses multiple camera images processed through bundle adjustment algorithms to determine target positions, substituting mechanical measurement with digital image processing
2Productivity
If traditional manual layout processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary photogrammetric calibration to establish accurate 3D coordinates of targets before construction activities begin. By pre-determining all target locations using the multi-position imaging system, the actual construction layout process can proceed quickly without repeated measurements, saving significant time during the construction phase
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service layout by providing automated target location determination from images. The bundle adjustment algorithm automatically processes multiple images to compute precise 3D coordinates without requiring manual intervention or complex equipment operation, allowing construction teams to independently complete layout tasks
3Measurement precision
If multiple positions are used for image acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by using overlapping fields of view from multiple positions. Each new image position contributes additional geometric constraints to the bundle adjustment problem, continuously improving measurement precision without requiring complete re-measurement of all targets, thereby reducing total data collection time
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 POME system simplifies and speeds up the target location determination process, reducing labor costs and errors, and allows for precise positioning of power tools and non-power tools in construction sites, enabling faster and more accurate building layout.
Implementation Method 1
By measuring the time of travel of the beam from the total station to the retro-reflective target and then back to the total station, the distance to the target can be determined
Implementation Method 2
The total station in such a system, at a fixed, known position, directs a beam of laser light at a retro-reflective target
Data Source
AI summary
A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) is a mobile camera system that can be used for accurate indoor measurement (e.g., at a construction site). The POME uses a plurality of cameras to acquire images of a plurality of targets. If locations of the plurality of targets are precisely known, images of the targets can be used to determine a position of the POME in relation to the plurality of targets. However, to precisely determine locations of the plurality of targets can be time consuming and/or use expensive equipment. This disclosure discusses how to use a camera system with an electronic distance measuring unit to determine locations of the plurality of targets.