Handheld Wall Scanner Dynamic Projection for Hidden Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld sensor devices struggle to effectively project visual indicators directly onto a surface, leading to difficulties in accurately conveying information about hidden objects due to the distance and skewed viewing angles, especially when obstructions are present.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a handheld sensor device that projects dynamic visual indicators, such as icons and graphics, directly onto the surface using a combination of light sources, apertures, and optional lenses, allowing for precise and intuitive display of detected features without physical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display is mounted in the housing of the handheld sensor device, then the display is protected and structurally integrated, but the display is displaced from the surface making it difficult to see when obstructions are present and requiring angular estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the wall surface itself as an intermediary medium to display the detected object location. Instead of mounting a display in the device housing, the system projects visual indicators directly onto the surface being scanned, using the surface as the display medium. This eliminates the distance and angular estimation problems while maintaining protected display elements within the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is moved from the third dimension (mounted on the device housing at a distance from the surface) to the second dimension (projected directly onto the surface). This dimensional transition allows the display to be co-located with the detected features, eliminating the need for angular estimation and improving visibility even when the device is held at skewed angles.
2Measurement precision
If visual indicators are projected directly onto the surface, then accuracy of object location indication is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional projection components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light source serve multiple functions: it illuminates the surface for sensing purposes and simultaneously projects visual indicators for display. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate projection components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the accuracy benefits of surface-projected indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing optical components of the device (light sources, apertures, lenses) are utilized to serve the dual purpose of sensing and display projection. The system uses its own structural elements to create the visual indicators without requiring additional dedicated projection mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional displays are used in the device housing, then the display structure is simple, but the display becomes obscured by obstructions and requires skewed viewing angles making accurate location determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wall surface acts as an intermediary that carries the visual display information directly to the user's field of view. By projecting indicators onto the surface rather than mounting them on the device, the display becomes visible even when the device is partially obscured, as long as the surface area is visible.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of displaying information on a physical display mounted on the device, the system creates a visual copy of the detected object location directly on the surface. This copied visual information is accessible to the user independently of the device's physical position or obstructions.
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 approach enhances user accuracy by providing clear, two-dimensional projections that remain on the surface, aiding in the identification of hidden objects and reducing misalignment issues, even in obstructed or skewed viewing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to project light through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
an optional lens to focus or direct the light
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An implementation of a system, device and method for projecting a visual indicator against a surface is provided. A display projection system in a handheld sensor device (e.g. a handheld wall scanner) projects a static or computer-controlled dynamic pattern of light onto a surface being scanned to indicate a specific feature, such as existence of solid structures of wood, metal or plastic, electric or magnetic fields, or a disturbance of a field. The projected light may be controlled by a computer via an aperture to allow flexibility in what is projected, such as icons, lines, graphics, characters and colors.