Surveying Target Light Source Positioning for Aiming Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing targets for landscape surveying face challenges in accuracy and reliability due to the relative placement of reflective surfaces and LEDs, and intensity variations of emitted light, which can lead to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A target design featuring a base element with a central axis, a reflector with retroreflectors covering 360 degrees, and light emitting elements positioned within the inner circumference of the reflector to create apparent light sources closer to the central axis, reducing aiming errors and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light emitting elements are positioned at the outside of the target, then the target structure is simpler, but the aiming error increases due to intensity variations when the target rotates
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting elements are positioned inside the retroreflector assembly, with each light emitting element located within the inner circumference of the reflector. This nested arrangement allows the apparent light sources to be closer to the central axis while maintaining a compact target structure, thereby reducing aiming errors without significantly increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions light emitting elements in a three-dimensional space within the retroreflector assembly rather than on the outer surface. By placing them at different radial distances from the central axis (within the inner circumference), the design creates apparent light sources that are closer to the center, reducing the impact of target rotation on aiming accuracy
2Measurement precision
If the relative placement between reflective surfaces and LEDs is not optimized, then the target design is simpler, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each light emitting element is positioned at a specific location within the inner circumference of the reflector, creating localized optimal conditions for light emission and reflection. This local optimization ensures that light from each LED is properly directed through the retroreflector, improving overall measurement accuracy without requiring complex global redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting elements are pre-positioned within the inner circumference of the reflector during target assembly, ensuring that the apparent light sources are already optimized for minimal aiming error before the target is used in the field. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments
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
The target design enhances the accuracy of vertical and horizontal aiming of surveying instruments, reducing aiming errors and improving the reliability of landscape survey data by positioning apparent light sources closer to the central axis.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector for reflecting light beams being incident on said target, said reflector including a plurality of retroreflectors arranged around said central axis
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light emitting elements providing a plurality of apparent light sources arranged around said central axis, wherein an apparent light source is positioned within the inner circumference of the reflector for emitting light in a direction away from the central axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 2E
AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a target (10) for use in surveying applications, said target (10) comprising: a base element (100) having a central axis (102), a reflector (110) for reflecting light beams being incident on said target (10), said reflector (110) including a plurality of retroreflectors (140) arranged around said central axis (102) to cover an angular area of substantially 360 degrees, wherein said reflector (110) has an outer circumference (112) and an inner circumference (114) as defined by the arrangement of the retroreflectors and wherein a retroreflector (140-1) has a first side (142) located at the outer circumference (112) and a second side (144) located at the inner circumference (114); and a plurality of light emitting elements providing a plurality of apparent light sources (160) arranged around said central axis (102), wherein an apparent light source (162) is positioned within the inner circumference (114) of the reflector (110) for emitting light in a direction away from the central axis (102) of the base element (100).