TWI612275B - Method for measuring an area of a target surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for measuring the area of a target surface using a signal generating device is provided. The signal generating device includes a signal generator configured to generate a plurality of signals, and a transceiver configured to transmit the plurality of signals from the signal generating device to a plurality of points on or outside the target surface , And the plurality of signals reflected from each of the plurality of points on or outside the target surface to determine the signal generation device and the majority on or outside the target surface The plurality of distances between the points, and a processor configured to be based on parameters derived from the plurality of distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points on or outside the target surface To calculate the area of the target surface.

Description

Method for measuring the area of target surface Field of invention

The present invention relates to a method for measuring the area of a target surface, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a method for measuring the area of a wall using laser signals.

Background of the invention

Various mathematical formulas and equations have been conceived for calculating the area of different shapes and shapes. For example, to solve the area of a rectangle in a mathematical problem, you can use its height and the length of its base. On the other hand, to solve the area of a sphere in a mathematical problem, the length of its radius can be used. In theory, the area of all shapes and shapes can always be calculated using one or other mathematical methods, such as geometric equations or integral and differential methods.

As for measuring the area of a target surface in real life, different measurement tools can be used to obtain basic dimensions (such as one-dimensional information of length, width, and height) before applying the above mathematical methods. For example, to measure the area of a rectangular piece of paper, you may first need to use a ruler to measure the length and width of the piece of paper, and then apply a mathematical formula to calculate its area.

