Surveying Instrument Synchronization for Versatile Point Cloud Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying instruments require multiple devices for point measurement and shape determination, leading to high costs and lack of interchangeability due to different measurement methods used by total stations and laser scanners.
Innovation Solution
A surveying instrument with a two-dimensional scanner unit and a sighting distance measuring unit, synchronized by control signals, capable of acquiring two-dimensional and three-dimensional point cloud data using a pulsed distance measuring light and vertical angle detection, integrated with a horizontal rotating mechanism for interchangeable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surveying instruments (total station and laser scanner) are used for different measurement tasks, then measurement functionality is improved, but equipment cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a surveying instrument that can operate in multiple measurement modes (total station mode and laser scanner mode) using a single device. The control unit switches between different measurement functions, allowing the same hardware to perform both point-to-point measurement and point cloud data acquisition, thereby eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing overall equipment cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of a total station and a laser scanner into a single integrated instrument. The distance measuring unit, angle detectors, and control systems are merged into one device that can execute different measurement protocols based on operational mode, reducing the total number of instruments required and simplifying equipment management.
2Measurement precision
If separate total station and laser scanner are used for point measurement and shape determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surveying instrument is designed to maintain measurement precision across different functions. The same distance measuring unit and angle detectors are used in both total station mode and laser scanner mode, ensuring consistent measurement accuracy regardless of the operational mode. The control unit manages the switching between modes while preserving measurement quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different measurement methods are used by total station and laser scanner, then measurement versatility is improved, but interchangeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability where the control unit can transition between total station measurement mode and laser scanner measurement mode based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows a single instrument to provide diverse measurement methods while maintaining interchangeability and consistency in data output formats.
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 simplifies the surveying instrument structure, reduces costs by enabling a single device to perform both point measurement and shape acquisition, and enhances data synchronization for accurate three-dimensional data capture.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measuring unit which emits a pulsed distance measuring light and performs a distance measurement for each of the pulsed distance measuring light
Implementation Method 2
a vertical angle detector for detecting a vertical angle of the vertical rotation shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a surveying instrument, which comprises a horizontal rotating unit and a measuring unit installed on the horizontal rotating unit. The horizontal rotating unit comprises a driving unit for rotating the measuring unit, a horizontal angle detector for measuring horizontal angle data and a first synchronization data generating unit; the first synchronization data generating unit outputs first synchronization data which indicate a timing at a time of acquisition of the horizontal angle data of the horizontal angle detector. The measuring unit comprises a distance measuring unit for performing a distance measurement, a vertical angle detector for detecting a vertical angle at a time of distance measurement and a second synchronization data generating unit; the second synchronization data generating unit outputs second synchronization data which indicate timings of a time of acquisition of the distance measurement data and a time of acquisition of the vertical angle data. The horizontal angle data and the two-dimensional measurement data can be converted to three-dimensional data based on the first synchronization data and the second synchronization data.