Remote Leveling Device with Camera and Wireless Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional leveling devices, such as bubble levels, are limited by the need for direct user visibility and become cumbersome in multi-user settings or when objects are heavy, as they require visual confirmation and manual relaying of leveling information, which can be inefficient and unsafe, especially in obstructed or distant views.

Innovation Solution

The development of a remote leveling and positioning system that includes a wireless network-connected leveling device assembly with electronic components, such as lasers and indicator lights, allowing for real-time level and position feedback through audio and visual cues, enabling multiple users to receive simultaneous and accurate leveling instructions without direct line of sight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a bubble level device is used for leveling objects, then the device can provide visual feedback for leveling, but the user must be able to see the bubble position directly which limits usability in obstructed or distant views

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidusability in obstructed views
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera mounted on the leveling device and a remote display device. The camera captures images of the bubble level, and these images are transmitted to a remote display, allowing users to view leveling information from a distance or around obstructions while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct mechanical/optical viewing system of traditional bubble levels with an electronic imaging and transmission system. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight through optical components, the system uses a camera to capture the bubble position and transmits this information electronically to remote displays, enabling viewing in obstructed or distant conditions.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a bubble level device is used in multi-user settings, then leveling information can be shared, but at least one user must read the level and relay instructions to others which is inefficient and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user capabilityVSAvoidleveling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates multiple copies of the leveling information display by connecting multiple remote display devices to the same camera system. Each user receives an identical visual copy of the bubble level position, eliminating the need for one user to read and relay instructions to others, thereby improving productivity in multi-user settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback system where the camera continuously captures the bubble level position and transmits this information to remote displays in real-time. This continuous visual feedback allows multiple users to independently monitor leveling status without communication delays, improving both multi-user adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If direct viewing of the bubble level is required, then accurate reading can be obtained, but users must be in close proximity and have clear line of sight which creates safety risks in heavy object handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary that captures the bubble level position from a safe distance. This intermediary system transmits the visual information to remote displays, allowing users to obtain accurate reading information without being in close proximity to heavy objects, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining reading accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9909867B2Leveling and positioning system and method
Publication Date: 2018.03.06 OTL DYNAMICS LLC
  • US9909867B2 patent drawing
  • US9909867B2 patent drawing
  • US9909867B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote leveling and positioning. An embodiment includes a leveling device assembly having an electronic leveling device and a housing with an elongated housing body. The housing can include an elongated cavity body that defines a cavity with the electronic leveling device disposed within the cavity; a tip disposed at a first end of the cavity body; and a first and second arm that extend from a second end of the cavity body that each include a base portion coupled to the second end of the cavity body that defines a channel at the second end that opens into a coupling slot defined by respective arm shafts of the arms that extend from the base portions of the arm, the arms each extending to an arm head at a distal portion of the arms.