Tilt Offset Acquisition in Surveying Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing surveying apparatuses require significant time and labor to obtain tilt offsets, which can be influenced by temperature, atmospheric pressure, impact, and time variations, leading to inefficiencies in the surveying process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tilt sensor, temperature sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, acceleration sensor, and a determination unit within the surveying apparatus to measure and determine when a tilt offset is necessary, allowing for efficient acquisition of tilt offsets based on measured variations and elapsed time, thereby optimizing the surveying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tilt offset is acquired every time the surveying apparatus is set up, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operation time and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of tilt offset acquisition from a fixed schedule (every setup) to a conditional schedule based on environmental parameters. The determination unit monitors temperature, atmospheric pressure, and other parameters, and only acquires tilt offset when these parameters indicate a significant change has occurred. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining accuracy when needed while reducing unnecessary acquisitions that waste time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the determination unit continuously monitors environmental parameters and uses this information to decide whether tilt offset acquisition is necessary. The system feedbacks on the actual need for calibration based on measured parameter changes, rather than following a rigid predetermined schedule. This allows the system to adapt to actual conditions and optimize the balance between accuracy and efficiency.
2Reliability
If tilt offset acquisition is performed frequently, then measurement reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the reliability assurance mechanism from frequent fixed-interval acquisitions to parameter-triggered acquisitions. By monitoring temperature, atmospheric pressure, and other relevant parameters, the system determines tilt offset acquisition based on actual changes in environmental conditions that affect measurement reliability. This maintains reliability when conditions change while avoiding redundant operations during stable conditions, thus improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing tilt offset acquisition only when necessary rather than continuously or at every setup. The determination unit assesses whether the environmental parameter changes warrant a full tilt offset acquisition procedure, and only initiates it when the change exceeds predetermined thresholds. This partial action approach maintains measurement reliability while reducing the overall number of operations to improve productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to monitor environmental parameters, then determination accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the surveying apparatus's existing sensor system to serve dual purposes: its primary surveying function and the secondary function of monitoring environmental parameters for tilt offset determination. The determination unit leverages sensors already present in the surveying apparatus (temperature sensors, atmospheric pressure sensors, acceleration sensors) rather than requiring entirely separate dedicated monitoring systems. This reduces device complexity while maintaining determination accuracy.
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
This approach reduces the unnecessary acquisition of tilt offsets, thereby improving operational efficiency and saving time, especially when dealing with multiple surveying points.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of the tilt sensor or a temperature of environment in which the tilt sensor is placed
Implementation Method 3
an atmospheric pressure sensor
Implementation Method 4
an acceleration sensor being configured to measure an acceleration applied to the tilt sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Efficiency of operation related to acquisition of a tilt offset of a surveying apparatus is improved. A total station includes a tilt sensor, a tilt offset acquisition unit that acquires a tilt offset of the tilt sensor, a measurement unit that measures a variable value of a phenomenon that can cause the tilt offset to vary, and a determination unit that determines whether to acquire the tilt offset, based on output from the measurement unit.