Retroreflective Layer Shape for Surveying Target Light Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying methods face challenges in accurately measuring the position of a measuring point when the target device is not erected vertically, particularly due to obstacles or non-vertical surfaces, and struggle to obtain sufficient reflected light from the end portions of cylindrical or spherical targets.
Innovation Solution
A target device with a retroreflective layer formed into an uneven shape around its circumference, where the distance from the axis changes, ensuring incident angles of measuring light are within a range of 45 to 60 degrees, allowing for sufficient reflected light collection from end portions, and a measuring system that includes this target device to enable direct measurement of the measuring point even when the target is not vertically aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a sheet material with retroreflective elements is stuck to a cylindrical or spherical target, then a sufficient amount of reflected light is obtained from the target surface, but the reflected light cannot be obtained at the end portion of the target when the incident angle exceeds a predetermined angle
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective layer is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different shapes and orientations. Each region is segmented to handle light incident from different directions, ensuring that at least one region can reflect light back to the measuring device regardless of the incident angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflective layer uses asymmetric shapes (triangular pyramids, quadrangular pyramids) with different orientations in different regions. The first and second regions have retroreflective elements oriented in opposite directions, creating asymmetry that allows light reflection from multiple incident angles, particularly solving the end-portion measurement problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target is not erected vertically due to obstacles or location constraints, then the measuring point cannot be measured directly, but using a target with shape features allows direct measurement even when not vertically aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from relying on vertical alignment (one-dimensional constraint) to using three-dimensional shape features of the retroreflective layer. The multiple regions with different orientations create a multi-dimensional light reflection capability, allowing measurement from various angles and eliminating the need for strict vertical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflective layer's geometric parameters (shape, orientation, distribution) are changed across different regions to adapt to varying light incident angles. By modifying the orientation and shape parameters of retroreflective elements in different regions, the system maintains measurement capability under different target orientations and positions.
3Ease of operation
If the pole is placed at a position displaced from the measuring point, then the pole can be positioned despite obstacles, but the position must be measured indirectly which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The target device itself provides all necessary measurement information through its unique three-dimensional shape features. The retroreflective layer's specific geometric configuration allows the measuring device to directly determine the measuring point position without requiring additional displacement measurements or indirect calculation methods, making the system self-sufficient.
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 target device ensures sufficient reflected light is obtained from its end portions, enabling accurate direct measurement of the measuring point, even when not vertically aligned, by adjusting the retroreflective layer's shape to reduce incident angles and enhance light reflection.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflective layer in which a plurality of retroreflective elements are arranged on an entire circumference in a circumferential direction about the axis is formed on at least part of an outer peripheral surface of the measurement section
Data Source
AI summary
A target device, which allows a sufficient amount of reflected light to be obtained from an end portion, is provided and includes a measurement section. In the target device, a retroreflective layer in which a plurality of retroreflective elements are arranged on the entire circumference in a circumferential direction about an axis is formed on at least part of the outer peripheral surface of the measurement section. The retroreflective layer is formed into an uneven shape in which a distance from the axis changes along the entire circumference in the circumferential direction.