Laser Distance Measurement Parallax Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser distance measurement devices face parallax errors due to misalignment of the camera and laser units, which can lead to incorrect targeting and measurement errors, especially at larger distances or under environmental changes such as temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a laser distance measurement device that includes a calibration mode to correct parallax errors by adjusting the relative position of the image and marker on the screen, allowing operators to manually or automatically shift the marker to align it with the target point, using a touch-sensitive screen, keyboard, or external data processing devices, ensuring accurate targeting and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera and laser units are positioned separately in the housing, then the device can perform both imaging and distance measurement functions, but parallax errors occur due to misalignment between the two units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before actual measurements to correct the parallax error. The calibration process pre-adjusts the marker position in the display to compensate for the misalignment between camera and laser units, ensuring accurate targeting without requiring physical repositioning of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameter by dynamically adjusting the position of the marker overlay on the captured image. Through calibration, the system determines a correction value that shifts the marker's position in the display to align with the actual laser target point, thereby resolving the parallax error while maintaining separate component positions.
2Device complexity
If the marker position is fixed relative to the camera view, then the display is simple to generate, but the marker does not accurately represent the laser target point position due to parallax error
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the display parameter by adjusting the marker position coordinates based on calibration data. The correction value determined during calibration is applied to shift the marker's display position, maintaining accurate alignment between the marker and the actual laser target point without complicating the overall display generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment adjustments with a software-based correction system. Instead of physically adjusting the camera or laser positions, the system uses computational methods to calculate and apply a correction value that repositions the marker in the display, substituting mechanical complexity with software processing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the camera and laser units remain in fixed positions, then the device structure is simple and robust, but environmental changes such as temperature variations cause misalignment and parallax errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for environmental changes by dynamically adjusting the marker position parameter based on calibration data. The correction value accounts for misalignments caused by temperature variations or mechanical shifts, allowing the marker to remain accurately aligned with the laser target point despite changes in physical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process establishes a feedback mechanism where the system determines a correction value based on the actual misalignment between camera and laser positions. This correction value is then applied to the marker display position, creating a compensatory feedback loop that maintains accuracy despite environmental variations or structural shifts.
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 method enables precise alignment and correction of parallax errors in real-time, improving the accuracy and efficiency of distance measurements by ensuring the marker accurately represents the target point's position on the screen, even under mechanical or environmental changes, thus enhancing user comfort and reducing erroneous measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a laser distance measurement unit (120) of the laser distance measurement device is used to emit laser radiation to a target point
Implementation Method 2
Laser radiation that is reflected or scattered, that is to say radiated back, by the desired target object is at least partly detected by the laser distance measurement device
Implementation Method 3
a camera (122) of the laser distance measurement device is used to acquire at least one image of at least one target environment of the target point
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a hand-held laser distance measurement device for contactless distance measurement in a calibration mode is based on a method in which a laser distance measurement unit of the laser distance measurement device is used to emit laser radiation to a target point, a camera of the laser distance measurement device is used to acquire at least one image of at least one target environment of the target point, and a screen of the laser distance measurement device is used to output a display of the image overlaid with a marker of the target point. A parallax error in the display of the image overlaid with the marker of the target point is corrected.