Laser Measuring Device Gesture Control for Remote Point Definition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling laser-based measuring devices require manual alignment or image selection, limiting operator freedom and intuitiveness, especially when measuring remote or hard-to-reach points or areas.

Innovation Solution

A gesture-based control method using intuitive hand gestures, captured by a camera, to define measurement points or areas, allowing hands-free operation and enabling selection of measuring modes through natural gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual alignment of telescope or image selection is used to control measuring device, then device can be operated with existing control mechanisms, but operator freedom and intuitiveness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator freedom and intuitivenessVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control mechanisms (manual alignment of telescope, image selection interfaces) with a gesture-based optical recognition system. The camera captures hand gestures and the processing unit translates them into control commands, eliminating the need for physical alignment or complex interface interactions while improving operator freedom and intuitiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If operator needs to be close to object to define measurement points manually, then precise control can be achieved, but operator cannot measure remote or hard-to-reach points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepoint definition precisionVSAvoidability to measure remote points
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures gestures from a distance. The camera acts as a mediator between the operator's hand movements and the measuring device's control system, allowing precise point definition without requiring the operator to physically approach the measurement target, thus enabling measurement of remote or hard-to-reach points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3852006B1Gesture-based control of a measuring device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 HEXAGON TECH CENT GMBH
  • EP3852006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3852006B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3852006B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

A method of remotely controlling a laser-based measuring device (70) having a capturing device configured to capture images (72) of an operator (1) in a measuring surrounding (75), the method comprising providing a database with a multitude of pre-defined gestures (2), each gesture being assigned to a command for the measuring device; capturing, by the capturing device, one or more images of the operator; identifying at least one predefined gesture in the one or more images using a gesture detection algorithm, and performing a measuring operation of the measuring device based on the at least one identified gesture, wherein: the commands comprise target definition commands related to defining a measurement point (20) or measurement area in the measuring surrounding; the one or more images comprise at least a first gesture performed by the operator, wherein the first gesture is a pre-defined gesture that is assigned to a target definition command; identifying the at least one pre-defined gesture in the one or more images comprises identifying the first gesture; the gesture detection algorithm is configured to determine, based on the identified first gesture, the measurement point or measurement area defined by the operator; and performing the measuring operation comprises automatically measuring the defined measurement point or measurement area.