Handheld Stylus with Integrated Laser Rangefinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require multiple devices for distance measurement and data entry, making them impractical for portable use, especially on smartphones or tablets, as they are not designed for easy operation while performing distance measurements and data entry simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held input pen with an integrated laser range finder and radio data transmission capabilities, allowing for two distance measurement modes and integration with a touch-sensitive screen, enabling seamless data transmission and operation with inertial measuring units and display options for precise distance calculations and image recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for distance measurement and data entry, then measurement precision and functionality are maintained, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a laser distance meter, inertial measurement unit, and stylus functions into a single integrated device. The laser distance meter measures distances to points in space, the inertial measurement unit tracks stylus movements between measurements, and the combination enables precise spatial positioning and distance calculation without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylus serves multiple functions: it acts as a precision input tool for touch-sensitive screens, a laser distance measurement device, and a spatial tracking instrument through its inertial measurement unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to carry separate devices for each task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are carried for distance measurement and data input, then measurement capabilities are sufficient, but ease of operation and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of distance measurement and data input functions into a single handheld stylus enables one-handed operation. The user can measure distances and input data continuously without switching between devices, improving ease of operation while maintaining full measurement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distance measurement functionality is added to existing handheld devices, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser distance meter and inertial measurement unit into the stylus housing, creating a unified system that measures distances and tracks stylus position and orientation. This integration provides distance measurement functionality without the complexity of connecting separate devices, as the system processes all data internally and transmits results wirelessly.
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 efficient, one-handed operation for distance measurements and data entry on portable devices like smartphones, allowing users to perform distance calculations and image recording directly on the device without the need for multiple tools, enhancing usability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
handheld laser distance measuring devices, which use a laser beam emitted in an emission direction and the time-of-flight method to measure distances to points in space
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld stylus (1) for the precise operation of a touch-sensitive screen (20), comprising an elongated housing (10) designed for one-handed, pen-like use, and a tip (11) designed for touching the screen (20), wherein the stylus has a laser rangefinder (30) integrated into the housing for measuring distances to points in space along an emission direction. The invention further relates to a computer system comprising a computer (2) with a touch-sensitive screen (20) and such a stylus (1), wherein the stylus is designed to control computer functions by touching the screen, and wherein the computer and the stylus are configured for wireless transmission of data about measured distances from the stylus to the computer.