However, in some practical situations, the area measurement may not be as good as above As straightforward as possible. For example, if someone wants to paint the wall or ceiling of his home, he must first know the area of the ceiling or wall to determine the amount of paint required. In order to measure the surface area of the ceiling or wall, he must measure different dimensions, such as the length, width, and / or height of the ceiling or wall. However, the ceiling or wall is often out of reach, and the dimensions of the ceiling or wall are so large that there is no suitable measurement tool to measure these dimensions. Because of this, a direct and accurate measurement of these parameters cannot be obtained, and therefore the area and the amount of paint required cannot be determined.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring the area of a target surface using a signal generating device, the method comprising the following steps: generating a plurality of signals in the signal generating device; Transmitted from the signal generating device to a plurality of points above or outside the target surface; receiving the plurality of signals reflected from each of the plurality of points above or outside the target surface, to Determining the plurality of distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points above or outside the target surface; and based on the number of points above or outside the target surface The parameters derived from the plurality of distances between them are used to calculate the area of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the steps of: deriving from the plurality of distances between the signal generation device and the plurality of points on or outside the target surface A number of parameters associated with a geometric shape of the area of the target surface; Several derived parameters are used to calculate the area of the target surface.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the signal generating device can be operated in a plurality of measurement modes, and each of the plurality of measurement modes is configured to determine the geometry of the area of the target surface to be measured The plurality of parameters associated with the shape.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, each of the plurality of measurement modes is associated with a different target surface area measurement method.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the signal generating device is initially configured to operate in a preset measurement mode.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following steps: when a desired target surface area measurement method is different from a preset target surface area measurement method associated with the preset measurement mode, in Before transmitting the plurality of signals, a measurement mode different from the preset measurement mode is selected from the plurality of measurement modes.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the number of the plurality of points on or outside the target surface is greater than or equal to three.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the plurality of points above or outside the target surface includes at least two points on the edge of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the plurality of points above or outside the target surface includes at least three points outside the target surface.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the plurality of points above or outside the target surface further includes at least one far away from the target surface Points on all edges of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the face with the target surface The plurality of parameters associated with the geometric shape of the product include at least one of the height of the target surface, a portion of the height, an extended height, a width, a portion of the width, an extended width, a hypotenuse, or a portion of the hypotenuse.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following Step: After deriving each of the plurality of parameters at the signal generating device, display each of the plurality of derived parameters on a display element of the signal generating device.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following Step: After deriving each of the plurality of parameters at the signal generating device, store each of the plurality of derived parameters in a memory module of the signal generating device.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following Step: After calculating the area of the target surface, display the calculated area of the target surface on a display element of the signal generating device.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following Step: After calculating the area of the target surface, store the calculated area of the target surface in a memory module of the signal generating device.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following Step: Display a power indicator on a display element of the signal generating device, which indicates a power state of the signal generating device.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following Step: Display a measurement mode on a display element of the signal generating device Index, which indicates the selected measurement mode.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the measurement mode refers to The target is further configured to display a signal element of the signal generating device before each of the plurality of signals is transmitted from the signal generating device to the plurality of points on or outside the target surface The top indicates a parameter associated with the geometric shape of the area of the target surface to be measured.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the measurement mode index is Before each of the plurality of signals is transmitted from the signal generating device to the plurality of points on or outside the target surface, an algorithm based on the selected measurement mode is updated.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following Step: Display a measurement guide index, which is configured to indicate one or more parameters associated with the geometric shape of the area of the target surface that has been measured.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the area of the target surface The calculation is automatic.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the geometric shape of the area The derivation of at least some of the plurality of parameters associated with the status is automatic.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the area of the target surface The system is a quadrilateral.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the target surface or The majority of these points together define a plane.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the target surface is a A surface of the wall.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the area of the wall is substantially The top is rectangular or square.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the signal generating device is a laser generating device configured to generate and communicate a laser signal.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the signal generating device is configured to measure the area of the target surface using at least one measurement mode.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes the following steps: before each time a signal is transmitted from the signal generating device to a point above or outside the target surface, from the plurality of measurements Select a measurement mode among the modes; and calculate the area of the target surface using the plurality of parameters derived from the at least one measurement mode and related to the geometric shape of the area of the target surface.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal generating device configured to measure the area of a target surface, wherein the signal generating device includes a signal generator configured to generate a plurality of signals; and a transceiver Configured to transmit the plurality of signals from the signal generating device to a plurality of points above or outside the target surface, and received from each of the plurality of points above or outside the target surface The plurality of signals reflected to determine the plurality of distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points on or outside the target surface; and a processor configured to generate based on the signal The parameters derived from the distances between the device and the points on or outside the target surface are used to calculate the area of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the processor of the signal generating device is further configured to be based on the signal generating device and the target table The plurality of distances between the plurality of points above or outside the surface to derive a plurality of parameters associated with a geometric shape of the area of the target surface; and using the plurality of derived parameters to calculate The area of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device may Operate in a plurality of measurement modes, and each of the plurality of measurement modes is configured to determine the plurality of parameters associated with the geometry of the area of the target surface to be measured.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, each of the plurality of measurement modes is associated with a different target surface area measurement method.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device is initially configured to operate in a preset measurement mode.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device further includes a selection element accessible by the user, the selection element being configured for the user to measure a desired target surface area differently from the When a preset target surface area measurement method associated with the measurement mode is set, a measurement mode different from the preset measurement mode can be selected from the plurality of measurement modes before transmitting the plurality of signals.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the number of the plurality of points on or outside the target surface is greater than or equal to three.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the plurality of points above or outside the target surface includes at least two points on the edge of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the target surface or The plurality of points outside includes at least three points outside the target surface.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the plurality of points on or outside the target surface further includes at least one point on the target surface away from all edges of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the plurality of parameters associated with the geometric shape of the area of the target surface includes at least a height of the target surface, a portion of the height, an extended height, a width, a portion of the width, One of an extended width, a hypotenuse, or a portion of the hypotenuse.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device further includes a display element configured to display the plurality of derived parameters after deriving each of the plurality of parameters at the signal generating device Each of the parameters.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device further includes a memory element configured to store the derived majority after deriving each of the plurality of parameters at the signal generating device Each of the derived parameters.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the display element of the signal generating device is further configured to display the calculated area of the target surface after calculating the area of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the memory element of the signal generating device is further configured to store the calculated area of the target surface after calculating the area of the target surface.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device The display element is further configured to display a power indicator indicating the power status of the signal generating device.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device The display element is further configured to display a measurement mode indicator, which indicates the selected measurement mode.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the measurement mode index is Further configured to indicate on a display element of the signal generating device before each of the plurality of signals is transmitted from the signal generating device to the plurality of points on or outside the target surface A parameter associated with the geometry of the area of the target surface to be measured.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the measurement mode index is Before each of the plurality of signals is transmitted from the signal generating device to the plurality of points on or outside the target surface, an algorithm based on the selected measurement mode is updated.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device The display element is further configured to display a measurement index configured to indicate one or more parameters associated with the geometric shape of the area of the target surface that has been measured.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the area of the target surface The calculation is automatic.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the derivation of at least some of the plurality of parameters associated with the geometry of the area is automatic.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the area of the target surface is a quadrilateral.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the plurality of points on or outside the target surface together define a plane.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the target surface is a surface of a wall.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the area of the wall surface is substantially rectangular or square.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device is a laser generating device configured to generate and communicate a laser signal.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the signal generating device is configured to measure the area of the target surface using at least one measurement mode.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the selection element is further configured for the user to select a signal from the signal generating device to a point above or outside the target surface Select a measurement mode among the plurality of measurement modes; and the processor is further configured to calculate the target surface using the plurality of parameters derived from the at least one measurement mode and related to the geometric shape of the area of the target surface The area.

