Single-Axis Tracker Layout for Low-Complexity Total Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic total stations (RTS) are complex, costly, and require additional skill to operate, while conventional mechanical total stations (MTS) lack automation features, necessitating two operators.
Innovation Solution
A geodetic apparatus with two independent single-axis trackers, one horizontally and one vertically offset from the optical aiming axis, determines corrective rotations to align the telescope with the target, reducing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for reflective optical elements and using rotary actuators for manual or automatic alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic total station (RTS) systems are used to provide automation and remote control, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking function into two independent single-axis trackers instead of one dual-axis tracker. Each tracker handles only one axis (horizontal or vertical), simplifying the design of each individual component while collectively achieving full two-axis tracking capability. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each tracker unit and eliminates the need for complex reflective optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the reflective optical elements (such as beam splitters and mirrors) from the optical path that are typically required in conventional RTS systems. By using offset emitters and sensors that directly detect reflected light from the target prism, the system eliminates these additional optical components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining automated tracking functionality.
2Ease of operation
If robotic total station (RTS) systems are used to provide automation and remote control, then ease of operation is improved, but skill requirements and measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The offset emitter-sensor configuration enables the system to automatically track and compensate for target position deviations without requiring operator intervention. The emitters send light to the target and the offset sensors automatically detect reflections and compute positional corrections, allowing the system to self-correct measurement errors while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If conventional mechanical total station (MTS) systems are used to reduce complexity and cost, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic automation through electronically controlled single-axis trackers that can automatically adjust the telescope's horizontal and vertical positioning. This dynamic capability transforms the static mechanical system into an automated system that can track moving targets and compensate for positioning errors without requiring a second operator, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relative simplicity.
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
This design allows for cost-effective, single-operator operation of total stations with reduced complexity, providing accurate alignment and measurement capabilities similar to RTS without the additional drawbacks of RTS.
Implementation Method 1
a first emitter horizontally offset from the lens center and configured to emit first light toward the target; a first sensor horizontally offset from the lens center and configured to receive the first light reflected off the target
Data Source
AI summary
A total station includes a telescope and a tracking system for aligning an axis of the total station with a target. The tracking system includes a first emitter that emits first light toward the target and a first sensor that receives the first light reflected off the target. The first emitter and first sensor are horizontally offset from a lens center of the telescope. The tracking system also includes a second emitter that emits second light toward the target and a second sensor that receives the second light reflected off the target. The second emitter and second sensor are vertically offset from a lens center of the telescope. Corrective rotations are computed based on the received first light and the received second light.