Virtual Aiming Mechanism for Compact Laser Rangefinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser rangefinders face challenges in providing a compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly aiming mechanism that functions accurately under various ambient light conditions, both indoors and outdoors, as they often rely on awkward structural elements or prisms that are inadequate for bright outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that superimpose a virtual aiming mechanism with a projected system beam using a laser rangefinding instrument, employing a visible light beam that can be seen by the user, either directly or as a virtual dot through the viewing aperture, allowing for easy aiming by aligning the beam with the target, regardless of light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a compact laser rangefinder uses traditional aiming mechanisms (prisms or structural elements), then the device structure is simplified, but the aiming accuracy and visibility deteriorate under bright ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible light beam as an intermediary element between the laser rangefinder and the target. This visible beam serves as a mediator that guides the user's aiming without requiring complex mechanical aiming mechanisms. The visible light beam is projected along the same optical path as the invisible laser measuring beam, providing a visual reference that improves aiming accuracy while keeping the device structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visible light (which has color properties) to create an aiming beam that can be seen by the user. By using visible wavelength light with appropriate intensity, the system creates a colored beam that is visible against various background conditions, thereby improving aiming accuracy without adding mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a visible light beam is used for aiming, then ease of use improves, but device complexity increases due to additional light sources and beam combining mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visible light beam generation function with the existing laser beam optical path. By using beam combining techniques and integrating the visible light source with the rangefinder's optical system, the patent reduces overall device complexity. The visible and invisible beams share common optical components, eliminating the need for separate aiming mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical system universal by having it serve multiple functions: the same optical path handles both the invisible laser measuring beam and the visible aiming beam. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while maintaining ease of use through visible beam guidance.
3Ease of operation
If the visible light beam intensity is increased for better visibility, then ease of operation improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a visible light beam with intensity sufficient for adequate visibility but not excessive. The visible beam provides just enough contrast against the background for effective aiming, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. This balanced approach optimizes the trade-off between visibility and energy usage.
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
Enhances ease of use and accuracy by allowing users to aim the device by looking at the target, with the visible light beam providing a clear aiming point under all light conditions, ensuring proper alignment of the laser beam without the need for complex or counterintuitive aiming systems.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light source operative for directing a first portion of a visible light beam towards the target and a second portion of the visible light beam towards a user of the instrument
Implementation Method 2
a system beam source operative for directing a rangefinding beam toward a target, a reflected beam receiver operative for receiving a reflected portion of the rangefinding beam from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for superimposing a virtual aiming mechanism with a projected system beam in a compact laser-based rangefinding instrument such as a laser-based tape measure which employs a laser rangefinding system beam and visible light beam to enable a user to merely pick up the instrument and, if the visible beam can be seen, merely aim the device without sighting by placing the resultant visible light dot on the target itself. Alternatively, if the beam cannot be seen, the user can sight through the instrument viewing aperture and see a virtual visible dot and superimpose it upon his view of the target.