100‧‧‧Method

102‧‧‧Signal generator / laser generator

104‧‧‧ target surface

106‧‧‧Monitor

108‧‧‧Electricity index

110‧‧‧Measurement mode index

112‧‧‧Measurement index

114‧‧‧ memory index

116‧‧‧Display bar

118‧‧‧Memory Bar

120‧‧‧ memory count

200‧‧‧Measurement / operation process

202‧‧‧ First distance

204‧‧‧ Second distance

206‧‧‧ third distance

208‧‧‧Bottom edge

210‧‧‧Left edge

250 ~ 258‧‧‧step

300‧‧‧Measurement / operation process

302‧‧‧ First distance

304‧‧‧ Second distance

306,308,310‧‧‧Distance

350 ~ 370‧‧‧Step

400‧‧‧Measurement / operation process

402‧‧‧ First distance

404‧‧‧ Second distance

406‧‧‧ third distance

408‧‧‧ fourth value / distance

410‧‧‧ fifth value / distance

450 ~ 470‧‧‧step

500‧‧‧Mixed measurement mode

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 shows a method for measuring the area of a target surface using a signal generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the area measurement The operation of the signal generating device during the process; FIG. 2A shows the implementation of one of the measurement modes of the signal generating device of FIG. 1 Example; FIG. 2B shows the operation of the signal generating device during the measurement mode of FIG. 2A; FIG. 2C shows the formula used to calculate the area of the target surface in the measurement mode of FIG. 2A; FIG. 3A shows FIG. 1 One of the second embodiments of the measurement mode of the signal generating device; FIG. 3B shows the operation of the signal generating device during the measurement mode of the measurement mode of FIG. 3A; FIG. 3C shows the calculation of the target in the measurement mode of FIG. 3A The formula of the surface area; FIG. 4A shows a third embodiment of the measurement mode of the signal generation device of FIG. 1; FIG. 4B shows the operation of the signal generation device during the measurement mode of the measurement mode of FIG. 4A; FIG. 4C shows A formula for calculating the area of the target surface in the measurement mode of FIG. 4A; and FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the measurement mode (hybrid measurement mode) of the signal generating device of FIG.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates an embodiment of a method for measuring the area of a target surface using a signal generating device, the method includes the following steps: generating a plurality of signals in the signal generating device; Several generated signals are transmitted from the signal generating device to a plurality of points above or outside the target surface; the ones received from each of the plurality of points above or outside the target surface are reflected A plurality of signals to determine a plurality of distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points above or outside the target surface; and based on the signal generating device and the target surface above or outside the point Calculate the area of the target surface by the parameters derived from the distances between the points.

In one embodiment, the signal generating device 102 is configured to measure Measure the area of a rectangular target surface 104. However, in other embodiments, the signal generating device 102 may be configured to measure a target surface area of any other shape and shape. Preferably, the target surface 104 is planar and has a substantially quadrilateral shape, such as but not limited to a square or a rectangular shape. In application, the target surface 104 may be a floor, a wall, a ceiling, or any surface of an object of interest.

In this embodiment, the signal generating device 102 is a configuration To generate and communicate laser signals. However, in other embodiments, the signal generating device 102 may be a device operable to generate and communicate optical, electromagnetic, or sonic signals. Preferably, the signal generating device 102 is handheld and powered by a battery. In some embodiments, the signal generating device 102 may be powered by a main power source. In a preferred embodiment, the size of the signal generating device 102 is configured to make it light and convenient, and the user can easily carry it with him.

Figure 1 shows a laser generator 102 used to measure The method 100 of the area of the target surface 104, and the Operation of the radiation generating device 102. To measure a target surface area, the user first activates (turns on power) the laser generating device 102, which includes a processor. Once activated, the laser generating device 102 provides on its display 106 various indicators associated with the device's status and operating mode. These indicators may include a power indicator 108, a measurement mode indicator 110, a measurement indicator 112, a memory indicator 114, and the like. In some embodiments, the display 106 of the device is touch-sensitive, that is, a touch screen.

Preferably, the power indicator 108 indicates the amount of power remaining in the laser generating device 102. Especially when the power of the device 102 is low, the power indicator 108 can provide visual, auditory or vibration indication signals to remind the user to replace the battery. The measurement mode indicator 110 is a measurement mode regarding a configuration to measure the area of the target surface 104. The user of the device 102 can select different measurement modes, which use different measurements to calculate the target surface area. These different measurement modes with different target surface area measurement methods will be described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the laser generating device 102 has a preset measurement mode, which calculates the target surface area by measuring three points on the edge of the target surface 104. Preferably, the measurement mode indicator 110 is also configured to guide the user throughout the area measurement process. In an embodiment, the measurement mode indicator 110 reminds the user in a stepwise manner which measurement should be performed according to the selected measurement mode. Preferably, the measurement mode indicator 110 is a visual or audible prompt provided to the user. The measurement indicator 112 may indicate the completed measurement to further assist the user. Similarly, the measurement indicator 112 can also be a visual or auditory cue provided to the user. The memory indicator 114 indicates the memory of the device 102 status. Preferably, when the memory of the device 102 is full, the laser generating device 102 can provide the user with visual, auditory or vibration signals, so that the user can take necessary actions to free up the memory space for further measurement.

Although some of the laser generating devices 102 have been described above Specific indicators, but it should be noted that some of these indicators can be removed, and some other forms of indicators or indicator signals can be provided by the laser generating device 102 to improve the function and efficiency of the device without departing from this The spirit of invention.

