Handheld Laser Rangefinder Jitter Compensation via Composite Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held laser range finding devices face challenges in accurately determining distances due to user-induced jitter, which complicates identifying the correct object in a field of view, especially when objects are small or far away, and current solutions require additional stabilization equipment.
Innovation Solution
The method involves emitting multiple laser pulses, capturing images with a camera, mapping laser pulse locations to a coordinate system, generating composite images with visual representations of the laser pulses, and calculating distances, allowing users to visually confirm which object is ranged without needing stabilization assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser pulses are emitted to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser pulses and their corresponding images into a single composite image, merging multiple measurements to improve accuracy while managing complexity through integration rather than separate processing of each pulse
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual representations (copies) of laser pulse locations overlaid on images, allowing users to see where each pulse hit without adding physical complexity to the ranging mechanism itself
2Reliability
If stabilization equipment is added to reduce user-induced jitter, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the laser pulse locations on the target, allowing users to see exactly where each pulse hit. This visual feedback compensates for jitter by showing the actual measurement points, eliminating the need for physical stabilization equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The composite image acts as an intermediary between the laser pulses and the user, providing visual information about pulse locations without requiring mechanical stabilization. The image processing system mediates the effect of jitter by displaying multiple pulse locations in context
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured and processed to create composite images, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images and creating composite images in advance, with all processing completed before the final distance calculation. This preliminary processing allows for more accurate measurements without delaying the actual ranging result
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple images and laser pulse data are merged into a single composite image and processed together in one operation, rather than processing each image separately. This combining approach reduces total processing time while maintaining the accuracy benefits of multiple measurements
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 approach enables true hand-held range finding capabilities by allowing users to visually confirm which object is being ranged, improving accuracy without requiring additional stabilization equipment, thus overcoming the uncertainty introduced by user-induced jitter.
Implementation Method 1
receiving reflected energy in response to the at least two laser pulse reflecting off a surface
Implementation Method 2
capturing for each laser pulse an image that includes the target object and the area surrounding the target object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Using a hand-held range finding device to range an object in a field of view is difficult due to user-induced jitter. In particular, user-induced jitter introduces uncertainty as to which object in a field of view is actually ranged. Current approaches attempt to mitigate user-induced jitter by requiring a user to mount the hand-held range finding device onto a stabilizing device (e.g., a tripod). However, such approaches require the user to carry additional equipment. Embodiments of the present disclosure enable the user to visually confirm which object in a field of view is actually ranged during a range finding event by generating a composite image that includes a visual representation of a laser pulse emitted by the range finding device reflecting off an object in the field of view. Advantageously, disclosed embodiments provide true hand-held range finding capabilities without requiring the use of stabilization assistance techniques.