Surveying Device Automatic View Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying devices for construction and interior work require manual and time-consuming processes for switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations of spatial points, lacking automated sequential measurement and user-defined switching capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A surveying device with a base, a rotatable and pivotable targeting unit, a laser source, a laser detector, and an evaluation unit that allows automatic display changes by selecting a line, defining a virtual area, and showing a subset of spatial points within a buffer zone, enabling easy switching between top view, elevation view, and outline representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations is used, then the device can display spatial points, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit pre-calculates and stores multiple representation formats (top view, elevation view, outline representation) of the spatial point set before user request. When a user requests a view change, the pre-computed data is immediately displayed without requiring real-time calculation, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of the spatial point data in different representation formats (2D top view, 3D elevation view, outline representation). Instead of manually transforming data between formats, the evaluation unit maintains parallel copies of the same spatial information in various formats, allowing instant switching without time penalty.
2Loss of information
If all spatial points are displayed, then complete measurement data is shown, but clarity and readability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit segments the complete set of spatial points into multiple subsets based on spatial criteria (e.g., points within a certain distance range, points belonging to specific structural elements). Each subset is displayed separately in the selected representation format, allowing users to focus on relevant portions while maintaining access to the complete dataset through additional selection options.
Solution Approach 2:
Different display regions or layers are assigned different levels of detail and filtering criteria. The evaluation unit applies local quality control by displaying high-detail information for selected regions of interest while showing summarized or filtered information for other areas, thus maintaining both completeness and clarity simultaneously.
3Productivity
If automated sequential measurement is implemented, then measurement speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit serves multiple functions: it processes manual measurement data, performs automated sequential measurement coordination, manages multiple representation formats, and handles display optimization. By making the evaluation unit universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated systems for each function, thus increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient visualization of measurement geometry by automatically selecting and displaying relevant spatial points within a buffer zone, reducing user input and improving clarity in display representations, suitable for quick and easy use by non-experts.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source (14) designed to emit a laser beam (14) in the direction of a target axis
Implementation Method 2
a laser light detector (15)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring appliance (10) in which inputted or measured spatial points (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) that form a quantity of spatial points can be stored, and a horizontal projection representation or spatial representation of at least some spatial points (1, 2, 3, 4) from the quantity of spatial points can be displayed, said points being at least partially connected by lines. According to the invention, the measuring appliance (10) has a representation-changing functionality in the framework of which, according to a line selected on the user side from the lines displayed in a horizontal projection representation (A) or a spatial representation, in an automatically controlled manner by means of the evaluation and control unit: a virtual surface is defined by the selected line and a direction provided as the vertical; a subset of spatial points (1, 2, 5, 6) is selected from the quantity of spatial points, lying inside a buffer zone surrounding the virtual surface in a defined manner; and a vertical projection representation (B) of exclusively such spatial points (1, 2, 5, 6) pertaining to the subset is displayed on the display.