Referring again to Figure 1, as shown in (150), the user first opens the Laser generator 102. Then, the user selects a target surface area measurement mode from different preset target surface area measurement modes by actuating a selection member provided on the device 102 such as an actuator. The measurement mode indicator 110 indicates the measurement mode selected by the user. In this particular embodiment, a preset measurement mode (by measuring three points on the target surface 104 at corners to calculate the target surface area) is selected.

In this embodiment, after determining the measurement mode to be used And with the help of the measurement mode indicator 110, the user first activates the laser generating device 102 to generate a laser signal, and transmits the laser signal from the laser generating device 102 to the target of the area to be measured A lower left corner of surface 104. The laser generating device 102 then receives the laser signal reflected from the lower left corner of the target surface 104. Since the speed of the transmitted laser signal is known, the laser generating device 102 can determine the difference between the lower left corner of the device 102 and the target surface 104 based on the time difference between transmission and reception of the laser signal distance.

Once this first distance is determined and calculated, as shown in (152), The laser generating device 102 displays a value of the first distance on a display field 116 and stores the value in the memory of the device 102. Subsequently, as shown in (154), the value of the first distance is automatically moved to a memory column 118, so that the display column 116 is cleared and the device 102 is ready for the second measurement. In some embodiments, the memory count 120 on the display 106 will automatically increment to indicate that the measurement value has been successfully stored in the memory.

Then, as shown in (154), according to the selected measurement mode The measurement method, the measurement mode indicator 110 is automatically updated to indicate to the user where to send the next laser signal for the next measurement. In this case, the user transmits the laser signals to the upper left corner of the target 104 by generating a laser signal by actuating the laser generating device 102 and removing the laser signal from the laser The shot generating device transmits to a top left corner of the target surface 104 of the area to be measured. The laser generating device 102 then receives the laser signal reflected from the upper left corner of the target surface 104. Since the speed of the transmitted laser signal is known, the laser generating device 102 can determine the difference between the upper left corner of the device 102 and the target surface 104 based on the time difference between transmission and reception of the laser signal distance.

Once this second distance is determined and calculated, as shown in (156), The laser generating device 102 displays a value of the second distance on a display field 116 and stores the value in the memory. Subsequently, as shown in (158), the value of the second distance is automatically moved to a memory column 118, so that the display column 116 is cleared and the device 102 is ready for the third measurement. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the memory count on the display 106 is automatically passed Increase to indicate that the measurement value has been successfully stored in the memory of the device 102.

Again, based on the measurement method of the selected measurement mode, the The measurement mode indicator 110 will indicate to the user where to send the next laser signal for the next measurement. In this case, the user activates the laser generating device 102 to generate a laser signal, and transmits the laser signal from the laser generating device 102 to a lower right corner of the target surface 104 of the area to be measured. The laser generating device 102 then receives the reflected laser signal from the lower right corner of the target surface 104. Since the speed of the transmitted laser signal is known, the laser generating device 102 can determine the difference between the lower right corner of the device 102 and the target surface 104 based on the time difference between transmission and reception of the laser signal distance.

Once this third distance is determined and calculated, as shown in (160), The laser generating device 102 displays a value of the third distance on a display column 116, and the device 102 stores the value in the memory. After that, the value of the third distance is automatically moved to a memory column 118, so that the display column 116 is cleared.

Based on the measured three distance values, the laser generating device The area of the target surface 104 is automatically calculated based on the algorithm associated with the selected measurement mode. As shown in (162), the device 102 then displays the final calculated target surface area on the display column 116 of the display 106 and stores the calculated value in the memory. Again, during these aforementioned processes, the memory count on the display 106 will automatically increment to indicate that the third value and the final calculated value of the area have been successfully stored in the memory of the device 102.

Although this embodiment has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 1, it should be noted However, the layout on the display 106 and the information displayed by the display 106 in different operation steps can be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in some other embodiments, the display 106 of the device 102 may not display any measured distance values during the entire process, but only the final calculated area of the target surface 104. In some other cases, the device 102 may operate automatically or may only operate in response to user instructions.

2A to 2C, which shows the signal generating device of FIG. 1 102 is a first embodiment of a measurement mode. As shown in FIG. 2A, in this measurement mode, three distance measurements between the device 102 and the target surface 104 are required to measure the area of the target surface 104. In this embodiment, preferably, the device 102 is placed in a position such that the line 202 of the first distance between the device 102 and the lower left corner of the target surface 104, the bottom edge 208 of the target surface 104 And the left edges 210 of the target surface 104 are substantially orthogonal to each other. In some other embodiments, the device 102 may be placed anywhere as desired.

FIG. 2B shows the measurement mode of the signal generating device 102 in FIG. 2A The operation in the measurement process 200 of the formula. The operation process 200 shown in FIG. 2B is similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 1.

