Compact Optical Axis Inspection Device for Laser Distance Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical axis inspection devices for laser distance meters on vehicles are cumbersome and inefficient due to their length, which affects the reliability of distance measurements and requires additional inspections, and there is a need for a more compact solution to accurately determine the optical axis angle.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical axis angle inspection device comprising a vehicle positioning mechanism, a first camera and screen system for image capture, a point light source, a second camera for image projection, a height control unit, a centroid calculation unit, and an angle calculation unit to determine the optical axis angle of the laser distance meter, allowing for precise alignment and acceptance criteria determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mirror is disposed on the front side of the vehicle at a distance corresponding to about half the length of the vehicle for optical axis inspection, then the optical axis can be evaluated, but the inspection device becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement (mirror at front of vehicle) to a vertical arrangement (screen and cameras above vehicle). By placing the screen above the vehicle and using vertically suspended cameras, the inspection device utilizes the vertical dimension instead of extending horizontally, thereby reducing the device length along the vehicle's longitudinal axis while maintaining inspection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a screen as an intermediary element that projects the laser beam pattern vertically above the vehicle. This screen acts as a mediator between the laser distance meter and the cameras, enabling optical axis measurement without requiring a distant mirror. The screen converts the laser beam into a visible projection that can be captured by cameras from above
2Reliability
If additional inspections are performed for laser distance meter mounting errors and optical axis deviation, then measurement reliability is ensured, but inspection time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inspection functions into a single integrated system. The vertical camera arrangement simultaneously captures images for both mounting error detection and optical axis angle measurement in one inspection setup, eliminating the need for separate inspection procedures and reducing total inspection time while maintaining comprehensive reliability checks
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
The solution provides a compact and efficient method to inspect the optical axis angle of laser distance meters, reducing the device's length and eliminating the need for external light shielding, while ensuring accurate alignment and reliable distance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The laser distance meter irradiates laser light in a forward direction of the vehicle and receives reflected light to calculate a distance
Implementation Method 2
a screen suspended by the first lift mechanism for projection with an image of light emitted from the laser distance meter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical axis angle inspection device is provided with a first camera and a screen which are disposed in front of a laser distance meter, is provided with a point light source on the screen, and is provided with a second camera disposed behind the laser distance meter. An image of the laser distance meter is captured by the first camera, and the height of the point light source is fitted to the height of the laser distance meter on the basis of the captured image. Then, an image of the point light source is captured by the second camera, and a difference in height between the centroid of the captured image and the point light source is specified. The optical axis angle of the laser distance meter is calculated from the difference in height and the distance from the screen to the laser distance meter.