Distance-Measuring Device Optical Signal Reference Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance-measuring devices face high measuring uncertainty due to inadequate display of the selected reference stop, leading to incorrect measurements, especially when users inadvertently select the wrong reference stop, resulting in errors exceeding 10 cm.
Innovation Solution
A distance-measuring device with a separate optical signal means clearly associated with the selected reference stop, providing unambiguous indication of the chosen stop, thereby preventing incorrect selections and ensuring accurate measurements by correlating the position of the reference stop with its corresponding optical signal means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a visual display is used to indicate the selected reference stop, then information can be displayed, but the indication is not clear enough leading to user errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical signal means that emit light in different colors or patterns to indicate the selected reference stop. This visual differentiation through color changes provides clear, unambiguous indication that prevents user confusion and ensures the correct reference stop is selected, thereby improving both information clarity and measuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical signal means between the reference stop selection and the measurement process. This intermediary provides a clear visual confirmation of the selected reference stop, acting as a mediator that eliminates ambiguity and prevents user errors in identifying the correct reference stop.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reference stops are provided for different measurement scenarios, then versatility is improved, but the risk of selecting the wrong reference stop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns distinct optical signal characteristics to each reference stop, creating local quality differences that make each reference stop uniquely identifiable. This allows users to quickly distinguish between multiple reference stops and select the correct one for their specific measurement scenario, maintaining versatility while improving selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback through optical signals that activate when a reference stop is selected. This feedback mechanism confirms the selection to the user, allowing them to verify the correct reference stop is chosen before proceeding with measurement, thereby preventing errors even when multiple reference stops are available.
3Device complexity
If the reference stop indication is integrated into the main display, then device complexity is reduced, but the indication is not sufficiently prominent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the indication function from the main display by using separate optical signal means dedicated specifically to reference stop indication. This segmentation ensures that the reference stop indication is prominent and cannot be overlooked, while the overall device complexity remains manageable through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the indication system by using optical signals that operate independently from the main display plane. This dimensional separation creates a prominent, attention-grabbing indication that is visually distinct and ensures users can easily identify the selected reference stop without confusion.
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
The solution significantly reduces the risk of user errors by clearly indicating the selected reference stop, allowing users to intuitively confirm the correct stop is used, thereby minimizing measurement errors and enhancing measuring certainty.
Implementation Method 1
the housing has at least one optical signal means or signaler that is separate from the visual display, said signaler being unambiguously associated with a reference stop and being activated when that reference stop is selected
Data Source
AI summary
A distance-measuring device for the contactless measurement of the distance to a target, including a housing; a measuring apparatus which utilizes an optical measuring beam, which is arranged in a housing, and by which the distance to the target can be measured contactlessly; at least one reference stop arranged on the housing and that can be selected by the user in order to carry out the measurement; an operating and input array arranged on the housing and serving to operate at least one measuring apparatus; a visual display arranged on the housing and coupled to the operating and input array to indicate an operating state and/or the measured distance from a selected reference stop to the target. The housing has at least one optical signaler separate from the visual display and unambiguously associated with a reference stop and being activatable whenever that reference stop is selected.