Camera Laser Measurement System for Tilted Object Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring objects, such as measuring tapes and smartphone apps, are inconvenient, require significant effort, and lack accuracy, especially when measuring tilted objects.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile electronic device with a camera, a scanning laser system, and a distance measuring device that identifies tilted objects, measures distances, determines tilt angles, and calculates the actual size of objects using laser beams and pixel span on the device's display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a measuring tape is used to measure objects, then measurement can be performed, but it requires a person to hold the tape from one end as the other end is fixed, which is a lot of work and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measuring tape system with an optical-laser based measurement system. The camera captures images of objects, and a laser distance measuring device electronically measures distances, eliminating the need for manual tape handling. The processor automatically calculates dimensions from captured images and distance data, converting manual mechanical measurement into automated electronic measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, measuring distances, and calculating object dimensions without requiring human intervention for tape handling. The system autonomously processes the measurement task from image capture to final dimension calculation, freeing the user from manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If a smartphone app with reference object is used to measure objects, then measurement can be performed, but it requires placing a known/sspecific object next to the actual object which is very inconvenient and takes more effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference object requirement from the measurement process. Instead of needing a physical reference object placed next to the target object, the system uses the camera's field of view and laser distance measurements to directly calculate object dimensions. The reference scale is derived from the known distance measured by the laser and the pixel span in the captured image, eliminating the need for separate reference objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the laser distance measuring device as an intermediary between the camera and the object. The laser provides accurate distance information that serves as a virtual reference, replacing the need for physical reference objects. This intermediary enables direct measurement without requiring additional objects or complex setup procedures.
3Measurement precision
If a smartphone app with reference object is used to measure objects, then measurement can be performed, but the accuracy may be undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the less accurate visual estimation method of smartphone apps with precise laser distance measurement technology. The laser distance measuring device provides accurate distance data, and the processor uses this precise data along with image analysis to calculate object dimensions with higher accuracy than conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from visual estimation based on reference object comparison to precise laser distance measurement and pixel span calculation. By measuring the actual distance to the object and calculating the pixel span of the object in the image, the system derives accurate dimensional information through mathematical relationships rather than visual approximation.
4Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to measure tilted objects, then measurement can be performed, but the accuracy is compromised due to tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement approach by incorporating tilt angle detection and compensation. The system detects the tilt angle of the camera relative to the object and uses trigonometric calculations to compensate for the tilt effect. By measuring the pixel span and knowing the tilt angle, the processor calculates the actual object dimensions using mathematical relationships that account for the angular deviation, maintaining accuracy despite tilted positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment requirements with computational geometry and trigonometry. Instead of requiring the camera to be perfectly aligned with the object, the system uses image processing and mathematical calculations to determine object dimensions from tilted views, substituting mechanical precision requirements with computational solutions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and accurate measurement of tilted objects by compensating for tilt angles, providing precise dimensions with reduced user effort and improved accuracy compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
point a scanning laser source and laser beam at a plurality of points on the identified tilted object; measure distances from the laser source to each of the plurality of points on the tilted object
Implementation Method 2
a distance measuring device configured to receive a reflected laser beam from the object and calculate a distance from the a scanning laser system to the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying ranged measurements of objects within an image display is disclosed. Embodiments may use a range finding device to measure distances of objects from a user. Aspects of the subject technology may compensate for tilt of the object and/or of the device capturing the image.