JP4088150B2 - Electronic surveying instrument - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic surveying instrument, and more particularly, to an electronic surveying instrument that saves power in a built-in electrical component.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, electronic surveying instruments that operate on batteries (hereinafter simply referred to as surveying instruments) supply electrical current intermittently with respect to electrical components other than the CPU, and drive these electrical components intermittently to save power. I am trying. Further, a surveying instrument that saves power in a timely sleep state (power saving state in which the supply current is cut off or reduced) is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-300566.
[0003]
In the surveying instrument disclosed in the above publication, the procedure for setting the CPU to sleep is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this surveying instrument, when a command is interrupted, the command execution unit is jumped to execute this command (step 6). Next, a command and a parameter corresponding to this command are acquired from the ring buffer (step 7), and this command is executed (step 8). Further, it is checked whether or not the command still remains in the ring buffer (step 9). If the command still remains in the ring buffer, the remaining command is executed (step 7). If the command does not remain in the ring buffer, it is checked whether or not the executed command is a continuous command (step 10). If the executed command is a continuous command, the following command is executed (step 8). When the executed command is a single command, the CPU enters a sleep state (step 11) and power saving is achieved.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, although the publication does not describe returning the CPU from the power saving state to the normal state, in the same way as when returning the display, hard disk, CPU, etc. from the power saving state to the normal state in the personal computer, It is considered that the CPU returns from the power saving state to the normal state when any key operation or the like is performed.
[0005]
Thus, if the CPU returns to the normal state from the power saving state by the key operation, when the CPU is in the power saving state, some key operation is always required before collimating the next measurement point. There was a problem that this key operation was troublesome. In many cases, the operator forgets to operate this key and suddenly moves the collimating telescope to start collimating operation. In such a case, the CPU does not switch from the power saving state to the normal state. When the key is pressed later, the surveying instrument moves and the collimation is shifted, so that it is necessary to redo the collimation work or a measurement error is likely to occur.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an electronic surveying instrument that makes a built-in electrical component timely in a power saving state, it can be easily performed without a key operation from a power saving state to a normal state when desired. The challenge is to be able to return.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, in the electronic surveying instrument according to the first aspect of the present invention, a CPU that can be switched between the normal mode and the standby mode, a timer that sets the time of the standby mode, and the rotation angle of the collimating telescope An angle measuring unit for detecting
The CPU is switched to the standby mode when the output from the angle measuring unit does not change for a predetermined time or more in the normal mode, and is normal when the output from the angle measuring unit changes more than a predetermined value within a predetermined time. The mode is maintained, and when the mode is switched to the standby mode, the mode is returned to the normal mode after the time set by the timer has elapsed.
[0008]
As a result, if the operator does not touch the collimating telescope for a predetermined time or more, the collimating telescope is stationary during that time, and the output from the angle measuring unit does not change for a predetermined time or more, so the CPU changes from the normal mode to the standby mode. Switched to power saving state. Then, after the set time set by the timer, the CPU returns to the normal mode without any operation. At this time, if the collimating telescope is still stationary, the CPU is switched to the standby mode again. Hereinafter, until the collimating telescope is moved, the CPU enters a power saving state in which the normal mode and the standby mode are alternately repeated. When the operator moves the collimation telescope for collimation work, when the CPU returns from the standby mode to the normal mode, the CPU does not switch from the normal mode to the standby mode again, but returns to the normal state in which the normal mode continues. And surveying can be done as usual.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic surveying instrument comprising a CPU capable of switching between a normal mode and a standby mode, a timer for setting a standby mode time, and a tilt sensor for detecting a tilt of the main body. when the output from the inclination sensor when in the normal mode is not changed more than a predetermined time is switched to the standby mode, the output from the tilt sensor maintains the normal mode when the changes by a predetermined or more within a predetermined period of time When the mode is switched to the standby mode, the mode is returned to the normal mode after the time set by the timer has elapsed.
