Projection Mapping System for Calibrated Surface Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tape measures are bulky and difficult to use, requiring manual handling and positioning, which can lead to frustration and inaccuracies when measuring multiple surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A projection system with a processor-controlled projection apparatus that projects an image onto a surface, determining distances and calibrating the image based on user position and surface geometry, allowing for accurate measurement without manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional tape measure is used, then measurement function is provided, but the device is bulky and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidbulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent projects a virtual tape measure image onto the surface being measured, replacing the physical tape measure with an optical projection. This allows the measurement scale to be displayed as light patterns rather than requiring a bulky physical tape, directly reducing device bulkiness while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical tape measure system with an optical projection system. Instead of physically extending and positioning a tape, the system uses projected light patterns to display measurement scales, eliminating the need for manual tape handling and positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual positioning of tape measure is required, then measurement is possible, but accuracy decreases due to dislodgement and twisting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The projection system automatically adapts to the surface geometry and positioning through calibration routines. The system performs self-adjustment by detecting surface characteristics and modifying the projected image accordingly, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments that cause dislodgement and twisting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates calibration routines that detect the actual positioning and geometry of the surface, then provides feedback to adjust the projected measurement image. This closed-loop approach ensures measurement accuracy is maintained regardless of minor positioning variations, preventing the accuracy degradation seen in manual tape measure usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a projection system is implemented, then ease of use improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection apparatus is integrated into existing wearable platforms (smart glasses, head-mounted displays), allowing a single device to serve multiple functions including measurement, display, and navigation. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating capabilities rather than adding separate dedicated devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250286981A1Projection Mapping System and Apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 NEWTONOID TECH L L C
  • US20250286981A1 patent drawing
  • US20250286981A1 patent drawing
  • US20250286981A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A marking and display system includes a scanning apparatus, comprising a processor in data communication with a networking device, at least one input/output device, and computer memory, the computer memory comprising a program having machine readable instructions that, when effected by processor, perform the following steps: (a) scan an area of interest for a first scan; (b) determine the presence of at least one abnormality at the area of interest; and (c) provide a marking at an area substantially adjacent the at least one abnormality.