Object Dimension Measurement Using Camera Deflection and Trigonometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object dimension measurement methods require specialized tools, which are often not portable and inaccessible to everyone, limiting accurate measurement capabilities in situations without these tools.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a photographing terminal, such as a mobile phone or tablet, to calculate object dimensions through trigonometric relationships between the camera's horizontal or vertical distance, imaging angle, and deflection angle, allowing for accurate measurement without specialized equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized measuring tools are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a photographing terminal (mobile phone or tablet) to perform both photographing and dimension measurement functions. The device uses its existing camera and processing capabilities to calculate object dimensions through trigonometric relationships, eliminating the need for specialized measuring instruments while maintaining measurement functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measuring systems with an optical-computational system. Instead of using physical measuring tools like rulers or calipers, the system uses the camera to capture images and then applies trigonometric calculations to determine dimensions. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical capture and mathematical computation resolves the contradiction between precision and device complexity.

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

2Measurement precision

If specialized measuring tools are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the photographing terminal to automatically perform measurement calculations without requiring user intervention or specialized knowledge. The device captures the image, automatically computes the dimensions using trigonometric relationships, and presents the results, making measurement accessible to anyone with a smartphone regardless of their expertise in measurement techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by capturing an optical copy (image) of the object through the camera and then deriving dimensional information from this copy through computational analysis. This approach allows measurement without direct physical contact or specialized measuring tools, simply by analyzing the captured image and associated geometric data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If traditional distance measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and working efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidworking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing trigonometric relationships and measurement algorithms within the photographing terminal. When a measurement is needed, the device already has the computational framework ready, allowing it to quickly process the captured image and generate dimension results without requiring manual setup or complex field calculations, thus improving working efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the measurement problem from direct physical measurement into a computational problem based on image parameters and geometric relationships. By changing the measurement approach from mechanical to optical-computational parameters, the system achieves both precision and efficiency through automated calculation rather than manual measurement processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 object dimension measurement using everyday carry devices, simplifying the measurement process and improving accessibility by eliminating the need for specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining an image of the photographed object; obtaining through calculation an imaging distance of the photographed object on a display screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3246659B1Method and device for measuring size of object
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3246659B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246659B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3246659B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An object dimension measurement method and apparatus are disclosed. The object dimension measurement method includes: obtaining a horizontal distance between a photographing terminal and a photographed object or a vertical distance between the photographing terminal and a horizontal plane; obtaining a camera imaging angle when the photographing terminal photographs the photographed object; calculating a deflection angle of a camera in a vertical direction when the photographing terminal photographs the photographed object; obtaining through calculation an imaging distance of the photographed object on a display screen of the photographing terminal according to a trigonometric relationship among the horizontal distance or the vertical distance, the camera imaging angle, the deflection angle, and the imaging distance; and obtaining through conversion an actual dimension of the photographed object according to the imaging distance. By means of this disclosure, an object dimension can be accurately measured without using a special measuring tool.