Surveying Apparatus Zoom Optical Axis Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveying apparatuses with zoom functions face challenges in maintaining optical axis stability and accurate angle measurements due to the unstability of the zoom mechanism, making it difficult to perform precise sightings and measurements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reference pattern projection optical system, a rotation mechanism, and an arithmetic control unit to detect and correct for optical axis shifts, allowing for accurate angle measurements and distance calculations using a commercial digital camera and electro-optical distance measurement instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom optical system is provided in the observation optical system of a surveying apparatus, then the adaptability and versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the stability of the optical axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image sensor detects the position of the reference pattern, and the arithmetic control unit calculates the optical axis shift based on the difference between the detected reference pattern position and the calculated reference position. This feedback information is then used to correct the optical axis deviation, thereby maintaining optical axis stability while preserving the zoom function's adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference pattern serves as an intermediary element that enables the system to detect and correct optical axis shifts. By projecting a known reference pattern onto the image sensor and comparing its detected position with the calculated reference position, the system can identify deviations and apply corrections, thus mediating between the zoom mechanism's movement and the optical axis stability requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom mechanism is provided in the observation optical system, then the power can be changed, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to optical axis shift
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the optical axis position through the reference pattern detection and uses feedback control to correct any deviations. This ensures that even when the zoom mechanism changes power, the optical axis remains stable and angle measurement precision is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on purely mechanical precision of the zoom mechanism with an optical-digital detection and correction system. Instead of depending on the mechanical stability of the zoom mechanism, the system uses image sensor detection, arithmetic calculation, and electronic control to maintain measurement precision across different power settings.
3Ease of operation
If visual sighting or sighting device is used before the sighting telescope, then the ease of operation is improved, but the time required for measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of visual sighting and telescope sighting into a single integrated system. The image sensor provides a digital field of view that guides the operator to the target, eliminating the need for separate visual sighting steps. This combination maintains ease of operation by providing clear target acquisition while reducing measurement time by streamlining the sighting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between low-power visual sighting and high-power telescope observation. It provides a digital intermediate view that helps the operator locate and acquire the target efficiently, then seamlessly transitions to the telescope's high-power observation mode, thereby reducing the time required for the transition while maintaining ease of operation.
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 accurate and stable zooming, enabling precise angle and distance measurements by correcting for optical axis shifts and lens distortions, thus enhancing the functionality of surveying apparatuses with a zoom function.
Implementation Method 1
a reference-pattern projection optical system for making a light from said reference pattern as a parallel light enter said observation optical system and for forming an image of said reference pattern on said image sensor
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor for outputting a digital image signal
Implementation Method 3
an electro-optical distance measurement instrument having a distance measuring optical axis in parallel with an optical axis of the observation optical system, and in the surveying apparatus, the electro-optical distance measurement instrument measures a distance of a measuring point of an object to be measured
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A surveying apparatus comprises an observation optical system 1 having an image sensor 8 for outputting a digital image signal and a zoom optical system 7, a reference-pattern projection optical system 18 for making a reference pattern 14 enter the observation optical system in an infinity state and for forming an image on the image sensor, a rotation mechanism 5 capable of rotating the observation optical system and the reference-pattern projection optical system integrally in two directions of horizontal and vertical, a horizontal angle detector 15 and a vertical angle detector 16 for detecting a horizontal angle and a vertical angle of rotation in the two directions of the rotation mechanism, and an arithmetic control unit 9, and in the surveying apparatus, the arithmetic control unit measures the horizontal angle and the vertical angle of a sighting point based on detection results of the horizontal angle detector and the vertical angle detector and based on a difference between the reference pattern on the image sensor and the sighting point of the observation optical system.