Surveying Optics with Optical Axis Deflection for Fast Sighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surveying instruments with high-magnification telescopes face challenges in rapidly rotating and sighting objects due to their high inertia and narrow angle of view, leading to reduced work efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an optical axis deflector with wavelength dispersion compensation prisms and motor control systems to dynamically adjust the telescope's direction, enabling rapid object sighting and acquisition of narrow-angle images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a high-magnification telescope is used for sighting, then measurement precision is improved, but the telescope cannot be rotated at high speed due to large inertia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesighting precisionVSAvoidrotation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging function into two separate systems: a high-magnification telescope for precise sighting and measurement, and a separate wide-angle camera for rapid panoramic scanning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the compromise of combined design, enabling the telescope to maintain high precision while the camera system provides rapid coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that coordinates between the wide-angle camera and the high-magnification telescope. The control unit processes images from the wide-angle camera to identify target objects, then automatically directs the telescope to the identified targets, enabling seamless transition between rapid scanning and precise measurement without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a high-magnification telescope with narrow angle of view is used, then measurement precision is improved, but the time to acquire sighting images increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesighting precisionVSAvoidtime to acquire image
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wide-angle camera performs preliminary scanning to capture panoramic images and identify potential target objects before the high-magnification telescope is activated. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-process and locate objects of interest, so when measurement is required, the telescope can immediately focus on already-identified targets without time-consuming manual searching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by having the wide-angle camera continuously scan and monitor the environment while the telescope performs measurements. This continuity ensures that no targets are missed and that the telescope can immediately transition to new targets as they are identified, eliminating idle time between measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the telescope is horizontally/vertically rotated to sight different objects, then versatility is improved, but productivity decreases due to slow rotation speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to sight different objectsVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic measurement system where the wide-angle camera continuously scans the environment to detect moving or newly appearing objects, and the telescope dynamically adjusts its positioning based on real-time target identification. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing measurement scenarios without being constrained by the slow rotation speed of the telescope, as the camera system provides real-time situational awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 high-speed object sighting and precise narrow-angle image capture, enhancing work efficiency by allowing quick transitions between sighting positions.

Implementation Method 1

optical axis deflector with wavelength dispersion compensation prisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength dispersion compensation: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentEP3882570B1Surveying instrument and surveying instrument system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3882570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3882570B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3B
  • EP3882570B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There is provided a surveying instrument including a distance measuring light projecting module, a light receiving module, an optical axis deflector provided in a common portion of a distance measuring optical axis and a light receiving optical axis, a projecting direction detector which detects an optical axis deflection angle and a deflecting direction, a narrow angle image pickup module for a narrow angle of view, a distance measurement arithmetic module, and an arithmetic control module, wherein the arithmetic control module controls the optical axis deflector and the distance measurement arithmetic module, the distance measurement arithmetic module performs a distance measurement of a measuring point based on a transmission signal of a measuring light and a reception signal of a measuring light, the narrow angle image pickup module acquires a narrow angle image with reference to the distance measuring optical axis, a sighting is performed every different objects, and an acquisition of the narrow angle image and a three-dimensional measurement are performed.