TWI907983B - Methods of locating a target object in a ranging device, and ranging devices thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods of locating a target object in a ranging device and the ranging devices thereof are provided. First, a signal processor is used to process a first signal of a first signal module corresponding to a first target object, where the first signal at least includes a position information. Then, a first target distance corresponding to the first target object is determined based on a device position of the ranging device and the position information in the first signal. After that, a laser ranging unit is used to perform a ranging operation on the first target object to obtain a first laser ranging result, and a display unit is used to display a first icon corresponding to the first target object according to the first target distance or the first laser ranging result.

Description

A method for locating a target in a ranging device, and the ranging device thereof.

This invention relates to a distance measuring method and a distance measuring device, and more particularly to a method and device that can locate and display a target object within the distance measuring device, and further perform distance measuring operations to increase accuracy.

In recent years, laser rangefinders have replaced traditional ranging methods as the mainstream ranging system. Laser ranging can be divided into three methods: triangulation, time-of-flight (ToF) ranging, and confocal ranging. Currently, the most common method is time-of-flight (ToF), which measures the round-trip time of the laser. The principle of ToF is to use a scope or rangefinder to emit coded laser light from a pulsed infrared source towards the target object. The ToF camera then receives the laser light reflected from the target object and calculates the distance to the target object using a ranging formula. Due to the unique principle of lasers, measurements can be performed even if the target is inconvenient to approach.

Traditional laser sights or laser rangefinders operate by simply emitting several laser beams at a target from the transmitter. If the number of laser reflections received by the receiver exceeds a threshold (e.g., 60%), the Time-of-Flight (ToF) values of the successfully received laser beams can be calculated to determine the final measured distance as the output. However, in specific applications, such as outdoor hunting and golf, rangefinders often only provide distance and angle measurements, along with different display increments. In other words, the functionality of rangefinders is relatively limited.

In these application scenarios, the ability to locate and track one or more target objects, such as companions, hunting dogs, or golf holes, allows users to better control the location and status of these specific targets. This enables a more comprehensive understanding of the application's current state and allows for timely and necessary feedback.

In view of this, the present invention provides a method for locating a target in a ranging device and the ranging device thereof.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for locating a target object in a ranging device, applicable to a ranging device. First, a signal processor of the ranging device processes a first signal from a first signal module corresponding to a first target object, wherein the first signal includes at least position information. Next, based on the device position of the ranging device and the position information in the first signal, the distance to the first target object is determined. Then, a laser ranging unit of the ranging device performs a ranging operation on the first target object to obtain a first laser ranging result, and a display unit of the ranging device displays a first icon corresponding to the first target object based on the distance to the first target object or the first laser ranging result.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a ranging device comprising at least a laser ranging unit, a signal processor, a display unit, and a processing unit. The signal processor processes a first signal from a first signal module corresponding to a first target object, wherein the first signal includes at least position information. The processing unit is coupled to the signal processor and the display unit, and determines the distance to the first target object based on the device position of the ranging device and the position information in the first signal. The processing unit performs a ranging operation on the first target object using the laser ranging unit to obtain a first laser ranging result, and displays a first icon of the first target object through the display unit based on the distance to the first target object or the first laser ranging result.

In some embodiments, the signal processor of the ranging device continuously processes multiple signals from the first signal module corresponding to the first target. Then, the ranging device calculates a movement trajectory of the corresponding first target based on these signals, and displays the movement trajectory of the corresponding first target using the display unit of the ranging device.

In some embodiments, a ranging device is used to determine whether the strength of one of the first signals is below a threshold. When the strength of the first signal is below the threshold, a notification is displayed by the display unit of the ranging device to warn of the impending loss of the first signal to the corresponding first target.

In some embodiments, a map data is provided in the ranging device, wherein a hazardous terrain area is defined in the map data. Then, based on the map data, the device location of the corresponding ranging device, or the location information in the first signal, a prompt corresponding to the hazardous terrain area is displayed using the display unit of the ranging device.

In some embodiments, a ranging device is used to correct the distance to the first target based on a first laser ranging result. The signal processor determines the first relative position of the first target based on a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, a Wi-Fi positioning technology, or a UWB (Ultra Wideband) positioning technology. The signal processor wirelessly receives the first signal transmitted by the first signal module corresponding to the first target, wherein the technology for receiving or transmitting the first signal is, for example, but not limited to, communication technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a signal receiver is activated by a signal transmitting module, or the signal transmitting module is activated by the signal receiver.

