Retroreflector Sensor Arrangement for Orientation Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geodetic surveying systems face challenges in accurately determining orientation, particularly in three rotational degrees of freedom, due to increased complexity and limited measurement range caused by additional components, and are prone to measurement errors from environmental conditions and mechanical inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A reflector arrangement with a retroreflector and sensor system that uses a code element and sensor to detect the incidence angle of electromagnetic radiation, allowing for accurate orientation determination by imaging a code pattern onto a sensor, which improves accuracy and reduces complexity by integrating the sensor and retroreflector in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components (separate ATR light source, ATR detector, inclination sensors) are added to determine orientation in three rotational degrees of freedom, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retroreflector and sensor into a single integrated measuring aid instrument. The sensor is positioned to detect radiation that has been reflected by the retroreflector, eliminating the need for separate ATR light sources, ATR detectors, and inclination sensors. This merging of components achieves orientation determination while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated measuring aid instrument performs multiple functions: it acts as both a retroreflector for distance measurement and as an orientation sensor. The same radiation that is reflected for position determination also provides information for orientation determination through the sensor, making the device multi-functional without requiring additional separate components.
2Measurement precision
If additional components are added for automatic target recognition and orientation sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retroreflector and sensor into a single integrated unit, reducing the quantity of components while maintaining measurement precision. The sensor detects radiation characteristics that provide orientation information, achieving precise orientation determination without requiring separate ATR detectors, light sources, or inclination sensors.
3Extent of automation
If separate ATR light source and ATR detector are added for automatic target recognition, then target detection capability is improved, but device complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surveying apparatus uses the same radiation emission and detection system for both distance measurement and automatic target recognition. The retroreflector provides the target signal for distance measurement, and the sensor detects radiation characteristics for orientation determination, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate ATR components.
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 solution enables reliable and accurate orientation determination in up to six degrees of freedom, enhancing measurement precision and robustness against environmental factors, while reducing the need for additional components and minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one retroreflector, which provides position determination for the reflector arrangement by means of parallel, in particular coaxial beam reflection
Implementation Method 2
having a sensor for recording radiation passing through the passage surface
Data Source
AI summary
A reflector arrangement having at least one retroreflector and at least one sensor arrangement arranged downstream of the retroreflector in relation to a beam incidence direction, having a sensor. The sensor arrangement comprises a code element—having a code pattern, and the retroreflector, the code element—and the sensor are arranged in such a way that the code element—is arranged between the retroreflector and the sensor and an angle-dependent position with respect to the optical axis of a projection of the code pattern onto the detection surface can be determined by means of the sensor.