Laser Receiver Target with LED Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional layout systems for locating points of interest on jobsites face challenges such as visibility issues due to bright lighting or obstructions, requiring users to visually track laser beams, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A movable target accessory with a non-vertically mounted laser receiver and horizontal LEDs, allowing the user to place the target anywhere in the laser plane, with an electronic controller translating the laser impact to illuminate LEDs, providing clear visual indications of the point of interest's direction and distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser receiver is mounted vertically on a movable target to detect laser light, then the system can detect the laser plane, but the user must visually track the laser light line on the floor which is difficult in bright conditions or when blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a non-vertically mounted laser receiver combined with an array of LEDs. The laser receiver detects the laser plane and translates this information into LED illumination patterns, serving as a mediator between the laser light and the user's eye. This eliminates the need for direct visual tracking of the laser line on the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-changing LEDs that illuminate in response to laser light detection. By using different colors (e.g., green for accurate detection, red for misalignment), the system provides intuitive visual feedback to the user. The color change mechanism makes the correct positioning immediately recognizable even in bright lighting conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the laser receiver is mounted non-vertically to intercept laser light above floor level, then visual tracking is eliminated, but the system becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser receiver, control circuitry, and LED array into a single integrated movable target accessory. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving the non-vertical mounting configuration that eliminates visual tracking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable target accessory serves multiple functions: it acts as a target for laser detection, a visual indicator through LED illumination, and a positioning reference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system despite the added complexity of non-vertical mounting.
3Ease of operation
If LEDs are mounted horizontally near the base of the movable target to indicate position, then clear visual indication is provided, but the device requires precise alignment and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment through the inherent geometry of the movable target and laser plane interaction. As the target moves through the laser plane, the relative positions of the LEDs and laser receiver automatically establish the correct alignment without requiring manual calibration. The system self-corrects for positioning errors through the visual feedback mechanism.
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 efficient and accurate location of points of interest on jobsites by eliminating the need for visual tracking of laser beams, improving usability in bright conditions and overcoming obstructions, thus reducing the time and effort required for point marking.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photosensor that detects a wavelength emitted by a laser light transmitter
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light-emitting diodes that are controlled by at least one output signal that is generated by the input/output interface circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A movable accessory for an automatic point layout system includes a laser receiver and an array of LEDs. Two laser controllers aim vertical laser light planes toward any desired point on the jobsite. The user moves the accessory into a first laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that laser light impact and illuminates a corresponding LED in a first color. The user then moves the accessory into a second laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that impact and illuminates a corresponding LED in a second, different color. The user then moves the accessory until the two LED colors intersect. When the intersect occurs, the accessory's electronic controller translates these impacts and illuminates a corresponding LED in a third, different color.