Surveying Target Light Intensity Control for Battery Life

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surveying targets face inefficiencies in power consumption due to constant high light emission intensity, which reduces battery life and autonomy without optimizing light intensity based on distance from the surveying instrument.

Innovation Solution

A target with radially arranged light sources controlled by a unit that adjusts light intensity based on distance from the surveying instrument, using inputs from the instrument, GNSS, or operator, to optimize energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If constant high light emission intensity is used, then detection and tracking effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection and tracking effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light emission intensity is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts the intensity of light sources based on real-time distance measurements from the surveying instrument, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and optimize the balance between detection effectiveness and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The intensity parameter of light emission is changed based on distance conditions. When the surveying instrument is far from the target, higher intensity is used to ensure detection; when closer, lower intensity suffices, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable detection and tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If constant high light emission intensity is used, then detection and tracking effectiveness is improved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection and tracking effectivenessVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light emission intensity is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts the intensity of light sources based on real-time distance measurements from the surveying instrument, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and optimize the balance between detection effectiveness and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The intensity parameter of light emission is changed based on distance conditions. When the surveying instrument is far from the target, higher intensity is used to ensure detection; when closer, lower intensity suffices, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable detection and tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If distance-based light intensity optimization is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it receives distance information from the surveying instrument, processes this data, determines appropriate light intensity levels, and controls the light sources accordingly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where distance measurements from the surveying instrument are continuously monitored and used to adjust light emission intensity. This closed-loop control ensures optimal power consumption while maintaining detection effectiveness, and the feedback architecture is integrated into the existing control unit rather than requiring entirely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances battery life and autonomy by optimizing light intensity based on distance, reducing power consumption while maintaining effective detection and tracking.

Implementation Method 1

The light sources may for example include light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20260002781A1Surveying target and method with distance power optimization

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 TRIMBLE AB

AI summary

A target (100) for use in surveying applications is provided. The target comprises a plurality of light sources (106) arranged around a longitudinal axis (A) of a base element (108) of the target. The plurality of light sources is configured to emit light radially. The target further comprises a control unit (214). The control unit is configured to control an intensity of the light (440a, 440b) emitted by the plurality of light sources based on a distance (d1, d2) between the target and a surveying instrument (120) aimed towards the target.