A handheld laser rangefinder is an instrument that accurately measures the distance to a target using laser technology. When the laser rangefinder is in operation, it emits a very thin laser beam towards the target. Then, an optoelectronic component receives the laser beam reflected by the target. A timer measures the time it takes for the laser beam to travel from emission to reception, thereby calculating the distance from the measurer to the target.
Laser ranging has characteristics such as high measurement accuracy, long measurement range, good directivity, strong anti - interference ability, good concealment, and simple and rapid operation. In the early days, it was mainly applied in the military field, such as topographic surveying, target ranging, determination of the altitude of aircraft and missiles, etc. Besides being used for direct observation by troops, it is also combined with other equipment to form multi - functional devices, which are widely used in various optoelectronic systems or weapon guidance.
Common application fields of laser ranging include but are not limited to the following scenarios:
1. In the field of construction and engineering
Architectural Surveying: In the field of architectural surveying, handheld laser rangefinders play an indispensable role. For new construction projects, architects can use it to quickly measure the height of buildings. The vertical distance from the ground to the roof can be easily obtained. When measuring the width, there is no need for complex tape - measuring operations, and accurate data will appear instantly. This provides a reliable basis for design planning, helps accurately assess the project scale, and further reasonably estimate the construction cost. In the interior decoration stage, designers use it to measure the dimensions of each side of the indoor space. Based on the measurement results, they can scientifically plan the furniture layout, making the space utilization more reasonable and improving the comfort of living and working.
Engineering Monitoring: In the construction process of large - scale projects such as bridges, tunnels, and subways, laser rangefinders are crucial equipment to ensure the smooth progress of construction. When building a bridge, it can accurately measure the dimensions of various bridge components, such as the length of steel beams and the distance between bridge piers. This enables construction workers to build in strict accordance with the design requirements, effectively guaranteeing construction accuracy and quality. During tunnel excavation, it can measure the deviation between the tunnel contour and the design line in real - time, and adjust the excavation direction in a timely manner. Moreover, during the operation phase of the project, the laser rangefinder can continuously monitor the deformation and displacement of the project. Once abnormal data is detected, it can issue an early warning in a timely manner, enabling relevant personnel to quickly take measures such as reinforcement and repair, nipping potential safety hazards in the bud and ensuring the long - term stable operation of the project.
2. Geographical Surveying and Mapping
Topographic Surveying: In topographic surveying work, the laser rangefinder has become an extremely crucial tool due to its excellent performance. By emitting laser beams, it can accurately measure the distances from the measurement points to targets such as geomorphic features, terrain undulations, and buildings. Combined with angle - measuring technology, it can efficiently obtain the three - dimensional coordinate information of the target objects.
After professional processing and analysis, these precise three - dimensional coordinate data can be transformed into intuitive and detailed maps as well as lifelike models. In terms of urban planning, planners can clearly understand the existing terrain and landforms of the city based on these high - precision maps and models, and rationally arrange transportation routes, building facilities, etc., making urban development more scientific and forward - looking.
When conducting land surveys, it can accurately determine land boundaries, terrain changes, etc., providing a reliable basis for the rational utilization and management of land resources. In the field of disaster monitoring, such as before and after disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides, comparative analysis of the topographic data obtained by the laser rangefinder can help detect abnormal topographic changes in a timely manner, quickly assess the scope and extent of the disaster impact, and provide strong support for the efficient implementation of rescue work.
-
Production Line Measurement: On modern automated production lines, laser rangefinders play a pivotal role. Like the "precision eyes" of the production line, with their high - precision distance - measuring capabilities, they accurately position and measure the dimensions of parts during the production process. For example, in the manufacturing of electronic devices, the precise installation of tiny parts is of utmost importance. Laser rangefinders can quickly and accurately determine whether the parts are placed in the specified positions and whether their dimensions meet the design standards, thus greatly ensuring production accuracy. In the automotive manufacturing field, which has extremely high requirements for precision, it plays an irreplaceable role. From the welding of the vehicle body frame to the assembly of components, laser rangefinders can monitor the dimensions of various parts of the vehicle body in real - time. Once a deviation occurs, an alarm can be issued in a timely manner, allowing operators to make rapid adjustments to ensure that the manufacturing quality of each link meets high standards, effectively reducing the defective product rate and improving overall production efficiency.
-
Logistics and Warehousing: In the current context where the logistics and warehousing industry is constantly pursuing intelligent upgrades, laser rangefinders have become one of the key technologies for achieving efficient operations. During the operation of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), the laser rangefinder provides it with accurate positioning information, enabling the AGV to travel accurately along the preset path in a complex warehouse environment and efficiently complete the task of transporting goods. Similarly, in the operation of a stacker, the laser rangefinder helps the stacker accurately determine the storage location and height of goods, achieving rapid and accurate stacking of goods and greatly optimizing inventory management. In a warehouse environment with a complex spatial layout and frequent goods flow, the laser rangefinder can effectively prevent collisions between AGVs, stackers and other equipment, shelves or goods by monitoring the distance of surrounding obstacles in real - time. It provides a strong guarantee for the safe operation of warehousing operations and comprehensively improves logistics efficiency.
