Smartphone Camera Length and Area Measurement Using Time-of-Flight Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users require accurate measurements for various tasks, but current mobile communication devices lack the capability to provide such measurements without carrying separate devices like measuring tapes or laser measuring tools.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device equipped with a camera and a time-of-flight sensor that determines distance between the camera and objects in the image, allowing for accurate length and area measurements within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile communication device incorporates a camera and sensor system for measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication device integrates multiple functions including camera imaging, time-of-flight sensing, and measurement calculations into a single device. The processor executes instructions that perform both image capture and measurement determination, allowing the device to serve as both a camera and a measurement tool simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the camera subsystem and sensor subsystem into an integrated measurement system. The camera and sensor are positioned in close proximity with their optical axes aligned, and the processor combines data from both sources to determine real-world measurements from captured images.
2Ease of operation
If accurate measurements are provided without separate measuring devices, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The time-of-flight sensor acts as an intermediary that provides distance information to compensate for the limitations of 2D image measurements. By combining the image data with the distance measurement from the sensor, the system can calculate accurate real-world dimensions without requiring the user to carry separate measuring tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measuring tools (such as measuring tapes or laser measuring devices) with an optical-electronic measurement system. The camera captures the image and the sensor measures distance, with the processor calculating measurements through software algorithms instead of mechanical intervention.
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 fast and accurate measurements directly from images taken on the device, eliminating the need for separate measurement tools and enhancing usability in applications like construction inspection and accident investigation.
Implementation Method 1
the determination is made using an optical time-of-flight sensor that measures the distance from the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device includes a processor operably coupled to a memory and to a wireless communication subsystem operable to send and receive data, a camera operably coupled to the processor, a sensor operably connected to provide to the processor a distance between the camera and an element viewable by the camera. Instructions are stored in the memory; when these instructions are executed by the processor, the mobile communication device takes an image with the camera, uses the sensor to determine a distance between the camera and at least one object recorded in the image, receives a request for a desired measurement comprising one of a desired length measurement and a desired area measurement of an element in the image, calculates the desired measurement, and provides the desired measurement to the user.