Fixed-Element Digital Optical Measuring Device Stereo Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical measuring devices rely on human vision and perception, making them incompatible with modern digital optical systems and inefficient for obtaining accurate distance information.
Innovation Solution
A fixed-element, digital-optical measuring device with two optical paths using elements like prisms, mirrors, and beam-splitters that converge light onto digital sensors, allowing for the determination of range and other characteristics through stereo imaging and empirical functions, enabling real-time data processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical measuring devices use rotating optical elements for triangulation, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but the device is incompatible with modern digital optical systems and requires human vision/perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotation system with a fixed optical element configuration. Instead of rotating mirrors or prisms to achieve triangulation, the invention uses multiple fixed optical elements (lenses, mirrors, beam splitters) that direct light from different angles to a single digital sensor, eliminating moving parts while maintaining distance measurement capability through digital processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the incoming light path into multiple fixed pathways. This allows light from different angular positions to be simultaneously directed to the digital sensor without requiring mechanical rotation, enabling digital system compatibility while preserving triangulation functionality
2Productivity
If traditional optical measuring devices rely on human vision and perception, then operational simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and accuracy for digital system integration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the human visual system with a digital sensor and electronic processing system. The fixed optical elements project images directly onto a digital sensor array, which automatically captures and processes the optical data without requiring human vision or manual interpretation, dramatically improving processing efficiency and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform measurements and calculations without human intervention. The digital sensor captures images, the processor automatically calculates distances using the fixed-element geometric relationships, and the results are displayed digitally, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on human perception
3Reliability
If fixed optical elements are used instead of rotating elements, then device reliability and digital system compatibility improve, but the ability to dynamically adjust measurement angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single rotating element that changes angles in one dimension to multiple fixed elements arranged in different spatial positions. This multi-dimensional fixed configuration captures light from various angles simultaneously, providing the same angular versatility as rotation but with improved reliability and digital compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple fixed segments (separate optical elements at different positions) rather than using a single rotating element. Each fixed element captures light from a specific angle, and the combination of these segmented fixed elements provides comprehensive angular coverage equivalent to rotation, while maintaining system stability and reliability
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 accurate and efficient determination of distance, speed, and topographical data, improving upon traditional methods by integrating with digital systems and providing real-time results.
Implementation Method 1
two optical elements, usually either prisms or mirrors, are located at the front of the housing to project images toward the eyepiece
Implementation Method 2
optical pathways is comprised of elements like prisms, mirrors, and beam-splitters that cause light to converge
Implementation Method 3
These kinds of measuring devices work by optical triangulation
Data Source
AI summary
Fixed-element, digital-optical measuring devices are disclosed, as are methods for using these devices. The measuring devices have two separate optical pathways with fixed elements that produce a stereo image. The optical pathways may include mirrors, prisms, beam splitters, and other such elements, or two digital sensors may be used. Image distance between stereo copies of a point of interest in the stereo image is measured digitally and converted to a physical distance from the measuring device. The conversion may be done with a non-trigonometric function, such as a function created using empirical data. In some cases, the function may be a function-of-functions that provides a calibration for a number of different lens focal lengths.