Out-of-Plane Laser Measurement for Irregular Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement technologies are inconvenient and inaccurate for measuring linear or irregular dimensions, especially when the measurement location is not proximal or in-plane with the object, as they require physical contact and are limited by the need for a reference point in-line with the object's plane.
Innovation Solution
A non-contacting, out-of-plane measurement apparatus using a coherent light beam to measure distances and angles, allowing computation of geometric quantities like lengths, areas, and volumes by pointing the beam at multiple points of interest and employing geometric and trigonometric relations, without the need for physical proximity to the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact measuring devices (rulers, tape measures) are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when measuring inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measuring devices with a laser-based optical system. The laser distance measuring device uses laser beams to measure distances without physical contact, eliminating the need to physically position measuring tools against objects in inaccessible locations while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical time-of-flight or phase-shift techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the measuring device and the target object. The laser beam serves as a non-contact mediator that can reach inaccessible locations (such as elevated ceilings) without requiring the user to physically approach or touch the object, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If laser distance measuring devices are used from remote positions, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when measuring from out-of-plane locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional in-plane measurements to three-dimensional out-of-plane measurements by incorporating angular measurement capabilities. The system measures both the distance to the target point and the angular position relative to the device, enabling accurate measurements from any spatial location without being constrained to the object's plane, thus maintaining precision while improving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from solely distance-based to a combination of distance and angle parameters. By measuring the angle of the laser beam relative to the device's reference frame along with the distance, the system can accurately determine positions in three-dimensional space, allowing measurements from out-of-plane locations without sacrificing precision.
3Measurement precision
If measurements are conducted from in-plane reference points, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when the reference point is inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reference frame parameters from fixed in-plane coordinates to a three-dimensional coordinate system that incorporates angular measurements. This allows the device to establish accurate reference points from any accessible location in space, not limited to positions in the object's plane, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining measurement precision through mathematical coordinate transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement capability from two-dimensional in-plane geometry to three-dimensional spatial geometry. By measuring angular positions in addition to distances, the system can determine accurate positions and dimensions of objects from any out-of-plane reference point, significantly improving adaptability to different measurement scenarios while preserving precision through 3D geometric calculations.
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 convenient and accurate measurement of distances, angles, and volumes from any location, including irregular paths and inaccessible areas, without the need for physical contact or alignment with the object's plane, improving measurement flexibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contacting, out-of-plane measurement apparatus using a coherent light beam to measure distances and angles
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contacting, out-of-plane measurement apparatus for measuring distances, angles and related geometric quantities, and for computing other quantities based on the measurements, is provided. The measurement apparatus can measure distances to target points of interest and can also measure angles therebetween, including angles with respect to at least one or two degrees of freedom so as to compute information determining vector segments between a reference point and the points of interest, then, to compute lengths and areas and volumes of objects of interest defined by the points of interest. In some cases, areas of polygons can be measured as sums of cross-products of the computed vectors to the points of interest located at the vertices of the polygons. Also, computing constituent triangular projections onto a polygon of interest using said apparatus then summing said constituent triangular projections so as to arrive at an area of said polygon. The apparatus and its methods are extendable to non-planar and three-dimensional calculations as well. In this way, the apparatus, or its user, are not required to be located at any special place or in-plane with the object (e.g., plane of a polygon) being measured.