Automatic target aiming

Summary

This video introduces the automatic target aiming feature in robotic total stations, specifically focusing on the Viva and Nova models and MultiStations powered by Leica Captivate. The feature enables precise, fast, and fatigue-reducing measurements by automatically aiming at a reflective target with a single button press. Using ATRplus technology, the system self-learns and adjusts to environmental conditions, ensuring accurate measurements in various scenarios. The video also explains how to use the auto-aiming mode and troubleshoot issues if the target is not found. This feature is ideal for monitoring and topographic surveying applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Automatic target aiming allows total stations to automatically aim at reflective targets like prisms with just a single button press.
• 😀 The instrument performs a 'fine search' using its integrated motors and image sensor to detect and focus on the target without manual adjustments.
• 😀 No need to manually align the crosshairs with the target, reducing operator effort and increasing measurement efficiency during repetitive tasks like monitoring and surveying.
• 😀 ATRplus (Automatic Target Recognition plus) is the key technology behind automatic target aiming, offering improved self-learning capabilities in the latest generation of instruments.
• 😀 ATRplus uses an image sensor to detect the target as a light spot and dynamically adjusts the laser energy to ensure accurate target detection, even in varied environmental conditions.
• 😀 Only valid targets (e.g., prisms) are detected by ATRplus, filtering out unwanted reflections from objects like cars or safety clothing.
• 😀 The instrument constantly adjusts for environmental changes, ensuring consistent and precise aiming performance over time.
• 😀 The auto-aiming mode can be activated through the settings or the Aim and Search bubble, triggering the fine search process when a measurement is made.
• 😀 If the initial search does not detect a valid target, the instrument can perform a second search with an expanded search window, increasing the likelihood of finding the target.
• 😀 A retry function allows for a static search within the telescope's field of view, useful for situations where the target might be partially obstructed.
• 😀 This feature is supported by all robotic total stations and MultiStations powered by Leica Captivate, offering versatility across different surveying scenarios.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of automatic target aiming in robotic total stations?

The main purpose of automatic target aiming is to allow the instrument to automatically aim at a reflective target, such as a prism, with just one button press. This eliminates the need for manual aiming, reducing user fatigue and improving the speed and precision of measurements.

How does automatic target aiming work in Leica robotic total stations?

Automatic target aiming works by using ATRplus technology. The instrument performs a fine search within a specified window, detecting a reflective target via an image sensor and adjusting to environmental conditions to ensure accurate target recognition.

What is ATRplus, and how does it enhance target recognition?

ATRplus stands for Automatic Target Recognition plus. It is a self-learning system that uses a CMOS image sensor to detect a reflective target, such as a prism, while filtering out false reflections from objects like cars or safety clothing. It constantly adapts to environmental changes for improved performance.

Can automatic target aiming work with any type of target?

Yes, automatic target aiming works with any standard reflective prism. There is no need for specially designed targets with batteries or additional weight, making it more versatile and practical for field use.

What is the fine search process in automatic target aiming?

The fine search is a spiral search process performed by the instrument to locate a reflective target. Once the target is detected, the instrument will automatically aim towards it. This process is precise and quick, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

What happens if the instrument cannot find a target during a fine search?

If the instrument cannot find a valid target during the fine search, a message will appear. The user can then press 'Search' to initiate a broader search or 'Retry' for a static search within the telescope's field of view, increasing the chance of locating the target.

What is the significance of the 'Retry' function in automatic target aiming?

'Retry' is used when the target is already within the field of view of the telescope but wasn't detected in the fine search. It increases the laser energy and relaxes the target verification criteria, allowing the instrument to find partially obscured or hard-to-detect targets.

How does the size of the search window affect target aiming?

The default search window size for automatic target aiming is 4 degrees or 4 gons, but it can be adjusted in the settings. A larger search window increases the area the instrument scans, making it easier to find a target that may be slightly off-center.

Why is it important for the instrument to be roughly pointed at the target during a fine search?

The instrument must be roughly pointed at the target because the fine search will only scan within the set window. If the target is outside the window, the search will not succeed unless the window size is increased.

What benefits does automatic target aiming provide for surveyors?

Automatic target aiming offers fast, precise, and hands-free aiming and measuring, which reduces user fatigue, especially during repetitive tasks like monitoring or topographic surveying. It also improves efficiency by eliminating the need for manual adjustments and realigning the instrument after each measurement.