[0010]
As a result, if the operator does not touch the surveying instrument for a predetermined time or more, the output from the tilt sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more, so that the CPU is switched from the normal mode to the standby mode and enters a power saving state. When the operator touches the surveying instrument or the time set by the timer elapses , the CPU returns from the power saving state to the normal state as in the first aspect of the invention.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic surveying instrument according to the first or second aspect, the set time of the timer can be changed.
Since the timer setting time can be changed in this way, the timer setting time can be lengthened according to the situation to further reduce power consumption.
[0012]
In the electronic surveying instrument of the invention according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 1, 2, or 3, when the key input from the keyboard or the input from the external device is detected, the CPU changes from the standby mode to the normal mode. It is possible to return to the above.
[0013]
As a result, when a new command is input by key input or when there is an input from an external device, the CPU reliably returns from the standby mode to the normal mode, and key input or data input / output to / from the external device is possible. It becomes possible and works like a conventional surveying instrument.
[0014]
In the electronic surveying instrument of the invention according to claim 5, an electrical component that can be switched between the normal mode and the standby mode, a timer that sets the time of the standby mode, and a measuring unit that detects the rotation angle of the collimating telescope; The electrical component is switched to a standby mode when the output from the angle measuring unit does not change for a predetermined time or more when in the normal mode, and the output from the angle measuring unit changes by a predetermined value within a predetermined time. In this case, the normal mode is maintained, and when the standby mode is switched , the normal mode is restored after the time set by the timer has elapsed.
[0015]
Thus, when the operator does not touch a predetermined time or longer in the collimating telescope, during which viewing by collimating telescope is stationary, the output from the angle measuring unit does not change more than a predetermined time, the standby mode electrical component from the normal mode To save power. When the operator moves the collimating telescope for collimation work or the time set by the timer elapses , the electrical component returns from the power saving state to the normal state as in the first aspect of the invention. .
[0016]
An electronic surveying instrument according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an electrical component that can be switched between a normal mode and a standby mode, a timer that sets a standby mode time, and a tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the main body, The electrical component is switched to the standby mode when the output from the tilt sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more when in the normal mode, and is switched to the normal mode when the output from the tilt sensor changes more than a predetermined time within the predetermined time. When the standby mode is switched , the normal mode is restored after the time set by the timer has elapsed.
[0017]
As a result, if the operator does not touch the surveying instrument for a predetermined time or more, the output from the tilt sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more, so that the electrical component is switched from the normal mode to the standby mode and enters a power saving state. When the operator touches the surveying instrument or the time set by the timer elapses , the electrical component returns from the power saving state to the normal state as in the first aspect of the invention.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A surveying instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the surveying instrument, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the surveying instrument, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting the CPU to a sleep state in the surveying instrument. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the temporal distribution of the normal mode and standby mode of the CPU in this surveying instrument.
[0019]
The present embodiment can be applied to all surveying instruments including an angle measuring unit for detecting the angle between the collimating telescope and the collimating telescope, such as a total station and theodolite. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the surveying instrument will be described as an electronic theodolite.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the surveying instrument 20, a body 25 having a pair of column portions 24 is supported on a leveling table 22 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis (not shown). A collimating telescope 26 is rotatably supported around a horizontal axis (not shown) spanned between the sections 24. Below the main body 25, a display 28 for displaying survey results and a keyboard 30 for inputting commands and data are provided.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, the surveying instrument 20 includes an encoder 31 for detecting the altitude angle of the collimating telescope 26, an encoder 32 for detecting the horizontal angle of the collimating telescope 26, and each encoder. A vertical angle measuring unit 33 and a horizontal angle measuring unit 34 for detecting a rotation angle of 32, a tilt sensor 29 for outputting the tilt of the main body 21, and a tilt signal output unit 36 for converting an output from the tilt sensor 29 into an electrical signal. And a CPU (microcomputer) 40 for calculating survey results such as the azimuth and altitude angles of the measurement points from the output signals from both the angle measuring units 33 and 34 and the tilt signal output unit 36. Also connected to the CPU 40 are a display 28, a keyboard 30, a memory card storage device 42, and an input / output unit 46 for exchanging data with an external device 44, for example, a remote controller or a data collector. Is done.
