Camera Laser Range Finder with Movable Lens System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems with laser-based measuring units face challenges in adaptability across different applications, as manual lens exchange is impractical, prone to errors, and can damage the system, leading to reduced service life and measurement inaccuracies, especially in varying lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a lens system comprising two movable lenses that adjust the distance between them to vary the laser signal's width, allowing for automatic adjustment based on the camera's settings, enabling precise distance measurement without the need for manual lens changes, and allowing the system to output both linear and punctiform laser signals for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual lens exchange is used to adapt the laser beam width to different applications, then the system can be adjusted for different recording requirements, but the service life is reduced due to damage and errors, and the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static modular lens system with a dynamic continuously variable lens system. The laser beam width can be continuously adjusted during operation without manual intervention, allowing the system to adapt to different recording requirements while maintaining consistent service life. The continuously variable lens eliminates the need for manual lens exchanges that caused damage and reduced service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens exchange system with an optical system that uses a continuously variable lens. Instead of physically exchanging discrete lens modules, the system uses optical mechanisms to continuously adjust the beam width, eliminating mechanical wear and damage associated with manual lens changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual lens exchange is used to convert punctiform laser beam to linear beam, then the measuring unit can be adapted to different applications, but the operation becomes complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the measuring unit to automatically adjust the laser beam width according to recording requirements. The system self-regulates the beam configuration without requiring manual lens exchanges, thereby simplifying operation and eliminating errors associated with manual intervention while maintaining full adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete modular lenses are used, then different individual lenses can be equipped for different applications, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the discrete modular lens system with a dynamic continuously variable lens system that allows real-time adjustment of beam width without manual intervention. This dynamic system maintains full adaptability for different applications while dramatically improving the speed of adjustment, thereby increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous adjustment capability instead of discrete lens exchanges. The continuously variable lens enables smooth, uninterrupted adjustment of beam width, eliminating the downtime and operational interruptions associated with manual lens changes, thus maintaining continuous productive operation.
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
This solution enhances the adaptability and precision of distance measurements, reduces manual effort and potential for errors, and extends the system's service life by allowing automatic adjustments based on current camera settings, ensuring consistent recording quality across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a laser transceiver for emitting a laser signal and receiving a laser signal reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
receiving a laser signal reflected from the object
Implementation Method 3
a lens system having at least two spaced-apart lenses through which the laser signal emitted by the laser transceiver passes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A camera system (1) comprises: a camera unit (10) for capturing still and/or moving images of an object (2), wherein the camera unit (10) is adjustable with respect to at least one parameter relevant for capturing the still and/or moving images on the basis of a measurement signal (119); and a measurement unit (11) for capturing a distance (R) between the object and the camera unit (10).The measuring unit (11) comprises: a laser transmitter (111) for emitting a laser signal (L) and for receiving a laser signal reflected from the object; an evaluation unit (112) coupled to the laser transmitter (111), which is configured to provide the measurement signal (119), wherein the measurement signal (119) is indicative of the distance (R) between the object and the camera unit (10); and a lens system (113) comprising at least two spaced-apart lenses (1131, 1132) through which the laser signal (L) emitted by the laser transmitter passes, wherein at least one of the lenses (1131, 1132) is movably arranged so that the distance (D) between the at least two lenses (1131, 1132) is variably adjustable parallel to the laser signal transmission direction. This allows for easy adjustment of the measuring unit 11 to the respective application, and it is not necessary to replace lenses manually.Furthermore, the lens system (113) of the measuring unit (11) can be configured to output the laser signal as a line-shaped (and not as a point-shaped) laser signal. The lens system (113) comprises, for example, a prism or a diffraction grating and a cylindrical lens. In one embodiment, the arrangement of the first lens (1131) and the second lens (1132) as well as the front lens (1333) forms an afocal zoom system of the lens system (113).