Surveying Instrument Pose Accuracy at a Point of Interest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying instruments lack the ability to accurately determine the achievable accuracy at a point of interest during operation, relying on operator interpretation and lacking a threshold-based evaluation of working areas.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining accuracy at a point of interest using a computer system to compute pose vectors, variances, and covariances, and visualize achievable accuracy based on predefined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pose and working area are displayed without accuracy threshold evaluation, then the operator receives basic positioning information, but the operator cannot make informed decisions about whether the accuracy meets requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system computes the accuracy that can be achieved at the point of interest based on the pose vector, variances, covariances, and instrument measuring accuracies. This accuracy information is fed back to the operator through the display, enabling informed decisions about whether the positioning quality meets the application requirements. The feedback loop transforms raw computational data into actionable accuracy evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system acts as an intermediary between the surveying instrument's raw measurement data and the operator's decision-making process. It computes the accuracy metrics and presents them in a form that bridges the gap between complex mathematical calculations and practical operational decisions, allowing the operator to assess pose quality without needing to interpret complex variance and covariance data directly.
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually interprets pose quality based on numerical values, then no additional computation is required, but the interpretation depends on operator experience and lacks objectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The surveying instrument's computer system automatically performs the accuracy evaluation and displays the results without requiring manual intervention or interpretation by the operator. The system serves itself by computing the accuracy metrics from the collected measurement data and presenting the evaluation directly, eliminating the need for operator experience in interpreting pose quality while ensuring consistent and objective assessment.
3Measurement precision
If a recommended working area polygon is displayed without accuracy threshold comparison, then the visual representation is simple, but the working area cannot be evaluated based on achievable accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system compares the computed accuracy at the point of interest with a predefined accuracy threshold and provides feedback on whether the threshold can be achieved. This feedback mechanism enhances the working area evaluation by not only displaying the polygon but also indicating whether the accuracy requirements are met, allowing operators to make informed decisions about suitable working locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for determining an accuracy, that can be achieved during operating a surveying instrument at a point of interest, the method being performed by a computer system and comprising the steps: ▪ Computing for the surveying instrument a pose vector and corresponding variances and covariances for the pose elements of the pose vector, ▪ Computing the accuracy that can be achieved at the point of interest during operating the surveying instrument based on the pose vector, the variances and covariances of the pose elements, on measuring accuracies of the surveying instrument, and on coordinates of the point of interest, and ▪ Instructing a display to visualize the accuracy for the point of interest.