Calibrating 3D Coordinate Apparatus for Sub-Area Precision

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current apparatuses for pointing spatial coordinates lack accuracy in calibration, particularly when only a subset of the 3D working area is utilized for measurements, leading to suboptimal performance and the need for unnecessary recalibration of the entire working area.

Innovation Solution

The method involves calibrating the apparatus specifically within the actual 3D working area relevant to the particular measurement, using sensors and user input to determine and correct spatial coordinates, allowing for improved accuracy without recalibrating the entire domain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the apparatus is calibrated in the entire predefined 3D working area, then the calibration covers all possible measurement locations, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and redundant when only a subset of the working area is actually used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the predefined 3D working area into multiple calibration zones based on where measurements are actually performed. Instead of calibrating the entire working area, the system segments the calibration process to focus only on the relevant sub-region, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy where it matters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by performing calibration with higher density and precision in the actual measurement area where the hand-held probe is frequently used, rather than uniformly calibrating the entire working area. This ensures optimal measurement precision in the critical zone while reducing unnecessary calibration efforts elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus performs calibration across the full predefined 3D working area, then all spatial coordinates are covered, but the complexity of the calibration process increases unnecessarily when measurements are confined to a smaller region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement area coverageVSAvoidcalibration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the calibration area dynamic by automatically determining the actual measurement area based on where the hand-held probe is used. The calibration region adapts to the specific measurement task, expanding or contracting as needed, which reduces complexity while maintaining versatility across different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the actual measurement area and adjusting the calibration scope accordingly. This self-adapting mechanism reduces the need for manual configuration and simplifies the calibration process while maintaining coverage of the relevant area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If the apparatus uses a reduced calibration area based on actual measurement needs, then calibration time is reduced, but the risk increases that the calibration area may not sufficiently cover all measurement points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration timeVSAvoidcalibration coverage reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors measurement points and automatically adjusts the calibration area to ensure all actual measurement locations are covered. This feedback loop guarantees that the reduced calibration area still provides sufficient coverage reliability by adapting to the actual measurement needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of the actual measurement area before calibration, using information about where measurements will be taken. This preliminary action ensures that the calibration area is pre-adjusted to cover all necessary points, preventing coverage gaps while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3627099B1A method of calibrating an apparatus for pointing spatial coordinates as well as a corresponding apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 PRODIM INT BV
  • EP3627099B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3627099B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A method of calibrating an apparatus for pointing spatial coordinates, wherein said apparatus comprises a moveable hand-held probe, having a pointing tip for pointing at said spatial coordinates, and a portable base unit, wherein said portable base unit is provided with sensors for measuring, in a predefined three dimensional, 3D, working area surrounding said portable base unit, a relative position of said pointed spatial coordinates with respect to said portable base unit, wherein said method comprises the steps of determining an actual 3D working area for a particular measurement, wherein said actual 3D working area is a sub-area of said predefined 3D working area, calibrating said apparatus in said actual 3D working area.