TOF Sensor Target Identification in Geodetic Measuring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geodetic measuring devices face challenges in accurately identifying and tracking targets, especially in scenes with multiple targets or dynamic conditions, due to ambiguities and errors in automatic target recognition systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a Time-Of-Flight (TOF) sensor with ATR functionality, providing range and amplitude data for improved target identification and tracking, combined with a single sensor for both ATR and on-axis camera functions to reduce complexity and enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate ATR detector and on-axis camera are used, then target identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ATR detector and on-axis camera into a single integrated sensor unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining both target identification and scene capture capabilities, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved measurement precision and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both an ATR detector for automatic target recognition and an on-axis camera for capturing scene images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity while preserving enhanced target identification capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple targets are present in the scene, then measurement versatility is improved, but target identification accuracy deteriorates due to ambiguities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays range information from the TOF sensor onto the two-dimensional scene image, adding a depth dimension to the visual data. This third dimension enables the system to distinguish between multiple targets at different distances, resolving ambiguities in target identification while maintaining versatility in measuring multiple targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by overlaying range data on the scene image, allowing the operator to verify target selection based on distance information. This feedback mechanism reduces identification errors in multi-target scenarios by enabling confirmation of the correct target before measurement.
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 TOF sensor enhances target identification and tracking by providing reliable range information, reducing ambiguities and improving accuracy, even in complex scenes with multiple targets, and allows for more efficient target selection and measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The capturing unit comprises a Time-Of-Flight (TOF) sensor, wherein the TOF sensor is configured for providing the scene image by generating pixel-related image data
Implementation Method 2
the illumination unit is configured for illuminating at least a part of the scene with illumination radiation, wherein the illumination radiation comprises at least a modulated illumination signal
Implementation Method 3
a receiving unit configured for detecting at least a part of the collimated measuring radiation reflected by the target
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Measuring device (1) for acquiring a three-dimensional measuring point related to a target in a scene, the measuring device (1) comprises a base unit, a support unit mounted on the base unit, a distance measuring unit comprising an emitting unit configured for emitting measuring radiation (T) and a receiving unit configured for detecting at least a part of the measuring radiation reflected (R) by the target and a directing unit mounted in the support unit configured for directing the measuring radiation towards the scene. The measuring device (1) comprises a capturing unit, wherein the capturing unit is configured for capturing at least a scene image of at least part of the scene, the scene image is generated by the detection of visual-spectrum (VIS) light, and a controlling and processing unit, wherein the controlling and processing unit is configured for aligning the directing unit. The capturing unit comprises a Time-Of-Flight (TOF) sensor, wherein the TOF sensor is configured for providing TOF data of at least part of the scene and pixel-related image data as the scene image, the TOF data comprises at least range data, and the controlling and processing unit comprises a target identification functionality which is configured for processing the TOF data and for deriving target information based on the TOF data, wherein the target information comprises a direction to the target with respect to the measuring device (1) and range data associated to the target.