Rotatable Laser Distance Sensor for Camera Field of View Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitoring systems lack accurate control over focusing, especially when the distance to the subject changes, leading to suboptimal image capture and inefficient laser irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising a camera module and a laser distance sensor arranged in line, with a processor that calculates angles and distances to adjust the laser distance sensor's position and operate the camera based on sensing values, ensuring the laser angle of view overlaps with the camera's field of view, using a rotation driving module like a DC motor, solenoid, or stepping motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the laser distance sensor is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of distance to subject deteriorates when subject distance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the laser distance sensor rotatable rather than fixed. The sensor can dynamically adjust its angle to track subjects at varying distances, ensuring continuous accurate measurement. The rotation mechanism allows the sensor to maintain proper alignment with the camera's field of view regardless of subject position changes, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and dynamic precision.
2Measurement precision
If the laser distance sensor angle is adjusted to overlap with camera field of view, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser distance sensor and camera into an integrated monitoring system where both components share a common mounting structure and coordinate system. The sensor is positioned to overlap with the camera's field of view, allowing synchronized operation. This combination achieves precise distance measurement while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable mounting mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the laser sensor to track subjects at different distances, maintains proper angular alignment with the camera for coordinated operation, and allows flexible positioning adjustments. This multi-functional design justifies the added complexity by providing enhanced measurement capabilities and system versatility.
3Ease of operation
If manual focusing control is used, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements are lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic focusing control where the camera autonomously adjusts its focus based on distance information from the laser sensor. The processor receives sensing values from the sensor and automatically operates the camera module without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates the need for operator skill while maintaining high manufacturing precision through automated control algorithms.
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
This system enables precise control over camera focusing and improved laser irradiation efficiency by aligning the laser distance sensor's angle with the camera's field of view, resulting in more accurate and detailed image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a laser distance sensor that senses a distance to the subject
Implementation Method 2
senses a distance to the subject by using a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system includes a camera module configured to photograph a subject, a laser distance sensor configured to sense a distance to the subject, the laser distance sensor being arranged in a line with the camera module, and a processor configured to acquire a first angle and a first sensing value of the laser distance sensor in response to an event, calculate a first distance between the camera module and the subject by using the first angle and the first sensing value, calculate a second angle by using the first distance, a laser angle of view of the laser distance sensor, and a laser angle of view length of the laser distance sensor, rotate the laser distance sensor up to the second angle when a difference between the first angle and the second angle exceeds a predetermined range, and acquire a second sensing value of the laser distance sensor.