Range Finder Using Inclined Laser Line Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing range finders require auxiliary targets for measuring freestanding objects and have high uncertainties in mobile applications due to dependency on relative positioning, and they either require direct contact or generate excessive information that is challenging to process.
Innovation Solution
A range finder that uses an illumination source to generate a pattern under an angle of inclination, coupled with an optical sensor to capture an image matrix, and an evaluation device to determine geometric information without additional targets or position estimation, reducing computational demand and allowing for non-contact measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation-based distance measurement devices are used, then depth information can be obtained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to high dependency on relative positioning between the measurement device and the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces triangulation-based mechanical/optical measurement systems with a laser line projection system combined with camera capture. Instead of relying on relative positioning and triangulation geometry, the system projects a laser line pattern onto the object and captures the deformed pattern with a camera, then calculates depth information from the pattern deformation. This substitution eliminates the high dependency on precise relative positioning between the measurement device and object, thereby improving measurement reliability while maintaining depth information accuracy.
2Loss of information
If pixelated ToF-cameras or Stereo cameras are used, then comprehensive depth information can be captured, but computational demand increases making mobile applications challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential depth information needed from the captured laser line pattern rather than processing comprehensive depth maps. By projecting structured laser lines and analyzing the deformation of these specific patterns, the system extracts depth information along the projected lines without capturing unnecessary comprehensive depth data. This extraction approach significantly reduces computational demand while maintaining sufficient depth information for measurement applications, enabling mobile device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by projecting laser lines only in the specific regions where measurement is needed, rather than capturing complete 360-degree depth information. The system illuminates and captures only the portions of the object relevant to the measurement task, reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed while still obtaining sufficient depth information for determining geometric properties of the object.
3Measurement precision
If traditional range finders are used, then distance to a single point can be measured, but width of freestanding objects cannot be determined without auxiliary targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional measurement system that can determine multiple geometric properties (distance, width, height, volume, surface area) using a single measurement operation. By projecting laser line patterns and capturing their deformation, the system simultaneously obtains depth information across multiple points and lines, enabling calculation of various geometric parameters without requiring separate measurements or auxiliary targets. This universal measurement capability simplifies operation while maintaining precise distance measurement functionality.
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 reliable determination of geometric information with reduced effort and processing requirements, suitable for mobile applications without the need for auxiliary targets or direct contact, improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Range finders are generally known to measure a distance from a device to a target, for example, by using time-of-flight (ToF) information
Implementation Method 2
a light path through the lens to the image sensor, an image sensor operatively connected to the camera module for receiving images acquired by the camera module
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
Figure 3A~4C
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
Range finder for determining at least one geometric information A range finder (110) for determining at least one geometric information about at least one object (112) is proposed. The range finder (112) comprising: -at least one illumination source (114) adapted to generate at least one illumination pattern (116), wherein the illumination source (114) is adapted to illuminate the object (112) with the illumination pattern (116) under an angle of inclination; -at least one optical sensor (118) having at least one light sensitive area (120), wherein the optical sensor (118) is designed to generate at least one image matrix (122) in response to an illumination of its light sensitive area (120) by at least one reflection pattern (124) originating from the object (112); -at least one evaluation device (126) being configured for determining the geometric information about the object (112) from the reflection pattern (124) by evaluating the image matrix (122) assuming at least one geometrical constellation (128) to be present in the reflection pattern (124).