Camera-Guided Scanning Surveying for Real-Time Measurement Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning surveying systems generate vast amounts of data that require off-line processing, leading to potential inaccuracies and the need for repeated scans if issues are discovered post-processing, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a camera on the alidade to record images, allowing real-time control of the scanning system's motors based on these images, and a user interface for selecting targets within the images to direct measuring light accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If off-line processing is used for analyzing scan data, then data processing capability is improved, but time loss and repeated excursions increase
Solution Approach 1:
A portable computing device serves as an intermediary between the scanning surveying system and the powerful offline computer. The portable device performs preliminary processing and quality checks in the field, enabling immediate detection of data issues without waiting for offline processing. This intermediary approach allows the surveying engineer to verify data quality on-site and make corrections during the same excursion, eliminating repeated trips while maintaining the benefits of both field and offline processing capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If high frequency distance measurements are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but quantity of data increases requiring more processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs distance measurements at very high frequency (more than one million measurements per second) to ensure complete coverage and high accuracy of the point cloud. This excessive action generates more data than strictly necessary, but the portable computing device efficiently processes and filters this data in the field, extracting only the essential information needed for quality verification while leaving detailed processing for offline analysis.
3Productivity
If scan is completed quickly to maintain productivity, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computing device provides immediate feedback on data quality during the scan by performing real-time quality checks and analysis. This feedback mechanism allows the surveying engineer to verify that the rapid scan is achieving the required accuracy levels, making adjustments if necessary, and confirming completion without repeated excursions. The feedback loop ensures that productivity gains from fast scanning do not compromise measurement precision.
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 real-time data analysis and improved accuracy by allowing on-site correction of measurement directions, reducing the need for repeat scans and enhancing the system's usability.
Implementation Method 1
the optical distance measuring unit directs the generated beam of measuring light onto the rotating mirror from which the beam is reflected to objects surrounding the scanning surveying system depending on the rotational position of the rotating mirror
Implementation Method 2
The optical distance measuring unit may then determine the distance of the object from the optical distance measuring unit based on, for example, a time-of-flight analysis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A scanning surveying system comprises a base 5, an alidade 3 mounted on the base, a first motor 6 to rotate the alidade about a first axis 9, a rotating mirror 21 rotatable about a second axis 16, a second motor 23 to rotate the mirror. An optical distance measuring unit 11 is configured to direct measuring light onto the rotating mirror such that it is reflected towards objects and to receive measuring light back from these objects via the rotating mirror. The system further comprises a camera 81 and a controller for controlling the first motor based on the images recorded by the camera such that the measuring light is reflected from the rotating mirror in a direction corresponding to a selected location within the image.