Laser Leveling Tool Gesture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser leveling tools rely on physical press buttons for user input, which can lead to errors and confusion, especially when projecting multiple patterns, and occupy a large area on the tool.

Innovation Solution

The integration of gesture control means using sensors to detect user gestures and movements, allowing for command input without pressing buttons, such as swiping or tapping actions, to control laser beam patterns like horizontal, vertical, and plumb laser beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical press buttons are used for controlling laser patterns, then user input can be received, but the buttons occupy a large area and may affect the levelled position and orientation of the tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input controlVSAvoidHMI area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical press buttons with a capacitive touch screen that detects gestures through changes in electrical capacitance. The touch screen surface serves as the interface, eliminating the need for protruding physical buttons while maintaining input functionality. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing control capability without occupying additional mechanical space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more buttons are provided for controlling different laser patterns, then more pattern types can be projected, but the HMI occupies a larger area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser pattern controlVSAvoidHMI area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive touch screen serves multiple functions: it displays information, receives various gesture inputs (swipes, taps, holds), and controls multiple laser patterns. Different gesture types (horizontal swipe, vertical swipe, circular motion, prolonged press) map to different control functions, allowing a single surface to replace multiple dedicated buttons while maintaining full pattern control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single button design is used to toggle patterns in cycle, then the number of buttons is reduced, but users may be confused when controlling specific patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton quantityVSAvoidpattern selection clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions or zones on the touch screen are assigned to control specific laser patterns. For example, swiping in different directions from different starting positions, or pressing different areas of the screen, activates specific patterns. This spatial differentiation provides intuitive visual and tactile feedback, allowing users to control specific patterns without confusion despite using a single unified interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If physical press buttons are used for inputting commands, then commands can be entered, but press actions may affect the levelled position and orientation causing error or deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand inputVSAvoidprojected pattern accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical button pressing with capacitive touch detection that senses gestures through electrical field changes. This allows command input without physical contact that could disturb the tool's levelled position. The touch screen detects finger proximity and movement through capacitance changes, enabling precise control without mechanical interference that would cause positioning errors or deflection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution eliminates the deficiencies of physical buttons by enabling intuitive and error-free control of laser patterns through gesture recognition, reducing the need for multiple buttons and enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

gesture control means comprises at least one sensor adapted to sense gestures and/or movements of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11885642B2Laser leveling tool with gesture control

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A laser leveling tool comprising: gesture control means comprises at least one sensor adapted to sense gestures and/or movements of a user; and a controller in communication with the gesture control means for receiving signals from the sensor and generating control commands for the tool based on the received signals, the control commands comprising at least ON/OFF states of laser beam patterns that the tool can project.