In some embodiments, a signal processor of the ranging device processes a second signal from a second signal module corresponding to a second target object, wherein the second signal includes at least position information. Based on the device position of the ranging device and the position information in the second signal, the distance to the second target object is determined. Then, a laser ranging unit of the ranging device performs a ranging operation on the second target object to obtain a second laser ranging result, and the ranging device corrects the distance to the first target object based on the distance to the second target object or the second laser ranging result.

In some embodiments, the signal processor of the ranging device processes a second signal from a second signal module corresponding to a second target object, wherein the second signal includes at least position information. Then, based on the device position of the ranging device and the position information in the second signal, the distance to the second target object is determined, and the display unit of the ranging device displays a second icon of the second target object and the corresponding distance based on the second relative position.

In some embodiments, the processing unit determines the first relative position of the corresponding first target based on a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, a Wi-Fi positioning technology, or a UWB (Ultra Wideband) positioning technology.

In some embodiments, the display unit includes a high-resolution dot-matrix OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) or a micro OLED.

The method described above can exist in the form of program code. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, the machine becomes a device for implementing the invention.

To make the aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent, specific embodiments are provided below, along with accompanying figures, for detailed explanation.

100: Distance measuring device

110: Signal Receiver

120: Display Unit

130: Processing Unit

140: Laser ranging unit

142: Laser ranging module

144: Distance Measurement Calculation Unit

S410, S420, S430: Steps

S510, S520, S530, S540: Steps

S610, S620: Steps

S710, S720, S730: Steps

S810, S820, S830: Steps

S910, S920: Steps

S1010, S1020, S1030, S1040, S1050: Steps

LRF_TAG_A, LRF_TAG_B, LRF_TAG_C: target

TA, TB, TC: Icons

RD: Distance measuring device icon

RT: Movement Track

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a laser ranging unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting the distance to a target object according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows an example of a ranging device locating a target.

Figure 12 shows the screen displayed in the corresponding display unit as in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows the movement trajectory of the target object in the example corresponding to Figure 11.

Figure 14 shows an example of a ranging device locating multiple targets.

Figure 15 shows the screen displayed in the corresponding unit in Figure 14.

Figure 1 shows a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ranging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least a signal receiver 110, a display unit 120, and a processing unit 130 electrically coupled to the signal receiver 110 and the display unit 120. The signal receiver 110 can wirelessly receive a signal transmitted from a signal transmitting module. It should be noted that the aforementioned signal receiver 110 may be a signal processor in the ranging device, capable of processing signals from a corresponding signal module. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the signal transmitting module may be mounted on a target and utilize GPS technology, Wi-Fi technology, and/or UWB positioning technology to transmit at least one signal with location information. It should be noted that the signal receiver 110 can receive signals using technologies corresponding to the signal transmitting module. These technologies include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication technologies. The signal receiver 110 must first be paired or adapted with the signal transmitting module so that it can actively or passively receive the signals actively or passively generated by the signal transmitting module. "Active" or "passive" means, but is not limited to, the signal receiver 110 being activated by the signal transmitting module, or the signal transmitting module being activated by the signal receiver 110, enabling the signal receiver 110 and the signal transmitting module to communicate with each other. The display unit 120 can display relevant data, the details of which will be explained later. In some embodiments, the display unit 120 may be a high-resolution dot-matrix OLED or a micro OLED. The processing unit 130 may be a general-purpose computing unit used to execute the method of locating a target in the ranging device of this invention, details of which will be described later.

