Surveying Instrument Detector for Fan-Shaped Laser Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying instruments face difficulties in detecting a small laser spot, especially at long distances and in adverse weather conditions, due to the small size of the laser spot and decreasing laser beam intensity, making it cumbersome to find and align the laser beam accurately.
Innovation Solution
A surveying system with a detector having multiple elements arranged in a known spatial relation, which outputs detection signals when irradiated by a fan-shaped laser beam, allowing for the determination of positional relations between the detector and the laser beam's propagation axis, enabling automatic guidance of the laser beam towards the detector or adjusting the detector's position relative to the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional photodetector or naked eye is used to detect the laser spot, then the detection method is simple, but the detection becomes cumbersome and impossible at long distances due to the small laser spot size and decreasing light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple detector elements (at least two) arranged in a known spatial relation. Each detector element can independently detect the laser beam, and by comparing the detection signals from different elements, the system determines the positional relation between the detector and the laser beam propagation axis, enabling automatic guidance and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The position determining unit uses the time relations between detection signals from multiple detector elements to provide feedback about the detector's position relative to the laser beam. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the detector position or laser beam direction to achieve optimal alignment, making the system self-correcting and easier to operate.
2Length of stationary object
If the laser beam intensity is increased to improve detection at long distances, then the detection range is extended, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing laser power, the system segments the detection function across multiple detector elements. This allows the system to detect the laser beam at lower intensities over longer distances by utilizing the spatial distribution and temporal correlation of signals from multiple elements, avoiding the need for high-power lasers or complex amplification systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detector elements are used to determine positional relations, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into multiple elements with known spatial relationships, allowing precise determination of the laser beam's position and angle by comparing signals from different elements. This segmentation enables accurate alignment without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent spatial arrangement of the detector elements and the temporal relationships between their signals to automatically determine positional relations. The detector structure itself provides the reference framework needed for alignment, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex calibration procedures.
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 solution allows for quicker and more accurate detection of the laser beam, even at long distances and in challenging environmental conditions, by determining the positional relation between the detector and the laser beam, facilitating precise alignment and automatic tracking of the laser beam.
Implementation Method 1
a detector having at least two detector elements arranged in a known spatial relation to one another for outputting a detection signal when irradiated by the fan shaped laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a surveying system including a surveying instrument and method for detecting light of fan shaped laser beam. The surveying instrument includes a detector for detecting light of the fan shaped laser beam rotating around a propagation axis with a direction of rotation and having two detector elements arranged in a known spatial relation for outputting a detection signal when irradiated. A position determining unit is used to obtain a first set of detection signals from the detector elements, to determine a first time relation between the detection signals of the first set, and to determine a positional relation between the detector and the propagation axis based on the first time relation.