Surveying Positioning Module With Camera-Based Ground Mark Centering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard tribrach modules require skilled operation for precise positioning of surveying devices, which is challenging for inexperienced users, leading to potential measurement errors and increased complexity, especially in achieving accurate leveling and centering over a ground mark.

Innovation Solution

A stand-alone module with a measuring camera and inclination sensor that automatically determines the position and orientation of a surveying device relative to a ground mark, using image processing and wireless communication to simplify the positioning process and reduce manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of adjusting screws is used for leveling, then positioning precision can be achieved, but operation complexity increases and requires skilled users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling precisionVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system (adjusting screws and spirit levels) with an automated electronic system. The inclination sensor automatically detects the module's tilt in two axes and provides digital signals to the control unit, which calculates positioning data and communicates it wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual screw adjustments while maintaining or improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The module performs self-leveling detection through the inclination sensor, which automatically measures the tilt angles without user intervention. The system self-calculates the positioning data relative to the ground mark and transmits it automatically, making the device serve itself rather than requiring skilled manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If iterative process of horizontal alignment and centering is used, then positioning accuracy improves, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring camera captures an image of the ground mark before final positioning is completed. This preliminary imaging allows the control unit to calculate the horizontal offset and vertical height in advance based on the known dimensions of the ground mark, enabling one-shot positioning without iterative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the iterative mechanical adjustment process with an automated optical measurement system. The measuring camera takes a single image, the control unit processes it to determine positioning accuracy, and wireless communication transmits the results, eliminating the time-consuming back-and-forth adjustments of traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical plumb or laser plummet is used for centering, then centering precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentering precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the measuring camera, inclination sensor, control unit, and wireless communication module into a single integrated positioning module. This merged system performs both horizontal centering and vertical height measurement functions that would traditionally require separate optical plumb devices, laser plummets, and manual measurement tools, simplifying the overall device while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning module serves multiple functions: it measures horizontal offset, vertical height, and inclination; captures images of the ground mark; calculates positioning data; and transmits results wirelessly. This multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized tools (optical plumb, laser plummet, tape measure, inclinometer) with a single universal system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 module enables accurate and efficient positioning of surveying devices, reducing errors and complexity, allowing non-specialist users to perform tasks with increased precision and speed, and integrating seamlessly with various surveying devices and systems.

Implementation Method 1

a measuring camera whose field of view is directed towards a ground point under the stand, in particular through a recess in the stand plate or through a hole drilled in a heart screw with which the module is fixed to the stand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an inclination sensor which is designed to determine an inclination of the module with respect to a horizontal direction or a vertical direction in at least two axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11486704B2Intelligent positioning module
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 HEXAGON INNOVATION HUB GMBH
  • US11486704B2 patent drawing
  • US11486704B2 patent drawing
  • US11486704B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stand-alone module for localizing a surveying device installed with a stand above a ground mark. The module has at least one housing attached between the stand and the surveying device, a measuring camera unit, which is arranged and designed in such a way that when the module is mounted on a stand the ground mark can be detected in the field of view of the measuring camera unit, a power supply, an inclination sensor and a communication unit.