Laser Target Object Using Colored LED Beams for Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surveying systems with laser measuring devices face challenges in identifying and differentiating between target objects due to the use of transmission beams with the same wavelength, requiring communication links and alignment, and are prone to unwanted reflections from reflective surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The system employs visible transmission beams of different colors, utilizing single-color or multicolor light-emitting diodes to emit distinct visible transmission beams, allowing for clear identification of target objects without the need for communication links or precise alignment, and reducing unwanted reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invisible infrared transmission beams are used for target object identification, then the beams are not visible to the operator, but the target objects cannot be clearly identified and differentiated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget object identification reliabilityVSAvoidvisibility of transmission beam
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by switching the transmission beam wavelength from invisible infrared to visible light wavelengths (red, green, blue). This allows the transmission beam to be visible to the operator while maintaining its identification function. The beam source is configured to emit visible light with specific wavelengths that correspond to different colors, enabling both visibility and reliable target object differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If communication links are implemented between laser measuring device and target objects, then target object identification is enabled, but the device complexity and equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget object identification capabilityVSAvoidcommunication link requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the communication link requirement from the target object identification system. Instead of using complex communication protocols between the laser measuring device and target objects, the invention uses a simplified approach where the beam source directly emits visible transmission beams with different wavelengths. The identification is achieved through optical means alone, eliminating the need for electronic communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If infrared search beam is used, then the search beam can cover large spatial areas, but unwanted reflections from reflective surfaces are detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial coverage areaVSAvoidunwanted reflections
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the wavelength parameter of the transmission beam from infrared to visible light range. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction with reflective surfaces, as visible light wavelengths are less prone to unwanted reflections from common materials compared to infrared wavelengths. The visible transmission beams maintain spatial coverage while significantly reducing harmful reflection effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 clear and reliable identification of target objects by the laser measuring device and operator, while minimizing equipment requirements and avoiding unwanted reflections from reflective surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

single-color or multicolor light-emitting diodes to emit distinct visible transmission beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The visible transmission beams are detected by a receiving device of the laser measuring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 3

a reflector device with at least one reflector element for reflecting the measuring beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2926087B1Target object for a laser measuring device and method for identifying the target object
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HILTI AG
  • EP2926087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926087B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2926087B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a target object (20) for a laser measuring device (11) emitting a search beam and a measurement beam, comprising a reflector device (21) having at least one reflector element (22) for reflecting the measurement beam, a receiving device (23) having at least one receiving element (24) for receiving the search beam, a transmitting device (25) having at least one transmitting element (31, 32, 33) for emitting a visible transmission beam (34, 35, 36), and a control device (26) having an evaluation element (27) for evaluating the received search beam and a control element (28) for controlling the receiving and transmitting devices (23, 25). The transmitting device (25) emits a first and a second visible transmission beam (34, 35), wherein the color of light of the first visible transmission beam (34) differs from the color of light of the second visible transmission beam (35).