Total Station Calibration Using GNSS Camera Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GNSS devices face challenges with high-precision positioning due to the need for bulky external equipment, such as tripods, and suffer from interference between multiple components, leading to portability, reliability, and durability issues, as well as high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A handheld GNSS device with integrated GNSS and communication antennas, orientation and imaging circuitry, and a single housing that minimizes interference and eliminates the need for external positioning equipment, using a single housing to integrate all necessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate units are used to house GNSS and communication components, then functional reliability is improved, but device portability and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
a single unit that includes a housing, a display screen integral with the housing, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna and at least one communication antenna, both integral with the housing
2Reliability
If multiple separate units with cables and connectors are used, then component reliability is improved, but system durability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all components into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for external cables and connectors. This improves ease of operation (plug-and-play functionality) while maintaining reliability through integrated circuit board connections
Solution Approach 2:
The single housing serves multiple functions: housing GNSS antenna, communication antenna, orientation circuitry, imaging circuitry, and display screen. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate units and their associated connectors
3Volume of moving object
If GNSS antenna and communication antenna are placed close together, then device compactness is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the GNSS antenna and communication antenna at opposite ends of the housing, creating localized separation zones. The GNSS antenna is positioned at a first end while the communication antenna is positioned at a second end, minimizing mutual interference while maintaining overall device compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space within the housing by positioning antennas at opposite ends along the length of the housing. This spatial arrangement in one dimension (length) allows compact design while maintaining adequate separation to reduce interference
4Measurement precision
If bulky external positioning equipment is used, then positioning precision is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates orientation circuitry and imaging circuitry directly into the handheld device, replacing bulky external equipment such as tripods and separate leveling devices. This maintains positioning precision while dramatically improving portability
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes integrated orientation circuitry that automatically determines housing orientation and imaging circuitry that captures images for positioning reference. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external positioning equipment while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method of calibrating a total station using a GNSS device includes physically coupling the total station with the GNSS device at a first location; determining the position of the total station at the first location based on position data received by the GNSS device; decoupling the total station from the GNSS device; moving the GNSS device to a second location while leaving the total station at the first location; determining the position of the GNSS device at the second location based on position data received by the GNSS device; adjusting the position of a camera on the total station to image the GNSS device while at the second location; determining axes of the camera based on the orientation of the camera and the determined positions at the first and second locations; and calibrating encoders of the total station based on the determined axes.