In this embodiment, the user first turns on the power of the device 102 force. Then, as shown in (250), the user uses the actuating member of the device 102 to select the measurement mode of FIG. 2A. For example, this actuation member may be, but not limited to, a button or a knob. In some cases, the display 106 may be touch-sensitive, and no actuator is provided on the device 102. After selecting the desired measurement mode, the measurement mode indicator 110 will guide the user to A first distance between the device 102 and the lower left corner of the target surface 104 is measured. The user actuates the device 102 and transmits the laser signal to the lower left corner of the target surface 104. The device 102 then receives the signal reflected from the lower left corner of the target surface 104 and determines the first distance between the device 102 and the lower left corner of the target surface 104. In this embodiment, the value of the first distance 202 is stored in the memory of the device 102, but may or may not be displayed on the display field 116 on the display 106 of the device 102. Accordingly, the memory count 120 on the display 106 can be incremented to indicate that the value has been successfully stored.

Once the first distance 202 is determined, the measurement mode indicator 110 It will be updated to indicate that the user should measure a second distance 204 between the device 102 and the upper left corner of the target surface 104. Similarly, the user actuates the device 102 and transmits a laser signal to the upper left corner of the target surface 104. The device 102 then receives the signal reflected from the upper left corner of the target surface 104 and determines the second distance 204 between the device 102 and the upper left corner of the target surface 104.

其中H為該目標表面的高度，a為該第一距離202的值，而b為該第二距離204的值。 Once the second distance 204 is determined, the device then calculates the height of the target surface 104 based on the first and second distances 202 and 204. See FIG. 2C, which shows a formula for calculating the value of the height of the target surface:

Where H is the height of the target surface, a is the value of the first distance 202, and b is the value of the second distance 204.

In this embodiment, as shown in (252), the calculated height is displayed on the display column 116 of the device 102 and stored in the memory. when When the device 102 can make the next measurement, as shown in (254), the calculated height value is moved to the memory column 118, and the display column 116 on the display 106 is cleared. In one embodiment, the measurement indicator 112 shows the measurements made by the device 102.

Next, the measurement mode indicator 110 is updated, and the user is instructed to measure a third distance 206 between the device 102 and the lower right corner of the target surface 104. Similarly, the user actuates the device 102 and transmits the laser signal to the lower right corner of the target surface 104. The device 102 then receives the signal reflected from the lower right corner of the target surface 104 and determines the third distance 206 between the device 102 and the lower right corner of the target surface 104.

其中W為該目標表面104的寬度，a為該第一距離202的值，而c為該第三距離206的值。 Once the third distance 206 is determined, the device then calculates the width of the target surface 104 based on the first and third distances 202 and 206. Referring to FIG. 2C, it shows a formula for calculating the value of the width of the target surface 104:

Where W is the width of the target surface 104, a is the value of the first distance 202, and c is the value of the third distance 206.

Then, as shown in (256), the calculated width is displayed on the display column 116 and stored in the memory. With these two values (width and height), the device 102 multiplies the calculated width and height to automatically calculate the area of the target surface 104. As shown in (258), the final calculated area is then displayed on the display column 116 of the display 106, and the final calculated area value is stored in the memory of the device 102.

Although this embodiment has been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, it should be Note that the layout on the display 106 and the information displayed by the display 106 in different operation steps can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, some features described with reference to FIG. 1 may be incorporated into this embodiment. In some cases, contrary to this embodiment, the height of the target surface 104 may be calculated after determining the width of the target surface 104. Furthermore, it should be understood that the user of the device 102 can select any three corners of the target surface 104 to use the measurement mode to measure the target surface area.

3A to 3C show the measurement of the signal generating device 102 of FIG. 1 One of the modes is the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, in this measurement mode, five distance measurements between the device 102 and the target surface 104 are required to calculate the area of the target surface 104. In this embodiment, preferably, the device 102 is placed in a position such that the first distance line 302 between the device 102 and a point on the target surface 104 is substantially the same as the target surface 104 The planes are orthogonal. In some other embodiments, the device 102 may be placed anywhere as desired.

FIG. 3B shows the measurement process 300 in the measurement mode of FIG. 3A. In operation, the signal generating device. The operation process 300 shown in FIG. 3B is similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 1.

In this embodiment, the user first turns on the power of the device 102 force. Then, as shown in (350), the user uses the actuating member of the device 102 to select the measurement mode of FIG. 3A. In some cases, the display 106 may be touch-sensitive, and no actuator is provided on the device 102. After selecting the desired measurement mode, the measurement mode indicator 110 will guide the user to measure a first distance between the center point of the device 102 and the target surface 104 From 302. The user actuates the device 102 and transmits the laser signal to the center point of the target surface 104. The device 102 then receives the signal reflected from the center point of the target surface 104 and determines the first distance 302 between the device 102 and the center point of the target surface 104. Preferably, as shown in (352), the value of the first distance 302 is displayed on the display field 116 and stored in the memory of the device 102.

