Acoustic Laser Receiver Modulating Signal Frequency for Height Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser receivers have poor visibility of distance arrows in certain ambient conditions and only provide three-state acoustic indication, lacking information on the actual position's distance from the target position, making it difficult for operators to set the correct height during leveling and marking work, especially in limited visibility scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and laser receiver that modulate a basic signal with a scanning signal, changing its scanning ratio and frequency based on the difference between the actual and target positions, providing precise acoustic instructions for adjusting the laser receiver, and optionally using external acoustic indication devices for improved audibility and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If optical display devices (LCD display with distance arrows) are used to show height difference, then visual information is provided, but visibility is poor in certain ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium to convey height difference information. Instead of relying solely on optical display that fails in poor visibility conditions, the system uses audio feedback (beeps, tone variations) as a mediator to transmit the same measurement data, allowing operators to receive information through a different sensory channel that is not affected by ambient lighting conditions.
2Ease of operation
If acoustic indication distinguishes only three states (below, at, above target position), then simple acoustic feedback is provided, but information about actual distance from target position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the acoustic signal characteristics variable rather than static. The frequency, duration, and pattern of acoustic beeps dynamically change based on the magnitude of height difference. For example, larger deviations produce different acoustic patterns compared to smaller deviations, allowing operators to infer distance information from the varying acoustic properties while maintaining the simplicity of audio feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the acoustic signal (frequency, duration, intensity) as a function of the height difference magnitude. This allows the same acoustic medium to convey quantitative information about distance from target position by varying its physical parameters, thereby enriching the information content without adding complexity to the basic acoustic indication mechanism.
3Reliability
If laser output is limited to permissible levels without protective equipment, then safety is maintained, but laser beam visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic signals as an intermediary to convey information that would otherwise require visible laser beams. Instead of increasing laser power to improve visibility (which would compromise safety), the system mediates the information transfer through audio feedback, allowing safe laser operation at permissible output levels while maintaining operational effectiveness through alternative sensing channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser receiver (1) for acoustically indicating a laser beam, including a housing (4), a detector unit (6) that ascertains the actual position (2) of the laser beam, an evaluation unit (8) that determines the difference between the actual position (2) and the target position (3), and an acoustic indication device (7) that uses an acoustic signal to indicate whether the actual position (2) of the laser beam is above, below or at the target position (3), wherein a control unit (9) is provided that, as a function of the difference between the actual position (2) and the target position (3), generates a scanning signal to modulate a basic signal, and then sends the scanning signal to the acoustic indication device (7).