Height Measuring Device Using Distance Sensor to Eliminate Parallax Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height measurement devices are often cumbersome, prone to parallax errors, and require a clear line of sight to a ceiling, leading to instability and inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A height-measuring device that uses a distance sensor, either linear or rotary encoder, to calculate height by capturing calibration and measurement data, eliminating the need for a bulky floor base and minimizing parallax errors, with a retractable tape mechanism and a foot platform for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distance sensor is used to calculate height via difference of calibration and distance readings, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical height measurement systems (graduated rods, sliding planks, parallax sights) with an electronic distance sensor system. The distance sensor optically measures the distance from the sensor to the ceiling, eliminating mechanical contact and parallax reading errors. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical/electronic measurement achieves higher precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary that processes raw distance sensor readings, applies calibration data, and calculates final height measurements. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by centralizing the measurement logic and eliminating the need for complex mechanical reading mechanisms, thereby improving precision while managing device complexity through intelligent processing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device is mounted onto a surface, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into separate functional components: a mounting bracket for wall/surface attachment, a level indicator for alignment verification, and the main sensor housing. This segmentation allows the device to be mounted stably on surfaces while simplifying the installation process through modular assembly and self-leveling features, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If a clear line of sight to ceiling is required, then measurement precision is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from requiring horizontal line-of-sight measurement (traditional ceiling-to-floor approach) to vertical distance measurement using the distance sensor's optical axis. By changing the measurement dimension and using the sensor's built-in level indicator to ensure vertical alignment, the system maintains precision while adapting to various ceiling types and installation locations, including vaulted ceilings and areas without clear horizontal sightlines.
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 provides accurate, efficient, and stable height measurements without the need for a clear line of sight, reducing errors and improving user experience by integrating the data processing and display capabilities across various devices.
Implementation Method 1
The distance sensor may include a linear encoder or a rotary encoder
Implementation Method 2
The distance sensor may include a linear encoder or a rotary encoder
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for measuring height of one or more objects/users. Once the height measuring device is calibrated, a retracting foot platform is positioned atop a user/object and its distance is captured, stored and calculated by a distance sensor to determine the resulting heights of the objects/users. The distance sensors may come in the form of a linear encoder or a rotary encoder. The height measurements may be displayed on a screen, including the screen display of the height measuring device itself, or other devices such as a tablet, smartphone or scale. The height data from each user/object may be compared to one another. The height measuring device also includes a predictive algorithm that determines the future height of one or more users.