Target Positioning via Laser Reflection and Camera Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position coordinates of a target object require expensive angle measuring devices and precise alignment of laser beams, increasing complexity and cost, while also being less accurate for interior use.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a laser distance measuring device and a camera to calculate position coordinates by reflecting a laser beam off a target device with a reflector element, eliminating the need for angle measuring devices and allowing for high-accuracy two- or three-dimensional coordinate determination using a target device with a circular cylinder or spherical geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If angle measuring devices are used to determine position coordinates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the angle measuring device from the measurement system. Instead of using separate angle measuring devices for azimuth and elevation angles, the invention uses only a laser distance measuring device and a camera device, eliminating the complex angle measurement components while maintaining position determination capability through alternative computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical angle measuring system with an optical-computational system. The camera device captures images of the target device, and through image processing and coordinate transformation algorithms, the system calculates position coordinates without mechanical angle sensors, substituting physical measurement with optical detection and mathematical computation
2Measurement precision
If laser beam is precisely aligned to target object, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into two independent components: a laser distance measuring device for obtaining distance information and a camera device for obtaining angular/positional information through imaging. This segmentation allows the laser beam to be less precisely aligned since the camera captures the target's position independently, reducing the strict alignment requirements while maintaining overall measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a target device with reflector element as an intermediary between the laser distance measuring device and the camera. The reflector element ensures strong laser beam reflection back to the receiver, facilitating accurate distance measurement without requiring precise alignment, while simultaneously serving as the imaging target for the camera device
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 determination of position coordinates without the need for angle measuring devices, reducing equipment costs and complexity, and is suitable for both stationary and moving targets, with the ability to calculate two- or three-dimensional coordinates based on the geometry of the target device.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is transmitted by a transmitting element of a laser distance measuring device onto the target device
Implementation Method 2
at least a part of the laser beam is partially reflected on the reflector element
Implementation Method 3
an image of the target device with the at least partially reflected laser beam is recorded as light reflection by a camera device
Implementation Method 4
a distance to the target object is calculated from the received beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for determining position coordinates of a target object is disclosed. The method includes positioning a target device on the target object, transmitting a laser beam onto the target device, reflecting the laser beam off of the target device, recording an image of the target device by a camera device with the reflected laser beam as a light reflection in the image, and determining a focus of the light reflection in the image. The reflected laser beam is received and a distance to the target object is calculated from the received beam. A first offset is calculated from a focal length of the camera device, the calculated distance to the target object, and a first image coordinate of the focus of the light reflection in the image. The position coordinates of the target object are calculated from the distance and the first offset.