Surveying System with Multi-Point Target Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surveying methods using prisms are inefficient and inaccurate when it is not possible to install the prism vertically above the measuring point, leading to increased time and reduced workability.

Innovation Solution

A surveying system comprising a target device with a pole and a target of known distance from the pole's lower end, and a surveying instrument that measures the target at multiple points, calculates three-dimensional coordinates of a virtual measurement point, and determines a certainty degree to confirm the measurement completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If prism surveying is performed using conventional methods requiring vertical leveling, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but working time increases and workability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidworking time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical leveling system (bubble tube and manual adjustment) with an optical measurement system. The surveying instrument measures the target at multiple points and uses computational geometry to determine coordinates, eliminating the need for mechanical vertical leveling while maintaining measurement accuracy through mathematical calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from single-point vertical measurement to multi-point spatial measurement. By measuring the target at three or more different positions and using sphere fitting calculations, the system determines accurate coordinates without requiring the target to be vertically leveled, thus reducing working time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the target device is installed at non-corner positions where vertical leveling is not possible, then adaptability improves, but measurement accuracy deteriorates with conventional methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to measuring positionsVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional vertical leveling to three-dimensional spatial measurement. By measuring the target at multiple positions in space and using sphere fitting algorithms, the system can accurately determine coordinates at any position (including non-corner positions) without requiring vertical alignment, thus improving adaptability while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adjusting the target to achieve vertical positioning (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the target in its natural position and using multi-point measurement with computational geometry to determine accurate coordinates. This eliminates the need for vertical leveling at restrictive positions while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tilt angle detection is used to correct measurement values, then measurement capability at tilted positions is improved, but measurement errors may occur depending on tilt direction and the prism may be hidden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability at tilted positionsVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the tilt angle detector and correction system with a pure optical measurement system. By measuring the target at multiple positions and using sphere fitting calculations, the system directly determines accurate coordinates without detecting or correcting for tilt angles, eliminating directional errors and prism hiding issues while maintaining adaptability to various positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for accurate three-dimensional coordinate measurement without the need for vertical leveling of the target device, reducing working time and improving measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

prism surveying using a prism... the prism is measured using a surveying instrument, such as a total station

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetro-reflection: Retroreflector

Data Source

PatentEP4567378A1Surveying system, surveying method, and surveying program

Publication Date: 2025.06.11 TOPCON CORPORATION

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A surveying system (1) comprising a target device (3) including a pole (14) and a target (15) of which a distance from a lower end of the pole is known, and a surveying instrument (2) capable of measuring the target, wherein the pole is swung in a state where the lower end of the pole coincides with a predetermined measuring point (13), and the surveying instrument is configured to measure the target at least at three points, to calculate three-dimensional coordinates of a virtual measurement point based on each measurement result of the target, to calculate a degree of coincidence between the measuring point and the virtual measurement point as a certainty degree, and to perform an operation of completion of measurement when the certainty degree satisfies a preset threshold value.