Digital Height Scale Using 2D Codes for Accurate Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital height scales face inaccuracies due to slit skipping and require precise mounting of numeric values, which can lead to measurement deviations and the need to reset the cursor to the origin for each measurement.
Innovation Solution
A length measuring apparatus using two-dimensional codes alongside the scale part, where a camera reads these codes to obtain coordinate information, which is then converted to length information using a pre-generated correspondence, allowing for accurate measurements regardless of mounting accuracy and eliminating the need for cursor resetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a bar code is used to display numeric values on the scale, then the scale can be mounted with lower precision requirements, but the bar code must be provided at a position corresponding to the height which complicates the mounting process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear bar codes to two-dimensional codes arranged in a matrix pattern. This dimensional change allows the scale to be mounted without precise positioning requirements, as the two-dimensional arrangement provides redundant information that can be decoded even if some codes are misaligned or obscured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameters from linear sequential bar codes to two-dimensional matrix codes with specific patterns. This parameter change enables the system to tolerate mounting variations while maintaining accurate height measurement capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If a linear encoder or rotary encoder is used to count slits for height measurement, then digital height measurement is achieved, but slit skipping causes measurement deviation and requires cursor resetting to origin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an optical image of the two-dimensional codes on the scale, creating a digital copy of the physical scale positions. This optical copying method replaces the mechanical slit-counting approach, eliminating slit skipping issues while maintaining automated digital measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical encoder system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical slits and sensors to count positions, the system uses a camera to optically capture and digitally process two-dimensional code images, substituting mechanical measurement with optical-digital measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the cursor is moved to origin every time height is measured to correct for slit skipping, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-arranges two-dimensional codes at known positions on the scale before measurement begins. This preliminary coding allows the system to directly calculate height from the captured image without requiring iterative cursor movements or origin resets, enabling immediate accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces two-dimensional codes as an intermediary between the physical scale and the measurement system. These codes serve as a stable reference that the camera can read directly, eliminating the need for mechanical cursor movements and origin resets required by traditional encoder systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A length measuring apparatus for measuring length of a measuring object, includes a scale part provided to the measuring object, the scale part having two-dimensional codes with different patterns provided alongside at least in a longitudinal direction; a reading unit configured to read the two-dimensional codes; an obtaining unit configured to obtain coordinate information based on the two-dimensional code; and a conversion unit configured to convert the obtained coordinate information to length information based on a previously generated correspondence between the coordinate information and length information of the measuring object.