Portable Distance Measuring Device Using Optical Pose Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable distance measuring devices lack a reliable method to determine angles between spatial points, especially in scenarios without a line of sight, and require complex setups or computational resources, making them inefficient for measuring distances on unstructured surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A portable distance measuring device equipped with a laser rangefinder, inclination sensors, and an optical pose determination unit that uses a reference object with known features to automatically determine relative three-dimensional coordinates, allowing for accurate measurement of distances and angles without the need for complex setups or extensive computational resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trigonometric calculation is used to determine distance between two points without line of sight, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for angle determination functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference object with known geometric features that mediates between the distance measuring device and the spatial points. By capturing images of this reference object and using its known geometry, the system can calculate angles and positions without requiring complex direct angle measurement hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical angle measurement systems (such as those requiring physical contact with surfaces or complex sensor assemblies) with an optical/image-based system. By using a camera to capture the reference object and computing angles from 2D image coordinates combined with known 3D reference geometry, the system achieves angle determination without mechanical complexity
2Device complexity
If conventional acceleration sensors and compasses are used for angle determination, then device structure is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object acts as an intermediary that enables precise angle determination through geometric calculation rather than direct sensing. By using the known 3D coordinates of features on the reference object and their 2D projections in captured images, the system can compute accurate angles and orientations without relying on imprecise acceleration sensors or compasses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct physical sensing (acceleration, magnetic field) to optical parameter measurement (image coordinates, geometric relationships). This parameter transformation allows angle determination with higher precision by using geometric calculations based on known reference object dimensions and captured image positions
3Extent of automation
If existing pose determination methods are used, then automation level is improved, but computational resources required increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary subset of computational methods needed for pose determination. Instead of implementing full SLAM or complex image stitching algorithms, the system uses targeted geometric calculations based on the known reference object, achieving sufficient automation while minimizing computational overhead by focusing only on essential calculations
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 accurate determination of relative three-dimensional coordinates and angles between spatial points, facilitating measurements on various surfaces with reduced structural and computational complexity, improving measurement efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is usually emitted and received again, and evaluated, after reflection at the target
Implementation Method 2
different measurement principles are available for determining the distance, for example a phase measurement or a time-of-flight measurement
Implementation Method 3
an image recording unit for recording reference images of a known reference object
Implementation Method 4
an inclination sensor for ascertaining at least one longitudinal inclination of the device
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for capturing a relative position of at least one first spatial point by means of a portable distance measuring device, the method comprising positioning a known reference object, which has known features which may be captured by optical means, said features being arranged in a pattern designed for a resection, at least one first measuring process, comprising measuring a first distance to the first spatial point, and recording a first reference image linked in time with measuring the first distance, the reference object being imaged in the first reference image, and ascertaining the position and orientation of the distance measuring device relative to the reference object comprising identifying the reference object, recalling stored information about the known features of the identified reference object and identifying positions of known features of the reference object in the first reference image.