[0022]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 40 is also connected to the timer 50, and when it is determined that the collimating telescope 26 is stationary for a predetermined time or longer, the timer 50 is started and set by the timer 50. The CPU 40 is set to the standby mode only for the time. The standby mode is to stop many functions of the CPU 40 except for a few functions such as key input from the keyboard 30 or detection of input from the external device 44 and to put the CPU 40 in a power saving state. . For this reason, in the standby mode, the current supplied from the power supply 48 to the CPU 40 can be greatly reduced. After the set time of the timer 50 elapses, the standby mode is canceled and the CPU 40 enters a normal state in which the normal mode works, and the conventional surveying can be performed. However, at this time, the collimating telescope 26 is still stationary for a predetermined time or more. When in the standby mode, the standby mode is entered again. Thereafter, the CPU 40 enters a power saving state in which the normal mode and the standby mode are alternately repeated. The timer 50 may be provided either inside or outside the CPU 40, but the timer 50 that is provided inside the CPU 40 uses a timer that can move even when the CPU 40 is in the sleep state.
[0023]
Of course, in this surveying instrument 20, various electrical components other than the CPU 40 (angle measuring units 33 and 34, tilt signal output unit 36, display 28, keyboard 30, input / output device 46, storage device 42, etc.) are also in the mode of the CPU 40. In accordance with the change, the system is switched to the normal mode and standby mode to further save power.
[0024]
Next, a procedure for setting the CPU 40 of the surveying instrument to the power saving state will be described in more detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0025]
First, when surveying is started by turning on the power switch of the surveying instrument 20, the process proceeds to step S1, and the CPU 40 is directed to the collimating telescope 26 based on output signals from the vertical angle measuring unit 33 and the horizontal angle measuring unit 34. Find the azimuth and elevation angle of the direction. The azimuth angle and altitude angle are corrected by a signal from the tilt signal output unit 36.
[0026]
Next, proceeding to step S2, it is checked whether the collimating telescope 26 is stationary for a predetermined time or more. For this purpose, the output (angle) from both angle measuring units 31 and 32 is checked for any output change (angle change) exceeding a predetermined value within a predetermined time, and the output from both angle measuring units 31 and 32 is determined. However, when there is no change in output more than a predetermined value within a predetermined time, it is determined that the collimating telescope 26 is stationary, and either of the outputs from the angle measuring units 31 and 32 is within the predetermined time. If the output change exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the collimating telescope 26 is not stationary. Here, the angle change of the collimating telescope 26 corresponding to the predetermined time and the output change exceeding the predetermined value can be changed by a key operation from the keyboard 30. Thus, the time during which the CPU 40 is in the normal mode can be changed, and the detection sensitivity of the angle change of the collimating telescope 26 can be adjusted.
[0027]
When it is determined in step S2 that the collimating telescope 26 is not stationary, the process returns from step S2 to step S1 to enter a normal state where angle measurement is repeated in the normal mode, and surveying can be performed as usual.
[0028]
If it is determined in step 2 that the collimating telescope 26 is stationary and there is no key input from the keyboard 30 or no input from the external device 44, the process proceeds to step S3 to start the timer 50, Proceeding to step S4, the CPU 40 is set to the standby mode.
[0029]
In step S5, it is checked whether there is a key input from the keyboard 30 or data input from the external device 44. If there is a key input or an input from the external device 44, the process proceeds to step S6, the standby mode is canceled, the timer is reset, and the process returns to step S1. For this reason, if there is a key input or an input from the external device 44, the standby mode is immediately canceled, the process returns to step S1, and the CPU 40 enters a normal state in which it operates in the normal mode. I / O is possible.
[0030]
If it is determined in step S5 that there is no key input or input from the external device 44, the process proceeds to step S7 to check whether the set time of the timer 50 has elapsed since the standby mode was entered. If the set time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8, the standby mode is canceled, the process returns to step S1, and the CPU 40 enters a normal state in which it operates in the normal mode so that surveying can be performed as usual. If the set time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S5 while remaining in the standby mode, and the process returns from step S7 to step S5 until the set time of the timer 50 has elapsed unless there is a key input or input from the external device 44. Repeatedly, the standby mode is maintained.
