Touchscreen Control for Surveying Device Aiming Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying devices lack precise control, especially when aiming from a distance, and do not allow for finite control using input vectors, which limits their functionality and increases measurement time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a control device with a display to translate touch or stylus inputs into control commands for a surveying device, enabling precise control through dynamic joystick, wand, and smart zoom functionalities, allowing rotation, zoom, and positioning adjustments based on input commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional control methods using optical eyepiece or tracked prism are used, then the surveying device can be controlled for basic aiming, but precise control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical control methods (optical eyepiece, tracked prism) with an electronic touchscreen interface that displays captured images and allows digital manipulation of surveying device aims through touch inputs, thereby achieving precise control while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device with touchscreen display as an intermediary between the user and the surveying device. The touchscreen displays captured images and translates touch inputs into control commands, serving as a mediator that enables precise control without requiring direct optical adjustment
2Productivity
If conventional vector input control is used, then the surveying device position can be controlled, but finite control is not achieved and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional vector input control with direct touchscreen interaction on displayed images. Users can directly touch and drag targets on the screen to reposition aims, eliminating the indirect and time-consuming vector input process while achieving both precise and finite control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by displaying captured images on the touchscreen and showing how touch inputs immediately affect the surveying device aims. This visual feedback loop allows users to make precise adjustments while seeing the results, thereby improving both measurement speed and precision
3Measurement precision
If conventional control methods are used, then basic surveying operations can be performed, but precise aiming from distance is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the surveyed scene by displaying captured images on the touchscreen. Users interact with this digital copy to precisely aim at distant targets by touching and dragging visual representations, thereby achieving precise aiming from distance without increasing physical device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a digital interface dimension to the conventional surveying control. By overlaying touch control capabilities on top of the optical viewing system, users can precisely control distant aiming through 2D touchscreen gestures that translate to 3D spatial adjustments of the surveying device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods are provided for controlling a surveying device. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a control screen including image data captured by a surveying device, detecting an input associated with the control screen, and determining a control command for the surveying device based on the input associated with the control screen. The method may further include controlling operation of the surveying device based on the control command, wherein the surveying device is configured to rotate in one more of a horizontal and vertical direction based on the control command. The device and methods may advantageously allow for precise pointing of a surveying device and translation of input position to surveying device commands.