Figure 2 shows a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The ranging device 100 according to this embodiment includes at least a laser ranging unit 140, a signal receiver 110, a display unit 120, and a processing unit 130 electrically coupled to the laser ranging unit 140, the signal receiver 110, and the display unit 120. The laser ranging unit 140 is used to perform distance measurement operations on a corresponding target object to obtain the distance between the target object and the ranging device 100. Figure 3 shows a laser ranging unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The laser ranging unit 140 according to this embodiment includes a laser ranging module 142 and a ranging calculation unit 144. The laser ranging module 142 can emit a laser beam toward a target and receive the reflected laser beam. The ranging calculation unit 144 can calculate the distance between the ranging device 100 and the target using a ranging formula based on the time of emitting the laser beam and the time of receiving the reflected laser beam. Similarly, the signal receiver 110 can wirelessly receive a signal emitted by a signal transmitting module. Similarly, the aforementioned signal receiver 110 can be a signal processor in the ranging device, which can process the signal of a corresponding signal module. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the signal transmitting module can be installed on a target and uses GPS technology, Wi-Fi technology, and/or UWB positioning technology to transmit at least one signal with location information. Similarly, the signal receiver 110 can use technologies corresponding to the signal transmitting module to receive signals. These technologies include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication technologies. The signal receiver 110 must first be paired or adapted with the signal transmitting module so that it can actively or passively receive the signals actively or passively generated by the signal transmitting module. "Active" or "passive" means, but is not limited to, the signal receiver 110 being activated by the signal transmitting module, or the signal transmitting module being activated by the signal receiver 110, enabling the signal receiver 110 and the signal transmitting module to communicate with each other. The display unit 120 can display relevant data, the details of which will be explained later. In some embodiments, display unit 120 may be a high-resolution dot-matrix OLED or a micro OLED. Processing unit 130 may be a general-purpose computing unit used to execute the method of locating a target in the ranging device of this invention, details of which will be described later.

Figure 4 illustrates a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to ranging devices as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

As in step S410, a signal receiver of the ranging device wirelessly receives a first signal transmitted by a first signal transmitting module corresponding to a first target. As mentioned above, the signal transmitting module can be installed on a target and transmits a signal with location information using GPS technology, Wi-Fi technology, and/or UWB positioning technology. Then, as in step S420, a first relative position of the corresponding first target is determined based on the device position of the ranging device and the location information in the first signal. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the processing unit of the ranging device can also determine the first relative position of the corresponding first target based on GPS technology, Wi-Fi positioning technology, or UWB positioning technology. Then, as in step S430, the display unit of one of the ranging devices displays a first icon for the corresponding first target object based on the first relative position.

Figure 5 illustrates a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the ranging devices shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

In step S510, a signal receiver of the ranging device wirelessly receives a first signal transmitted by a first signal transmitting module corresponding to a first target. As mentioned above, the signal transmitting module can be installed on a target and transmits a signal with location information using GPS technology, Wi-Fi technology, and/or UWB positioning technology. In step S520, a first relative position of the corresponding first target is determined based on the device position of the ranging device and the location information in the first signal. Similarly, in some embodiments, the processing unit of the ranging device can also determine the first relative position of the corresponding first target based on GPS technology, Wi-Fi positioning technology, or UWB positioning technology. Next, as in step S530, the distance between the ranging device and the first target object is determined based on the device position of the corresponding ranging device and the position information in the first signal. In other words, in some embodiments, the distance between the first target object and the first target object can be determined based on the device position of the corresponding ranging device and the position information in the first signal. Then, as in step S540, a display unit of the ranging device displays a first icon of the corresponding first target object and the distance between the first target object and the first target object based on the first relative position.

Figure 11 shows an example of a ranging device locating a target. As shown, the ranging device 100 can receive and locate a target LRF_TAG_A by transmitting a signal from its signal transmitting module. The display unit 120 of the ranging device 100 can display the corresponding icon RD of the ranging device 100, and display the corresponding icon TA and the target distance according to the relative position of the target LRF_TAG_A, as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 6 illustrates a method for correcting the distance to a target object according to an embodiment of the present invention. This method for correcting the distance to a target object according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the ranging device shown in Figure 2. First, as in step S610, a ranging operation is performed on a first target object using a laser ranging unit of the ranging device to obtain a first laser ranging result. Then, as in step S620, the distance to the first target object is corrected based on the first laser ranging result. It should be noted that the distance to the first target object is determined based on the device position of the corresponding ranging device and the position information in the first signal.

It must be noted that in some embodiments, when the ranging device simultaneously receives signals from a first target and a second target, and the first target is not within the field of view of the laser ranging unit, while the second target is within the field of view, the laser ranging unit can perform a ranging operation on the second target within its field of view to obtain a second laser ranging result. This second laser ranging result is then used to correct the distance to the first target that is not within its field of view. Since both the first and second targets are detected via signal transmission/detection, the signals can cooperate to perform the correction. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, when the ranging device can simultaneously receive signals from both the first and second targets, the distance to one of the second targets can be determined based on the device position of the ranging device and the position information in the second signal of the second target. The distance to the first target can then be corrected based on the distance to the second target and/or the second laser ranging result.

Figure 7 illustrates a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to ranging devices as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In this embodiment, the movement trajectory of the target can be tracked.

