Surveying Camera Backup Tracking for Automatic Target Re-Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying devices face challenges in maintaining accurate and continuous tracking of moving targets due to abrupt movements and interruptions, particularly when using position-sensitive detectors with narrow fields of view, which can lead to loss of coupling and require inefficient re-locking procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera with a wide field of view and fixed relative orientation to the tracking axis, combined with image processing and machine learning algorithms, to learn and store the visual appearance of the target carrier, enabling a backup tracking mode that ensures continuous tracking even during interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position-sensitive detector with a narrow field of view is used for tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loss of coupling during abrupt movements
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking function is segmented into two independent subsystems: a narrow field-of-view position-sensitive detector for high-precision tracking when locked, and a wide field-of-view camera for detection and re-locking. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary system that detects the target carrier when the PSD loses lock, provides re-locking information, and transitions the system from a locked state to an unlocked state. This intermediary enables seamless handover between detection and precision tracking.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow field-of-view detector is used for accurate tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to required re-locking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the narrow field-of-view PSD and wide field-of-view camera into a unified tracking system with automated state management. The controller integrates inputs from both sensors, automatically determines locked/unlocked states, and switches between tracking modes without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated detection of locked/unlocked states and automatic switching between tracking modes. The controller continuously monitors PSD and camera inputs, determines the operational state, and executes appropriate tracking procedures without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If a wide field-of-view camera is used for backup tracking, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lower resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two tracking modes based on operational state: using the camera's wide field of view for detection and re-locking when unlocked, and switching to the PSD's narrow field of view for high-precision continuous tracking when locked. This dynamic adaptation optimizes performance for each operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of both PSD and camera inputs to determine locked/unlocked states, with the controller continuously evaluating sensor data and switching between tracking procedures at appropriate intervals to maintain optimal performance.
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 solution provides a robust and efficient tracking mechanism that maintains lock onto moving targets by leveraging image processing and machine learning to automatically adapt and re-lock the tracking beam, enhancing accuracy and reducing unscheduled interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the distance to the target carrier can be determined by the time-of-flight (ToF), the shape, and/or the phase of the pulse
Implementation Method 2
a retroreflecting unit such as a cubic prism, wherein the laser beam is reflected back, e.g. in parallel, to the measuring device
Implementation Method 3
an area sensor which functions in an analog manner with respect to position, with the aid of which a centroid of a light distribution on the sensor surface can be determined
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention generally relates to an industrial or geodetic surveying device (1) having a tracking unit configured to receive over a tracking channel a tracking signal which is used to track a cooperative target (13). According to the invention, the surveying device (1) comprises a camera (11) to generate image data, wherein based on the additional knowledge about the position of the cooperative target in an image generated in the locked state, the visual appearance of the target carrier (14, 26) is learned and the result is stored in the form of a detector for use in a backup tracking mode.