Optical Volume Measurement Device Alignment Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volume measurement devices lack a clear and objective method for users to determine the correct positioning of objects within the working range of the lenses, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency in measurement processes.

Innovation Solution

An optical volume measurement device that projects an optical alignment indicator within the measurement area, allowing users to align the object with the indicator to ensure accurate positioning within the measurement range, utilizing a pair of photographic lenses and an optical distance measuring unit to capture images and calculate the object's volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users place objects based on guessed working range without visual guidance, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of object positioningVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical alignment indicator as an intermediary element between the measurement device and the object. This indicator is projected onto the object's surface to visually mark the measurement area boundaries and center position, serving as a mediator that guides users to correctly position objects within the working range without requiring complex mechanical guidance structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement area is pre-defined and visually marked on the object surface through projected optical indicators before the actual measurement takes place. The boundaries and center position are established in advance, allowing users to position objects correctly before initiating the measurement process, thereby improving ease of operation without adding mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If users repeatedly adjust the relative position of the device and object to achieve accurate measurement, then measurement precision can be improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by projecting optical alignment indicators that provide real-time visual information about whether the object is correctly positioned within the measurement area. Users can immediately see if the object aligns with the marked boundaries and center, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error adjustments and improving both measurement precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the working range of the lens is not visible to users, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and measurement precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical projection to create visible color-coded or patterned indicators on the object surface that delineate the measurement area boundaries and center position. These visual markers transform the invisible optical working range into visible guidance cues, enabling precise object positioning without requiring complex mechanical measurement guides or structured light patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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

The optical alignment indicator provides visual guidance for precise object placement, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of volume measurement by clearly defining the measurement area and range, reducing the need for manual guessing and adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

The optical projecting unit is disposed on the working surface and forwardly projects an optical alignment indicator in a projection area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

Each of the photographic lenses has an image acquiring area extended forwardly therefrom and captures images within the image acquiring area separately

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a resolution distance range is located in front of each photographic lens, and each photographic lens identifies images within the resolution distance range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage resolution: Depth of Field

Implementation Method 4

The optical distance measuring unit is disposed on the working surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical distance measurement: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3816572B1Optical volume measurement device
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 CHAMPTEK
  • EP3816572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3816572B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3816572B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical volume measurement device includes a main body (100), a pair of photographic lenses (200a, 200b), an optical distance measuring unit (300) and an optical projecting unit (400). The photographic lenses (200a, 200b) are disposed on the main body (100). Each of the photographic lenses (200a, 200b) has an image acquiring area (201a, 201b) extended forwardly therefrom and captures images within the image acquiring area (201a, 201b) separately, and an resolution distance range (202) is formed in front of each photographic lens (200a, 200b). Each photographic lens (200a, 200b) identifies the image within the resolution distance range (202), and image acquiring areas (201a, 201b) are overlapped to form a measurement area (203) within the resolution distance range (202). The optical projecting unit (400) is disposed on the main body (100) and forwardly project an optical alignment indicator (410) in a projection area (401). The projection area (401) is located in the measurement area (203) within the resolution distance range (202).