Surveying Instrument Relocation Using Target Tracking and Pose Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surveying instruments require a manual and tedious process to relocate between setup locations, involving the correlation of measured points across different setups, which is skill-intensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A surveying instrument with a base unit, rotatable support unit, and targeting unit, equipped with actuators, angle encoders, and a tracking unit that includes a camera sensor or target search system, allowing for automatic detection and tracking of target points, and an inertial measuring unit for determining relative pose between setup locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual relocation process is used to correlate measured points from different setup locations, then the surveying instrument can be relocated between setups, but the process becomes tedious and skill-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The surveying instrument automatically performs the relocation process by using its tracking unit to detect target points and its actuators to reposition itself. The control unit autonomously correlates measured points from different setup locations without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself during relocation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of relocating and correlating points with an automated system combining optical tracking (tracking unit detecting target points), mechanical actuation (actuators rotating support and targeting units), and computational processing (control unit correlating coordinates). This substitution eliminates the need for manual skill-intensive operations.
2Measurement precision
If manual aiming and measurement process is used, then the surveying instrument can measure target points, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual aiming through telescopes with an automated tracking system. The tracking unit automatically detects target points using optical fields, and the control unit processes the detection data to determine precise positions. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically increasing productivity by eliminating manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking unit continuously detects the position of target points and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system can automatically adjust measurements and maintain precision without manual intervention, thereby increasing surveying speed while preserving accuracy.
3Extent of automation
If automatic tracking and actuation system is implemented, then the relocation process becomes more automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components. The tracking unit serves both for detecting target points during measurement and for providing positional feedback during relocation. The actuators perform dual roles in positioning the targeting unit and supporting the overall instrument structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables a more ergonomic, reliable, and productive surveying process by automating the relocation of the surveying instrument, reducing manual intervention and improving accuracy in correlating measured points across different setups.
Implementation Method 1
a tracking unit configured for detecting one or more target points within a detection range
Implementation Method 2
a first angle encoder configured for measuring a rotatory position of the support unit relative to the base unit around the yaw axis, a second angle encoder configured for measuring a rotatory position of the targeting unit relative to the support unit around the pitch axis
Implementation Method 3
a distance meter having a measuring axis
Data Source
AI summary
A surveying instrument for executing a relocation functionality, which determines first coordinates of a stationary target point associated with the start signal, in response to a start signal, a first actuator and a second actuator are controlled such that the stationary target point remains within a detection area of a tracking unit of the surveying instrument, determines second coordinates of the stationary target point, receives an end signal, wherein the second coordinates of the stationary target point are associated with the end signal, and based at least in part on the first and second coordinates of the stationary target point, and determines a relative pose of the surveying instrument with respect to a first setup location and a second setup location, wherein the first setup location is associated with the first coordinates and the second setup location is associated with the second coordinates.