Electronic Device Distance Measurement Using Camera Locating Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for distance measurement, such as using scales or specialized instruments, are inconvenient and often require assistance for larger measurements, especially when measuring distances in everyday life scenarios like human height.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a camera and facial recognition capabilities that allows users to perform distance measurements by identifying locating points on a person, such as the sole and head, and calculates the height using reference planes and points, enabling direct display of measurement results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a scale or special instrument is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision can be ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates because users do not necessarily carry these tools and may need assistance from other people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device integrates multiple functions including camera, facial recognition, and distance measurement capabilities into a single portable device. This allows the device to serve as both a general-purpose electronic device and a specialized measurement tool, eliminating the need for separate measurement instruments and assistant personnel while maintaining measurement accuracy through algorithmic processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems (scales, instruments, and manual measurement processes) with an electronic system that uses camera imaging, facial recognition algorithms, and coordinate transformation mathematics. This substitution enables independent operation by the user while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional measurement methods are used, then measurement can be performed with simple tools, but productivity deteriorates due to the need for assistance and multiple operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement operations (capturing image, identifying facial features, determining locating points, performing coordinate transformations, and calculating distance) into a single automated process executed by the electronic device. This merging of operations eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and assistant personnel, significantly improving measurement productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device performs self-service by automatically capturing images, identifying facial features through facial recognition, determining the positions of locating points, and calculating measurement results without requiring assistance from other people. The device uses its own integrated resources (camera, processor, algorithms) to complete the entire measurement process independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3923239B1Distance measurement method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3923239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3923239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3923239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A distance measurement method and an electronic device are provided, and relate to a terminal device. The electronic device receives a first operation, where the first operation is used to start distance measurement on a measured target; the electronic device displays a first user interface on a display screen in response to the first operation, where the first user interface is configured to display an image captured by a camera, and the image is captured by the camera at any angle; the electronic device receives a second operation, where the second operation is an operation performed by a user based on the image; the electronic device adds and displays a first locating point on the first user interface in response to the second operation; the electronic device performs distance measurement on the measured target based on the first locating point, to obtain a measurement result of the measured target; and the measurement result is displayed. This technical solution makes distance measurement more convenient for the user and helps improve user experience.