Total Station GNSS Fallback for Unavailable Satellite Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GNSS devices face challenges with portability, reliability, and durability due to the need for multiple units, cables, and connectors, which are bulky and expensive, especially for high-precision applications.
Innovation Solution
A handheld GNSS device with integrated GNSS and communication antennas, orientation, imaging, and positioning circuitry, housed in a single compact unit, minimizing interference and eliminating the need for external positioning equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate units are used to house GNSS components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GNSS receivers, antennas, and processing units into a single integrated handheld device. The first and second GNSS receivers are housed together with their respective antennas, allowing high-precision positioning without requiring separate bulky equipment. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions including positioning, orientation, imaging, and communication within a single unit. The device can operate in various modes (RTK, post-processed) and interfaces with different systems, making it a universal solution that eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining high precision capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate units with cables and connectors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but portability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all necessary components into a single sealed housing, the patent eliminates cables and connectors that could fail. The unified structure ensures reliable operation in field conditions without the risk of disconnected cables or faulty interfaces, while maintaining the precision required for high-accuracy positioning.
3Measurement precision
If separate tripod or external hardware is used to position antenna, then measurement precision is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna mounting and positioning mechanisms directly into the handheld device housing. The antenna is positioned and secured within the integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate tripods or external positioning hardware. This reduces the overall weight and improves portability while maintaining the precision required for accurate positioning.
4Weight of moving object
If compact handheld device is used, then portability is improved, but antenna pattern separation and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first and second GNSS antennas and their respective receivers in three-dimensional space within the compact housing, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to achieve adequate separation of antenna patterns. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows the compact device to maintain measurement precision by preventing signal interference while fitting within a portable form factor.
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
Enhances portability, reliability, and durability while maintaining high precision by integrating essential components and reducing interference, thus improving user experience and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The GNSS antenna receives position data from a plurality of satellites
Implementation Method 2
The at least one communication antenna receives positioning assistance data related to the position data from a base station
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a portable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). An exemplary surveying system comprises: a total station; a GNSS device; a coupling mechanism for coupling the GNSS device with the total station; wherein the system is configured to: determine, based on one or more outputs from the GNSS device, whether a set of GNSS signals is available; in accordance with a determination that the set of GNSS signals is available, determine a position of a point based on the set of GNSS signals; in accordance with a determination that the set of GNSS signals is not available, automatically determine a position of the point based on an angular measurement and a distance measurement with respect to the point obtained by the total station.