Portable Rangefinder Module Alignment on Smartphones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices that capture data from sensors are typically factory-aligned and dedicated to specific tasks, making them costly and inflexible for other applications, lacking the ability for user alignment of cameras and laser rangefinders.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows user alignment of a camera and laser rangefinder on a portable device by capturing alignment images, determining the rangefinder direction, and displaying a marker for intuitive targeting, while also incorporating orientation sensors for precise positional data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If devices are factory-aligned for specific tasks, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment actions by capturing alignment images and automatically determining the relative positions and orientations of sensors before actual measurement tasks. This preliminary calibration enables the device to adapt to different applications without requiring factory-specific alignment for each use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-alignment through automated image processing and sensor calibration routines. The system captures alignment images, processes them to determine sensor relationships, and configures itself for accurate measurement without external intervention or factory alignment, enabling versatility across applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If devices are dedicated to specific tasks, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of operation for multiple applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to perform self-alignment and self-calibration through automated image processing. Users simply capture alignment images and the system automatically determines sensor relationships, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining versatility across multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting sensor calibration and alignment parameters based on captured images. This allows the same hardware to be optimized for different measurement tasks through software-based parameter adjustment rather than physical reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If standard consumer electronics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with computational methods. Instead of requiring precise physical alignment during manufacturing, the system uses image processing and algorithms to calculate and compensate for sensor positions, achieving high measurement precision through software rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment images as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between simple device structure and precise measurement. These intermediate calibration data enable the system to achieve accurate positional measurement without requiring complex hardware alignment, using the image as a mediator to determine sensor relationships.
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 cost-effective, flexible, and accurate image capture and positional data measurement on standard consumer electronics devices, allowing users to align and calibrate sensors for various applications without the need for factory-specific alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a laser rangefinder emitting and detecting a rangefinder beam
Implementation Method 2
laser rangefinder emitting and detecting a rangefinder beam
Implementation Method 3
capturing one or more alignment images using the camera
Implementation Method 4
temporarily positioning an infrared pass visible blocking filter in front of the camera
Implementation Method 5
a target may be provided, at least partly formed form a material that converts infrared light to visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A portable instrument or apparatus includes a portable device and a rangefinder module. The rangefinder module can be attached to the portable device, which may be any suitable smartphone, tablet or other consumer electronics device having a camera. By suitable alignment of the rangefinder and camera, the device is capable of capturing accurate data over significant ranges, including for example an image of a target together with position information concerning the target. A folded optical arrangement reduces the volume and thickness of the rangefinder module.