First, as in step S710, the signal receiver of the ranging device wirelessly and continuously receives multiple signals transmitted by the first signal transmitting module corresponding to the first target. As mentioned above, the signal transmitting module can be installed on a target and transmits signals with location information using GPS technology, Wi-Fi technology, and/or UWB positioning technology. Next, as in step S720, based on the device position of the corresponding ranging device and the location information in the first signal, the first relative position of the corresponding first target is determined, and the movement trajectory of the corresponding first target is calculated based on the signal received by the first target. Similarly, in some embodiments, the processing unit of the ranging device can also determine the first relative position of the first target based on GPS technology, Wi-Fi positioning technology, or UWB positioning technology. Then, as in step S730, a display unit of the ranging device displays a first icon of the first target and the movement trajectory of the first target based on the first relative position. Continuing with the example in Figure 11, when the target LRF_TAG_A moves and signals are continuously received from the target LRF_TAG_A, the ranging device 100 can calculate the movement trajectory RT of the target LRF_TAG_A and display it in the display unit 120, as shown in Figure 13.

It's worth noting that in this case, the located/tracked targets can be further managed.

Figure 8 illustrates a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to ranging devices as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In this embodiment, the signal strength of the target can be further determined and an alert can be issued.

First, as in step S810, it is determined whether the strength of the first signal of the corresponding first target is lower than a threshold value. It should be noted that the threshold value can be adjusted according to different needs and applications, and this invention does not limit it. When the strength of the first signal is not lower than the threshold value (No in step S820), the process returns to step S810. When the strength of the first signal is lower than the threshold value (Yes in step S820), as in step S830, a notification is displayed using the display unit of the ranging device to warn of the impending loss of the first signal of the corresponding first target. Through this warning, the user can react in advance before the first signal of the first target is lost.

Figure 9 illustrates a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to ranging devices as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In this embodiment, the ranging unit can provide alerts for hazardous areas in the environment.

First, as in step S910, a map is provided in the ranging device, wherein at least one hazardous terrain area is defined in the map data. Then, as in step S920, based on the map data, the device position of the corresponding ranging device, and/or the position information in the first signal, a warning corresponding to the hazardous terrain area is displayed on the display unit of the ranging device. Through this warning, the user can avoid themselves or their companions entering the hazardous terrain area.

Figure 10 illustrates a method for locating a target in a ranging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for locating a target in a ranging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the ranging device shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. In this embodiment, the ranging device can locate multiple targets simultaneously.

For example, in step S1010, the signal receiver of the ranging device wirelessly receives a first signal transmitted by a first signal transmitting module corresponding to a first target. Then, as in step S1020, based on the device position of the ranging device and the position information in the first signal, the first relative position of the first target and the distance between the ranging device and the first target are determined. Similarly, in some embodiments, the processing unit of the ranging device can also determine the first relative position of the first target based on GPS technology, Wi-Fi positioning technology, or UWB positioning technology. Next, as in step S1030, the signal receiver of the ranging device wirelessly receives a second signal transmitted by a second signal transmitting module corresponding to a second target. Then, as in step S1040, based on the device position of the ranging device and the position information in the second signal, the second relative position of the second target and the distance between the ranging device and the second target are determined. Similarly, in some embodiments, the processing unit of the ranging device can also determine the second relative position of the second target based on GPS technology, Wi-Fi positioning technology, or UWB positioning technology. Then, as in step S1050, one of the display units of the ranging device displays a first icon and a first target distance for a corresponding first target based on a first relative position, and displays a second icon and a second target distance for a corresponding second target based on a second relative position.

Figure 14 shows an example of a ranging device locating multiple targets. As shown, the ranging device 100 can receive signals from the signal transmitting modules of targets LRF_TAG_A, LRF_TAG_B, and LRF_TAG_C respectively and perform positioning. The display unit 120 of the ranging device 100 can display the corresponding icon RD of the ranging device 100, and display the corresponding icon and target distances TA, TB, and TC according to the relative positions of targets LRF_TAG_A, LRF_TAG_B, and LRF_TAG_C, as shown in Figure 15.