[0031]
When the set time of the timer 50 elapses, when returning from step S7 to step S1 through step S8, if the collimating telescope 26 is still stationary, the process proceeds to steps S3 and S4 again to enter the standby mode. If there is no key input or input from the external device 44, until the collimating telescope 26 is moved, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 40 performs the normal mode 52 of the set time T1 (steps S1-S2). And the standby mode 54 (steps S4 to S7) of the set time T2 is alternately repeated. However, if the collimating telescope 26 is moved in order to collimate the next target, the process returns from step S2 to step S1, so that the CPU 40 enters a normal state in which it operates in the normal mode, and surveying can be performed as usual.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the set time T1 for the normal mode 52 is set to about 0.5 seconds and the set time T2 for the standby mode is set to about 0.5 seconds. However, these set times T1 and T2 can be changed. is there. In order to change the set time T1, in step S2, the change of the predetermined time when the outputs from the angle measuring units 31 and 32 are checked for an output change more than a predetermined value within the predetermined time is changed to the keyboard 30. It is performed by key operation from. In order to change the set time T2, the set time of the timer 50 is changed by a key operation from the keyboard 30.
[0033]
Of course, the setting time T1 in the normal mode and the setting time T2 in the standby mode may be automatically changed without using a key operation from the keyboard 30. For example, when switching to the standby mode subsequently in step S4, the set time T1 may be shortened and the set time T2 may be lengthened for each switching, or the set time T1 may be increased as the remaining battery level of the power supply 48 decreases. May be set shorter and the set time T2 may be longer. Thus, if necessary, the set time T1 can be shortened and the set time T2 can be lengthened to further save power and extend the battery life of the power supply 48. However, since it is necessary to ensure the time required for the angle measurement in step S2, the set time T1 may be fixed.
[0034]
By the way, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the CPU 40 is set to the standby mode when the collimating telescope 26 is stationary for a predetermined time and the outputs from the angle measuring units 33 and 34 do not change for the predetermined time or longer. Even when there is no output change (inclination angle change) exceeding a predetermined value within a predetermined time, the CPU 40 may be set to the standby mode on the assumption that the operator is not touching the surveying instrument. In this case, the tilt angle change corresponding to the predetermined time and the output exceeding the predetermined time can be changed by a key operation from the keyboard 30.
[0035]
Further, when the output from the angle measuring units 33 and 34 or the output from the inclination sensor 29 does not change more than a predetermined value (inclination angle change) within a predetermined time, the CPU 40 remains in the normal mode and other than the CPU 40. Only the electrical components (angle measuring units 33 and 34, tilt signal output unit 36, display 28, keyboard 30, input / output device 46, storage device 42, etc.) may be set to the standby mode. Also in these cases, it is possible to save power by setting various electrical components to the standby mode. Moreover, since the CPU 40 is always in the normal mode, when the various electrical components return to the normal mode, the operation of the various electrical components can be started without delay, and work can be performed efficiently.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operator does not touch the electronic surveying instrument for a predetermined time or longer, the collimating telescope is stationary during this time, and the output from the angle measuring unit is predetermined. Since it does not change over time, the CPU is switched from the normal mode to the standby mode and enters the power saving state. However, after the set time set by the timer, the CPU returns to the normal mode without any troublesome key operation. If the telescope is still stationary when the standby mode returns to the normal mode, the CPU is switched to the standby mode again. Hereinafter, the CPU enters a power saving state in which the normal mode and the standby mode are alternately repeated. When the collimating telescope is moved, the normal state continues in the normal mode. As described above, the present invention can perform surveying as usual while automatically saving the power of the CPU, which is convenient for the operator.
[0037]
In the invention according to claim 2, if the operator does not touch the electronic surveying instrument for a predetermined time or more, the output from the tilt sensor does not change for the predetermined time or more, so the CPU is switched from the normal mode to the standby mode to save power. However, when the electronic surveying instrument is touched or the time set by the timer elapses, the CPU returns to the normal mode . Therefore, as in the invention according to claim 1 , this invention is also convenient for the operator because it can perform surveying as usual while automatically saving the power of the CPU.
