Automatic Laser Rangefinder with Proximity and Acceleration Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser rangefinders require manual activation, which can lead to errors in distance measurement and are inconvenient for users with small hands, as they need to physically turn on the device, potentially shifting it and affecting shooting accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A laser rangefinder with a case equipped with a first sensing device to detect the user's eye proximity to an aiming window and a second sensing device to measure case acceleration, automatically activating the measuring device when both conditions are met, allowing for stable and accurate distance measurement without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual switch activation is used, then the laser rangefinder can be turned on, but it causes shifting and measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation operationVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The laser rangefinder automatically activates itself through the proximity sensor detecting the user's eye and the accelerometer confirming stable holding, eliminating the need for manual switch operation that causes shifting and measurement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical manual switch is replaced with an automatic activation system using proximity sensor and accelerometer to detect user presence and stability, thereby eliminating mechanical shifting during activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a remoter is used for activation, then shifting is avoided, but user movement affects measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically activates when the user's eye is detected near the aiming window and the device is held stably, eliminating the need for separate remote operation that causes user movement and measurement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity sensor and accelerometer serve dual purposes: detecting user presence for activation and confirming stable holding conditions, eliminating the need for separate remote control operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual switch is used, then activation is simple, but users with small hands find it difficult to reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation accessibilityVSAvoidactivation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser rangefinder activates automatically through sensor detection of user eye proximity and stable holding, eliminating the need for users to physically reach and press switches regardless of hand size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If automatic activation is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity sensor and accelerometer are combined into a single automatic activation system that detects both user presence and stable holding conditions, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate remote control and sensing systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise and hands-free activation of the laser rangefinder, reducing measurement errors and improving usability by automatically initiating the distance measurement when the user is stably aiming, thus enhancing shooting accuracy and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensing device to detect the user's eye proximity to an aiming window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second sensing device to measure case acceleration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

The measuring device emits a laser ray to the target to measure a distance between the target and the laser rangefinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 4

emits a laser ray to the target to measure a distance between the target and the laser rangefinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS8576383B2Automatic laser rangefinder and method of automatically activating the laser rangefinder to measure distance

Publication Date: 2013.11.05 ASIA OPTICAL INT LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a laser rangefinder and a method of activating the laser rangefinder to measure distance. The laser rangefinder has a first sensing to sense whether the user is aiming the laser rangefinder at a target and a second sensing device to sense an acceleration of the laser rangefinder and the acceleration has to be smaller than a preset value. The laser rangefinder will be automatically activated to measure distance when both of the first sensing device and the second device are checked.