When the device 102 is ready to take the second measurement as in (354) The display column 116 will be cleared, and the first value will be moved to the memory column 118 for display. Then, the measurement mode indicator 110 instructs the user to measure a second distance 304 between the device 102 and the point on the top edge of the target surface 104, wherein the point on the top edge is The center point is vertically aligned. Once the value of the second distance 304 is determined, the device 102 displays the second value on the display column 116, and the second value is stored in the memory of the device 102. Preferably, during this process, the measurement indicator 112 is also updated to indicate that the measurement has been completed.

As shown in Figure 3B, the above process will repeat from (356) to (368) Until the device 102 can determine the distance 302 between the center point of the device 102 and the target surface 104, and the distance 304, 306, 308 and 310 between the device 102 and the four points on the four sides of the target surface 104 Values of all five distances of, where the four points are aligned vertically or horizontally with the center point of the target surface 104. Preferably, these values are all stored in the memory of the device 102, and the memory count 120 is updated to confirm these changes. After determining the final distance value as shown in (368), the device 102 automatically calculates the target surface using a formula associated with the measurement method in this embodiment 104 area. As shown in (370), the final calculated area of the target surface 104 is displayed on the display column 116 and stored in the memory of the device 102.

其中W為該目標表面104的寬度，H為該目標表面104的高度，a為該裝置102與該目標表面104上的一點之間的距離302，b為該裝置102與該目標表面104之頂邊緣上的一點之間的距離304，其中該頂邊緣上的點係與該目標表面104上的該點垂直對準，c為該裝置102與該目標表面104之底邊緣上的一點之間的距離306，其中該底邊緣上的點係與該目標表面104上的該點垂直對準，d為該裝置102與該目標表面104之左邊緣上的一點之間的距離308，其中該左邊緣上的點係與該目標表面104上的該點水平對準，以及e為該裝置102與該目標表面104之右邊緣上的一點之間的距離310，其中該右邊緣上的點係與該目標表面104上的該點水平對準。藉由將基於該五個測量及以上所示的公式所判定的寬度及高度相乘，計算該目標表面104的面積。 FIG. 3C illustrates how to calculate the area of the target surface 104 in this embodiment. In particular, the width and height of the target surface 104 are calculated based on the following formula:

Where W is the width of the target surface 104, H is the height of the target surface 104, a is the distance 302 between the device 102 and a point on the target surface 104, and b is the top of the device 102 and the target surface 104 The distance 304 between a point on the edge, where the point on the top edge is vertically aligned with the point on the target surface 104, c is the point between the device 102 and a point on the bottom edge of the target surface 104 Distance 306, where the point on the bottom edge is vertically aligned with the point on the target surface 104, d is the distance 308 between the device 102 and a point on the left edge of the target surface 104, where the left edge The point on is aligned horizontally with the point on the target surface 104, and e is the distance 310 between the device 102 and a point on the right edge of the target surface 104, where the point on the right edge is This point on the target surface 104 is aligned horizontally. The area of the target surface 104 is calculated by multiplying the width and height determined based on the five measurements and the formula shown above.

Although this second embodiment has been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, it should be noted that the layout on the display 106 and the information displayed by the display 106 in different operation steps can be modified without departing from the essence of the invention God. For example, some features described with reference to FIG. 1 may be incorporated into this embodiment. It should also be understood that the user can select any point on the target surface 104 (not necessarily the center point) and four other points on the edge that are vertically and horizontally aligned with the selected point to use This measurement mode measures the target surface area. Furthermore, the order of the five measurements can be freely selected without affecting the calculation of the target surface area.

4A to 4C, which shows the signal generating device of FIG. 1 One of the measurement modes of 102 is the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, in this measurement mode, five distance measurements between the device 102 and the target surface 104 or some points outside the target surface 104 are required to measure the area of the target surface 104. In this embodiment, preferably, the device 102 is placed at a position such that the line 406 of the third distance between the device 102 and the lowest intermediate point outside the target surface 104 and the target surface 104 are substantially Orthogonal. In some other embodiments, the device 102 may be placed anywhere as desired.

FIG. 4B shows the measurement process 400 in the measurement mode of FIG. 4A. In operation, the signal generating device. The operation process 400 shown in FIG. 4B is similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 1.

In this embodiment, the user first turns on the power of the device 102 force. Then, as shown in (450), the user uses the actuating member of the device 102 to select the measurement mode of FIG. 4A. In some cases, the display 106 of the device 102 may be touch-sensitive, and no actuator is provided on the device 102. After selecting the desired measurement mode, the measurement mode indicator 110 will guide the user to measure the top edges of the device 102 and the target surface 104 A first distance 402 between the points on the. The user actuates the device 102 and transmits a laser signal to the point on the top edge of the target surface 104. The device 102 then receives the signal reflected from the point on the top edge of the target surface 104 and determines the first distance 402 between the device 102 and the point on the top edge of the target surface 104. In one embodiment, as shown in (452), the value of the first distance 402 is stored in the memory, but is not displayed on the display column 116 of the display 106. However, in some other embodiments, the value of the first distance 402 may be displayed. The memory count 120 may be increased to confirm that the value has been successfully stored in the memory of the device 102. After that, as shown in (454), the device 102 is ready for the next measurement.

