Surveying Device Tilt Sensor Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surveying techniques face inaccuracies due to manual errors in placing and orienting survey poles, especially with satellite-based methods, where compasses and spirit levels are not sufficiently accurate and prone to damage, leading to unreliable position measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize multiple Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning measurements and tilt measurements to determine the accuracy of position results, applying weighting factors or rejecting measurements based on tilt levels, without requiring precise azimuth or direction of tilt, using a combination of hardware and software components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spirit level devices or bullseye bubbles are used to check verticality, then visual feedback is provided to the surveyor, but the devices are susceptible to damage and surveyors cannot maintain vigilance throughout multiple measurement points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spirit level or bullseye bubble system with an electronic tilt sensor that provides digital tilt measurements. This substitution eliminates the fragility of glass-based mechanical level devices and enables continuous monitoring without requiring surveyor vigilance, as the electronic sensor automatically records tilt data at each measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt sensor system performs self-monitoring and automatic data recording of pole orientation. The device serves itself by continuously measuring tilt conditions and storing the data, eliminating the need for constant surveyor attention and manual checking at each of the dozens or hundreds of measurement points.
2Measurement precision
If two prisms are placed along the range pole to determine vector towards ground point, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires the pole to be held immobile for an appreciable period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verticality measurement function from the complex two-prism theodolite system and implements it through a simple tilt sensor attached to the pole. This extraction maintains the ability to determine accurate ground point positions while eliminating the need for holding the pole immobile and the cumbersome two-prism setup procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical angle measurement requiring precise theodolite alignment to electronic tilt sensing that provides continuous verticality data. This parameter change enables faster measurements without sacrificing the ability to calculate accurate ground point positions from the tilt data.
3Measurement precision
If compass readings are used to determine azimuth and position, then azimuth information is provided, but the readings are often deflected by local machinery and vehicles on construction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tilt sensor data as an intermediary measurement that does not rely on magnetic field sensing. Instead of using compass readings that are susceptible to magnetic interference from machinery and vehicles, the system uses tilt measurements combined with pole length to calculate ground point position, thereby eliminating magnetic deflection problems.
4Ease of operation
If manual placement and orientation of survey poles is performed, then surveying operations can be conducted, but manual mistakes are the most common source of error in satellite based surveying techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback through the tilt sensor that continuously monitors pole orientation and records tilt measurements. This feedback mechanism automatically detects and records deviations from verticality, providing objective data that eliminates manual mistakes in assessing pole orientation and enables accurate calculation of ground point positions.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of position measurements by filtering out tilted measurements, reducing manual errors and improving reliability in surveying processes, applicable to various satellite and land-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple tilt measurements that indicate a degree of tilt of the surveying device are obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A surveying apparatus includes an antenna to receive a positioning signal. The surveying apparatus further includes a tilt sensor to obtain a tilt measurement that indicates a degree of tilt of the survey apparatus. The surveying apparatus further includes a processor to obtain a positioning measurement from the positioning signal, and to determine a degree of accuracy of the positioning measurement based on the tilt measurement.