Scanning Surveying System Automatic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scanning surveying systems require manual reconfiguration for each scanning operation, are not functional during transport, and have limitations in data collection and setup time, especially when moving between locations.

Innovation Solution

A scanning surveying system with a base, rotatable alidade, rotating optical element, optical distance measuring unit, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) that automatically switches between stationary and mobile scanning operations based on motion detection, allowing continuous data collection and reduced setup time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the scanning surveying system is moved to another location, then the application range is expanded, but manual reconfiguration is required increasing setup time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication rangeVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to automatically detect motion states and trigger appropriate scanning operations without manual intervention. The controller automatically switches between stationary and mobile scanning modes based on IMU data, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when moving between locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The IMU provides continuous feedback about the system's motion state to the controller, which automatically adjusts the scanning operation mode accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different operational conditions (stationary vs. mobile) without user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the system performs stationary scanning operations, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but data collection efficiency is reduced during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddata collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its scanning operation mode based on real-time motion detection. When the IMU detects mobile conditions during transport, the controller automatically executes mobile scanning operations that continue data collection without requiring the system to be stationary, thus maintaining productivity during transit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning surveying system is designed to perform both stationary scanning operations (for high-accuracy measurements) and mobile scanning operations (for efficient data collection during transport). This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain measurement capabilities across different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual configuration is required for each scanning operation, then operational control is precise, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational controlVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects motion states via the IMU and triggers the appropriate scanning operation mode without requiring manual configuration. The controller autonomously manages the transition between stationary and mobile scanning modes, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining operational precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for scanning operations in advance by continuously monitoring IMU data to detect motion states. When motion is detected, the controller pre-configures the appropriate scanning mode, eliminating delays associated with manual reconfiguration during field operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 broader application range by automating scanning operations, increasing data collection efficiency, and reducing setup time through automatic transition between stationary and mobile scanning modes.

Implementation Method 1

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.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime-of-flight analysis: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

The sensor (e.g., IMU) can detect movement of the scanning surveying system using gyroscopes and accelerometers.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope detection: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

The sensor (e.g., IMU) can detect movement of the scanning surveying system using gyroscopes and accelerometers.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 4

The object reflects or scatters some of the incident measuring light such that the optical distance measuring unit receives measuring light back from the object.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4345414A1Stationary and mobile scanning operations
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 TRIMBLE INC
  • EP4345414A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4345414A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4345414A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A scanning surveying system includes a base, an alidade mounted on the base an rotatable relative to the base about a first axis, a first motor that can rotate the alidade relative to the base, a rotating optical element coupled to the alidade and rotatable relative to the alidade about a second axis, a second motor that can rotate the rotating optical element relative to the base, an optical distance measuring unit, a sensor that can detect a motion of the scanning surveying system, and a controller. The controller can control the optical distance measuring unit (i) to perform stationary scanning operations and (ii) to automatically execute mobile scanning operations in response to a detection of motion of the scanning surveying system by the sensor. The controller can also register point cloud data from the stationary scanning operations and/or the mobile scanning operations.