Preferably, the measurement mode indicator 110 is updated and indicates use A person measures a second distance 404 between the device 102 and a point on the bottom edge of the target surface 104, wherein the point on the bottom edge is vertically aligned with the point on the top edge of the target surface 104. Again, the device 102 transmits a laser signal for this measurement as described above. Once it is determined that the value of the second distance is as shown in (456), the device 102 may or may not display the second value in the display column 116, and the second value is stored in the memory.

Next, the measurement mode indicator 110 is updated and instructs the user A third distance 406 between the device 102 and a point extending away from the bottom edge of the target surface 104 and vertically aligned with the point on the bottom edge of the target surface 104 is measured. Preferably, the measurement index 112 is updated throughout the process to indicate that the measurement has been completed.

After the device 102 is ready for the next measurement, such as As shown in (458), in subsequent steps (458) to (468), the measurement mode refers to The target 110 is updated and instructs the user to measure the fourth and fifth values 408 and 410, which are equal to the device 102 and a third point outside the target surface 104 and horizontally aligned with the left and right edges of the target surface 104 The distance between vertically aligned points. All these values are determined by using laser pulses sent from the device 102, and the measurement results are displayed on the display column 116 of the device 102 and stored in the memory. Preferably, after successfully storing the values in the memory of the device 102, the memory count 120 is updated. After determining all five distance values, as shown in (470), the device 102 automatically calculates the area of the target surface 104 using the formula associated with the measurement method in this embodiment. The final calculated value of the area of the target surface 104 is displayed on the display column 116 and stored in the memory of the device 102.

其中W為該目標表面104的寬度，H為該目標表面104的高度，a為該裝置102與該目標表面104之頂邊緣上的一點之間的距離402，b為該裝置102與該目標表面104之底邊緣上的一點之間的距離404，其中該底邊緣上的點係與該目標表面104之該頂邊緣上的該點垂直對準，c為該裝置102與自該目標表面104的底邊緣延伸遠離的一點(在該目標表面104之外)之間的距離406，其中該自底邊緣延伸遠離的點係與該目標表面104之底邊緣上的點垂直對準，d為該裝置102和一 與該目標表面104之外的c點水平對準並與該目標表面104之左邊緣垂直對準的點之間的距離408，以及e為該裝置102和一與該目標表面104之外的c點水平對準並與該目標表面104之右邊緣垂直對準的點之間的距離410。藉由將基於該五個測量及以上所示的公式所判定的寬度及高度相乘，計算該目標表面104的面積。 FIG. 4C illustrates a formula used to calculate the area of the target surface 104 in this measurement mode. In particular, the width and height of the target surface 104 are calculated based on the following formula:

Where W is the width of the target surface 104, H is the height of the target surface 104, a is the distance 402 between the device 102 and a point on the top edge of the target surface 104, b is the device 102 and the target surface The distance 404 between a point on the bottom edge of 104, where the point on the bottom edge is vertically aligned with the point on the top edge of the target surface 104, c is the distance between the device 102 and the target surface 104 The distance 406 between a point extending away from the bottom edge (outside the target surface 104), wherein the point extending away from the bottom edge is vertically aligned with the point on the bottom edge of the target surface 104, d is the device 102 and a distance 408 between a point horizontally aligned with point c outside the target surface 104 and vertically aligned with the left edge of the target surface 104, and e is the device 102 and a point with the target surface 104 The distance 410 between points outside the point c that is horizontally aligned and vertically aligned with the right edge of the target surface 104. The area of the target surface 104 is calculated by multiplying the width and height determined based on the five measurements and the formula shown above.

Although this third embodiment has been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, However, it should be noted that the layout on the display 106 and the information displayed by the display 106 under these different operation steps can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, some features described with reference to FIG. 1 may be incorporated into this embodiment. It should also be understood that the user can select any point outside the target surface 104 and four other points vertically and horizontally aligned with that point to use this measurement mode to measure the target surface area. Furthermore, the order of the five measurements can be freely selected without affecting the calculation of the target surface area.

Referring to FIG. 5, which shows a hybrid according to an embodiment of the present invention The measurement mode is 500. In this embodiment, the device 102 may be configured to measure the same target area based on measurements made using different measurement modes (more than one measurement mode). In an embodiment, the different measurement modes may include the measurement mode of the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-C (mode A), the measurement mode of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-C (mode B), and FIG. 4A-C (mode C) The measurement mode of the embodiment. There may be additional measurement modes in other embodiments. In a particular example, the device 102 may be configured to use one of the measurement modes to measure the height or width of the target area 104, and use the other of the measurement modes to measure the height or the target area 104 or The other of width. In a comparison In a preferred embodiment, the device 102 is operable to calculate the area of the target surface 104 using measurements obtained with different measurement methods / modes.

