Sighting Device Retroreflector for Electro-Optical Surveying Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical measuring devices face challenges in accurately measuring edges, corners, and surfaces due to difficulties in aligning the measuring beam, especially when the target is not directly visible or is at an angle, leading to measurement errors and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A sighting device with a carrier plate and target plate that provides a defined docking point and sighting mark, allowing for precise measurement of surface points by substituting a natural target, which can be easily aligned and measured, even in difficult access situations, using predefined offset values to correct measurement data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a laser beam is used to measure distances to natural target objects, then measurement speed and range are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to beam divergence and averaging errors over surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retroreflector as an intermediary target object that replaces natural surfaces. The retroreflector receives the laser beam and reflects it back to the measuring device, providing a precise point reflection rather than area averaging. This mediator enables both fast laser measurement and high precision by concentrating the measurement on a defined point.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflector creates an optical copy or substitute for the actual target point. Instead of measuring the natural surface directly with its area-averaging effect, the system measures the retroreflector which replicates the target location as a precise point, eliminating beam divergence errors while maintaining measurement speed.
2Ease of manufacture
If the measuring beam is directed at edges or corners at flat angles, then the target becomes visible, but alignment precision deteriorates because the beam center is difficult to see and align manually
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector is designed with high visual contrast and reflective properties that make it easily visible against various backgrounds. Its distinctive appearance and brightness enable operators to quickly identify and align with the target point, solving the visibility problem while maintaining precise alignment capability.
3Length of stationary object
If the laser beam is projected over an area to measure distances, then measurement range is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to averaging effects that include rays hitting edges, corners, or surfaces at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector serves as a mediator that converts area-based laser measurement into point-based measurement. By placing the retroreflector at the specific location of interest, the system measures a defined point rather than averaging over an area, eliminating errors from rays hitting different surfaces while maintaining the ability to measure long distances.
4Adaptability or versatility
If natural target objects are used for measurement, then adaptability to various measurement scenarios is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficult alignment and sighting errors
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector acts as a universal intermediary that can be placed on any natural target object or surface. It provides a standardized, easily visible, and precisely measurable point that works across all measurement scenarios, eliminating alignment difficulties while maintaining versatility in measuring different types of targets.
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 easier and more precise measurement of edges, corners, and surfaces, reducing measurement errors by providing a natural substitute target with similar reflection properties, allowing for accurate 3D coordinate determination despite adverse measurement conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one retroreflector which is designed to reflect the measuring beam back to the electro-optical measuring device
Implementation Method 2
optical beams modulated by an optical system are emitted as transmission beams or measuring light beams against the target object to be measured
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a targeting device (1) for providing a natural-shaped substitute target for single-point measurement of surface points with an electro-optical surveying instrument. The targeting device comprises: • a carrier plate (2) with at least one insertion slot and • a target plate (3), wherein the target plate (3) can be inserted into the insertion slot (11) of the carrier plate (2). The target plate further comprises: • at least one defined contact point for being placed against the surface point to be measured and • at least one targeting mark (8a, 8c).According to the invention, the at least one target marking (8a, 8c) is in such a spatially predefined correlation with the at least one defined attachment point (illustrated on the target board by the center marking (9c)) with respect to its position on the target plate (3) that, in the inserted and applied state of the targeting device (1), such a spatial point – embodied by the target marking (8a, 8c) – can be measured which describes the true position of the surface point with a predefined offset that can be at least partially automatically included in the measurement by the measuring device.