Automated Telescope Autocollimation via Image Deviation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autocollimation methods for determining the spatial orientation of an autocollimation target are manual, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, making them inefficient and unsuitable for precise applications such as production line alignment of motor vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surveying instrument equipped with a telescope that includes a light source, beam splitters, and an image capture device, allowing for automatic alignment of the optical axis perpendicular to the autocollimation target by detecting deviations and adjusting the telescope or target accordingly, utilizing a method that involves illuminating a crosshair, focusing to infinity, and determining the crosshair center's position in the image to calculate and correct horizontal and vertical deviation angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual autocollimation methods are used, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is labor-intensive and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and visual alignment with an automated optical detection system. An image capture device captures images of the crosshair and its mirror image, and a processor automatically determines deviations and calculates orientation angles, eliminating manual measurement and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through automated detection. The image capture device automatically captures the optical path, the processor automatically calculates deviations from the optical axis, and the system automatically determines the orientation of the autocollimation target without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual autocollimation is performed, then equipment complexity is reduced, but productivity is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated telescope system: the light source, crosshair, beam splitters, focus lens, and image capture device are combined in one instrument. This integration enables automated autocollimation while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an optical copy (mirror image) of the crosshair to determine alignment. By capturing the reflected light path through the autocollimation target and comparing it with the original crosshair position, the system automatically determines orientation without requiring physical measurement adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of telescope or target is performed, then alignment can be achieved, but the process requires repeated manual operations and is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the crosshair and mirror image, automatically calculates deviations from the optical axis, and provides feedback on the orientation angles. This closed-loop feedback enables precise determination of spatial orientation without requiring repeated manual adjustments, as the system automatically measures and reports the current alignment state.
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 rapid, accurate, and automated determination of the spatial orientation of autocollimation targets, reducing human error and increasing efficiency in alignment processes, allowing for precise alignment of components without labor-intensive manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a first beam splitter which is arranged at a proximal end of the telescope in order to deflect light beams emitted by the light source along the optical axis of the telescope
Implementation Method 2
a second beam splitter which is designed to redirect light beams reflected from an autocollimation target to a deviation determining device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automated autocollimation as an alignment of a telescope of a surveying instrument, the telescope defining an optical axis, such that the optical axis is perpendicular to a reflective surface of an autocollimation target, in particular a coated plane mirror. The method comprises the following steps: a) aligning the telescope with the autocollimation target; b) illuminating a reticle in the telescope; c) focusing the telescope on infinite; d) acquiring the autocollimation target and the illuminated reticle (1) reflected by the reflective surface, or the illuminated reticle, by means of an image acquisition device arranged in the telescope or a second telescope; e) determining the reticle center in the image; f) determining the horizontal distance (?px) and the vertical distance (?py) of the reticle center from the optical axis of the telescope in the image; and g) converting the horizontal (?px) and vertical (?py) distances of the reticle center into a horizontal aberration angle (?H) and a vertical aberration angle (?V) of the current alignment of the telescope from the autocollimation alignment of the telescope.