A particular advantage of the above-described embodiments of the present invention is that a direct measurement of the geometry of the target surface may not be required, but a measurement of the area of the target surface may be performed, which is often difficult to obtain. Other advantages of the present invention in terms of cost, ease of production, accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness will be apparent after referring to the above. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the measurement modes described in the embodiments. Other modifications can be made to the present invention to use alternative algorithms to measure non-planar areas. In practice, the surface area of all shapes can be measured using a signal generating device as described above.

Those skilled in the art can understand that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the invention as shown in these specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as widely described. Therefore, these embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting in all aspects.

Any reference to the conventional technology contained in this article should not be regarded as an acknowledgement that the information is general knowledge unless otherwise indicated.

100‧‧‧Method

102‧‧‧Signal generator / laser generator

104‧‧‧ target surface

106‧‧‧Monitor

108‧‧‧Electricity index

110‧‧‧Measurement mode index

112‧‧‧Measurement index

114‧‧‧ memory index

116‧‧‧Display bar

118‧‧‧Memory Bar

120‧‧‧ memory count

150,152,154,156,158,160,162‧‧‧ steps

Claims (17)

A method for measuring the area of a target surface in the form of a parallelogram, the method includes: generating and transmitting a plurality of measurement signals from a signal generating device to a plurality of points on the target surface and the A plurality of points outside the target surface; wherein the plurality of points above the target surface and the plurality of points outside the target surface include: a first point on a boundary of the target surface, and the A second point on a boundary of the target surface that is opposed to and aligned with the first point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point that are linearly aligned outside the target surface, the third point is configured Between the fourth and fifth points and linearly aligned with the first and second points, the first, second, third, fourth and fifth points together define a plane, the The first and second points span one of a width and a height of the target surface, and the third, fourth, and fifth points span the other of the width and the height of the target surface; received from The plurality of points on the target surface and the A plurality of individual measurements for each of these signal points other than the standard reflected by the surface, wherein the signal generating means is configured to line at the third point substantially orthogonal to the plane form; Determine the individual distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points on the target surface and the plurality of points outside the target surface; based on the determined distances, automatically derive from the Most parameters related to the geometry of the area of the target surface; and using these derived parameters, the area of the target surface is calculated automatically. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal generating device is operable in a plurality of measurement modes, and each of the plurality of measurement modes is configured to determine the geometry associated with the area of the target surface to be measured The most of these parameters. The method of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of measurement modes is associated with a different target surface area measurement method. The method of claim 3, wherein the signal generating device is initially configured to operate in a preset measurement mode. The method of claim 4 further includes the following steps: when a desired target surface area measurement method is different from a preset target surface area measurement method associated with the preset measurement mode, the plurality of Before measuring the signal, a selection member of the signal generating device is used to select a measurement mode different from the preset measurement mode from the plurality of measurement modes. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of parameters associated with the geometric shape of the area of the target surface include: at least one height of the target surface, a portion of the height, an extended height, and a width ,One One of the partial width, an extended width, a hypotenuse, or a portion of the hypotenuse. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the steps of: after deriving each of the plurality of parameters at the signal generating device, displaying the derived on one display element of the signal generating device Of each of these multiple parameters. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the following steps: after deriving each of the plurality of parameters at the signal generating device, storing in a memory module of the signal generating device Each of these multiple parameters derived. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the following steps: after calculating the area of the target surface, displaying the calculated area of the target surface on a display element of the signal generating device. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the following steps: after calculating the area of the target surface, storing the calculated area of the target surface in a memory module of the signal generating device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the following steps: displaying a power indicator on a display element of the signal generating device, which indicates a power state of the signal generating device. As in the method of claim 5, it further includes the following steps: displaying a measurement mode indicator on a display element of the signal generating device, which indicates the selected measurement mode. The method of claim 12, wherein the measurement mode indicator is further configured to separate each of the plurality of signals from the signal generating device at a time Before transmitting to the plurality of points on the target surface and the plurality of points outside the target surface, indicate a geometry with the area of the target surface to be measured on a display element of the signal generating device The parameters associated with the shape. The method of claim 13, wherein the measurement mode indicator is each time the plurality of signals are transmitted from the signal generating device to the plurality of points above the target surface and outside the target surface Before these multiple points, an algorithm based on the selected measurement mode is updated. The method of claim 5 further includes the following steps: displaying a measurement guide indicator configured to indicate one or more parameters associated with the geometric shape of the area of the target surface that has been measured. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the target surface is a surface of a wall. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the signal generating device is a laser generating device configured to generate, communicate, and receive several measurement signals in the form of laser measurement signals.