Therefore, the method for locating a target in a rangefinder and the rangefinder device described in this case can locate and display the target within the rangefinder device, and further perform rangefinder operations to increase accuracy. As mentioned earlier, in outdoor hunting and golf applications, the functions of rangefinders are relatively limited, lacking functions such as positioning, searching, and locating. This case extends this application. In this case, by simply using a signal transmitting accessory carried on the target person or object, its position and movement trajectory can be directly found on the display unit of the rangefinder device, thereby increasing convenience when hunting or playing golf. Furthermore, the distance actually measured by the rangefinder device can be used to correct the estimated distance of the signal transmitting accessory, which cannot be actually measured, thereby increasing its accuracy. Furthermore, when locating and tracking a target, this system can display a warning on the screen when the target is about to go out of range, and also provide alerts about dangerous terrain areas in the environment.

The method, or a specific form or part thereof of this invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in physical media, such as floppy disks, optical discs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, or may be a computer program product not limited to its external form. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in this invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission mode. When the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in this invention. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the code, in conjunction with the processing unit, provides a unique mechanism that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

S410, S420, S430: Steps

Claims (10)

A method for locating a target in a ranging device, applicable to a ranging device, the method comprising the following steps: The ranging device uses a signal processor to process a first signal from a first signal module corresponding to a first target, wherein the first signal includes at least location information; Based on the location of one of the ranging devices and the location information in the first signal, the distance to one of the first targets is determined; Using a laser ranging unit of the ranging device, a ranging operation is performed on the first target to obtain a first laser ranging result; and The display unit of one of the ranging devices displays a first icon corresponding to the first target object based on the distance to the first target object or the result of the first laser ranging. The method for locating a target in a ranging device as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: The signal processor of the ranging device continuously processes the multiple signals of the first signal module corresponding to the first target; Using the ranging device, the trajectory of one of the first targets is calculated based on the signals; and The display unit of the ranging device displays the movement trajectory of the corresponding first target. The method for locating a target in a ranging device as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: The ranging device is used to determine whether the intensity of one of the first signals is lower than a threshold value; and When the intensity of the first signal falls below the threshold, the display unit of the ranging device displays a notification to warn of the impending loss of the first signal to the corresponding first target. The method for locating a target in a ranging device as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: The ranging device provides map data, wherein a hazardous terrain area is defined in the map data; and Based on the map data, the location of the ranging device, or the location information in the first signal, the display unit of the ranging device displays a warning of one of the corresponding dangerous terrain areas. The method for locating a target in a ranging device as described in claim 1 further includes using the ranging device to correct the distance to the first target based on the first laser ranging result; wherein the signal processor determines the first relative position of the corresponding first target based on a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, a Wi-Fi positioning technology, or a UWB (Ultra Wideband) positioning technology; wherein the signal processor wirelessly receives the first signal transmitted by the first signal module corresponding to the first target; and the corresponding technology for receiving or transmitting the first signal is, for example, but not limited to, communication technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; a signal receiver is activated by the signal transmitting module, or the signal transmitting module is activated by the signal receiver. The method for locating a target in a ranging device as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: The signal processor of the ranging device processes a second signal from a second signal module corresponding to a second target, wherein the second signal includes at least location information; Based on the location of the ranging device and the location information in the second signal, the distance to one of the second targets is determined; Using one of the laser ranging units of the ranging device, a ranging operation is performed on the second target to obtain a second laser ranging result; and The distance to the first target is corrected using the ranging device based on the distance to the second target or the result of the second laser ranging. The method for locating a target in a ranging device as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: The signal processor of the ranging device processes a second signal from a second signal module corresponding to a second target, wherein the second signal includes at least location information; Based on the device position of the corresponding ranging device and the position information in the second signal, determine the distance to one of the corresponding second targets; and The display unit of the ranging device displays a second icon corresponding to the second target object and the corresponding distance to the second target object based on the second relative position. A ranging device, comprising One laser ranging unit; A signal processor for processing a first signal from a first signal module corresponding to a first target, wherein the first signal includes at least location information; One display unit; and A processing unit, coupled to the signal processor and the display unit, determines the distance to a first target object based on the device position of the corresponding ranging device and the position information in the first signal. The laser ranging unit performs a ranging operation on the first target object to obtain a first laser ranging result, and the display unit displays a first icon corresponding to the first target object based on the distance to the first target object or the first laser ranging result. The ranging device as described in claim 8, wherein the processing unit determines the first relative position of the corresponding first target based on a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, a Wi-Fi positioning technology, or a UWB (Ultra Wideband) positioning technology. The ranging device as described in claim 8, wherein the display unit comprises a high-resolution dot-matrix OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) or a micro OLED.