Surface Measurement System Using Reference Point Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for obtaining detailed surface data, including absolute positional data, are time-consuming and prone to errors, often resulting in incomplete data records due to human recording errors and labor-intensive processes.

Innovation Solution

A surface measurement system comprising sensors, a reference point, and a position measurement station with pre-determined real-world coordinates, which calculates absolute positions using measured distances and relative position differences, enabling efficient and accurate data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to obtain surface data, then data can be collected, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection speedVSAvoidtime required for data gathering

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated system that uses sensors, processors, and computational algorithms to automatically calculate absolute positions of surface points, eliminating the need for manual recording and significantly reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration and automatic position calculation without requiring manual intervention. The processor automatically computes absolute positions by combining measured distances with pre-determined relative position differences and reference point coordinates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual methods are used to obtain surface data, then data can be collected, but human recording errors occur reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidrecording errors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates human recording errors by replacing manual data collection with automated electronic sensors and computational processing. The system automatically measures distances and calculates positions through programmed algorithms, ensuring consistent and accurate data recording without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses reference points with pre-determined coordinates to provide feedback for calibration and verification. The processor continuously references the known positions of reference points to verify and correct measurements, ensuring high reliability of the collected data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If manual methods are used to obtain surface data, then data can be collected, but comprehensive data coverage is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata coverageVSAvoiddata collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous automated data collection across the entire surface area. The system can continuously measure and calculate positions of points as the measurement apparatus moves across the surface, achieving comprehensive coverage without interruption or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional manual point-by-point measurement to three-dimensional spatial coverage by incorporating vertical positioning components. This allows comprehensive coverage of the surface including elevation data, expanding the quantity of measurable information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system provides detailed, reliable, and comprehensive surface data quickly, reducing labor and error, and ensuring comprehensive data coverage without the need for manual methods.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor for measuring a distance between the at least one sensor and a point on a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS8855967B1Surface data measurement system and method

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 GOMACO

AI summary

A surface measurement apparatus having at least one sensor and a reference point with pre-determined relative position relative to the sensor measures a distance between the sensor and a point on a surface over which the surface measurement apparatus is configured to travel. A receiver receives data related to a position of the reference point a calculated distance between the reference point and a position measurement station; and a processor calculates an absolute position of the point on the surface based on (a) the measured distance between the at least one sensor and the point, (b) the pre-determined relative position difference between the reference point and the at least one sensor, and (c) the position of the reference point or the calculated distance between the position measurement station and the reference point.