[0038]
In the invention according to claim 3, since the setting time of the timer can be changed, further power saving can be achieved by increasing the setting time of the timer as necessary.
[0039]
In the invention according to claim 4, when the CPU detects a key input from the keyboard or an input from an external device, the CPU returns from the standby mode to the normal mode, so that when a new command is input, or When there is an input from an external device, the CPU automatically returns from the standby mode to the normal mode without performing annoying key operation, enabling key input or data input / output to / from the external device. Convenient because it works like a machine.
[0040]
In the invention according to claim 5, when the operator does not touch the collimating telescope, seen by collimating telescope is stationary, the output from the angle measuring unit does not change more than a predetermined time, the standby mode electrical component from the normal mode When the collimating telescope is moved or the time set by the timer elapses, the electrical component returns to the normal mode . Therefore, this invention is also convenient for the operator because, like the invention according to claim 1, the surveying can be performed as usual while automatically saving the electric power of the electrical parts.
[0041]
In the invention according to claim 6, if the operator does not touch the electronic surveying instrument, the output from the tilt sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more, so that the electrical component is switched from the normal mode to the standby mode to enter the power saving state. When the electronic surveying instrument is touched or the time set by the timer elapses, the electric component returns to the normal mode . Therefore, this invention is also convenient for the operator because, like the invention according to claim 1, the surveying can be performed as usual while automatically saving the electric power of the electrical parts.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an electronic surveying instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the surveying instrument.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting a CPU of the surveying instrument to a power saving state.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing temporal distributions of a normal mode and a standby mode of a CPU in the surveying instrument.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for putting a CPU of a conventional surveying instrument into a power saving state.
[Explanation of symbols]
20 Electronic surveying instrument 25 Main body 26 Collimating telescope 29 Tilt sensor 30 Keyboard 33 Vertical angle measuring unit (angle measuring unit)
34 Horizontal angle measuring unit (angle measuring unit)
40 CPU
44 External device 50 Timer

Claims (6)

A CPU that can be switched between a normal mode and a standby mode, a timer that sets the time of the standby mode, and an angle measuring unit that detects the rotation angle of the collimating telescope,
The CPU switches to the standby mode when the output from the angle measuring unit does not change for a predetermined time or more when in the normal mode, and is normal when the output from the angle measuring unit changes more than a predetermined value within a predetermined time. An electronic surveying instrument characterized by maintaining the mode and returning to the normal mode after elapse of the time set by the timer when the mode is switched to the standby mode . A CPU that can be switched between a normal mode and a standby mode, a timer that sets the standby mode time, and a tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the main body,
The CPU switches to the standby mode when the output from the tilt sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more when in the normal mode, and switches to the normal mode when the output from the tilt sensor changes by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time. An electronic surveying instrument which is maintained and switched back to the normal mode after the time set by the timer has elapsed when switched to the standby mode .   3. The electronic surveying instrument according to claim 1, wherein the set time of the timer is changeable.   4. The electronic surveying instrument according to claim 1, wherein when the key input from the keyboard or the input from the external device is detected, the CPU is returned from the standby mode to the normal mode. Electrical parts that can be switched between normal mode and standby mode, a timer that sets the time of standby mode, and an angle measuring unit that detects the rotation angle of the collimating telescope,
The electrical component is switched to the standby mode when the output from the angle measurement unit does not change for a predetermined time or more when in the normal mode, and when the output from the angle measurement unit changes by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time. An electronic surveying instrument characterized in that the normal mode is maintained, and when the mode is switched to the standby mode, the mode is returned to the normal mode after the time set by the timer elapses. An electrical component that can be switched between the normal mode and the standby mode, a timer that sets the time of the standby mode, and a tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the main body,
The electrical component, the normal mode when the output from the inclination sensor when in the normal mode when not vary by more than a predetermined time is switched to the standby mode, the output from the tilt sensor has changed a predetermined amount or more within a predetermined period of time The electronic surveying instrument is characterized in that when it is switched to the standby mode, it is returned to the normal mode after the time set by the timer has elapsed.

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