4. Aerospace and Military
Aerospace: In the aerospace field, laser rangefinders and lidars are like the "intelligent eyes" of aircraft, playing an irreplaceable and crucial role. For airplanes, during all stages of takeoff, cruise, and landing, laser rangefinders and lidars continuously and accurately measure the altitude of the aircraft, ensuring that the flight altitude is always within a safe range and in line with the route plan. At the same time, they can also monitor the speed of the aircraft in real - time, assisting pilots in reasonably adjusting flight parameters to ensure smooth and efficient flights.
For satellites, whether they are performing tasks such as communication, meteorological observation, or remote sensing detection, laser ranging technology helps them accurately locate their positions, ensuring that satellites operate accurately in the vast universe and steadily complete various complex tasks. In the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), whether it is topographic mapping, inspection tasks, or logistics delivery, laser rangefinders and lidars provide them with accurate altitude, speed, and position information, enabling UAVs to fly autonomously, safely, and precisely in complex environments, greatly expanding the application boundaries and effectiveness of UAVs.
Military Applications: In the military field, laser rangefinders can be regarded as the "precision weapons" of military operations. In military ranging tasks, it can quickly and accurately measure the target distance, providing key data support for the precise strikes of weapons. For example, the artillery troops can precisely adjust the firing parameters of the artillery according to the target distance obtained by the laser rangefinder, significantly improving the hit rate of strikes.
In terms of target indication, the laser rangefinder can clearly lock the target position and transmit accurate coordinate information to the subsequent attack weapon systems, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the attacks. In addition, the integration of laser rangefinders into radar systems and optoelectronic navigation systems significantly improves the performance and accuracy of these systems, making military operations more precise and efficient. Moreover, on the rapidly changing battlefield, the laser rangefinder can quickly complete battlefield measurements, obtain key terrain data, and draw high - precision topographic maps, providing strong data support for military commanders to make strategic and tactical decisions, helping the military gain the initiative in the complex and changeable battlefield environment.
Recommended Practical Combat Solutions:
ERDI Handheld Laser Rangefinder Application Solution
This solution is developed based on the industrial - grade general - purpose LRF series MCU. It features an Arm® Cortex® - M0+ core, offering high integration, good reliability, and strong expansion and control capabilities. It can meet the requirements of handheld laser rangefinders for Bluetooth communication, power consumption adjustment, and diverse measurement needs, enabling simple, fast, and accurate measurement operations.
Advantages of the Solution
-
Supporting the Efficient Operation of Equipment
-
Efficient Computing and Processing Function: Based on the Arm® Cortex® - M0+ core, with a maximum operating frequency of 72MHz and built - in 64Kbytes Flash and 8Kbytes SRAM, it can effectively improve the computing and processing capabilities of handheld laser rangefinders.
-
Extensive Communication Interfaces: UART supports Bluetooth module interfaces and Debug interfaces, enabling functions such as program downloading, parameter setting, and data interaction, which contributes to the efficient transmission of data information.
-
Abundant Peripheral Resources: With built - in SPI up to 24Mbytes and hardware DMA channels, it can ensure that the LCD screen does not freeze and refreshes content in a timely manner.
-
Effectively Improving Measurement Accuracy
-
12 - bit High - Precision ADC: It can amplify the received signal through a high - speed operational amplifier and determine the waveform phase through dynamic real - time sampling, improving the accuracy of signal acquisition and processing.
-
TIM Adjustable PWM: TIM can adjust the modulation signals of different frequencies generated by PWM to achieve multi - scale measurement.
-
Built - in 4~32MHz High - Precision Crystal Oscillator: It can obtain a relatively stable clock frequency and reduce the measurement error of the rangefinder.
-
Ensuring the Stable Operation of the Instrument
-
Wide Temperature Range and High ESD Resistance: The temperature range is from - 40℃ to + 105℃ and the ESD level is 4KV. It has strong temperature adaptability and anti - interference ability, which can ensure the stable operation of the rangefinder even in harsh outdoor working environments.
-
Stable Voltage Supply: The voltage range is 2.0V - 3.6V. It has built - in power - on reset, power - off reset and configurable voltage monitoring modules, which can ensure that the output voltage remains constant under different working conditions.
Xiaohua High - Speed Optical Module
The solution consists of components such as MCU, DSP, optical transmitting device (TOSA), optical receiving device (ROSA), TIA (transimpedance amplifier), PD (photodiode), EML (external modulator laser), TEC (temperature control chip), relevant functional circuits, and optical (electrical) interfaces. The NRZ signal from the switch is modulated into a PAM4 signal by TOSA, passes through the EML device, and is converted into an optical signal for transmission in the optical fiber. At the receiving end, the optical signal from the optical fiber is converted into an electrical signal by PD, amplified by TIA, and then modulated back into an NRZ signal through ROSA. The signal link is shown in Figure 1.
Advantages of MCU:
- Arm Cortex - M4 core with a 120MHz main frequency, integrated with FPU.
- 512KB Dual - bank Flash, 64KB + 4KB SRAM, among which 32KB SRAM has ECC function.
- Three 12 - bit 2.5MSPS ADC units with up to 29 sampling channels.
- 8 - channel 12 - bit DAC, with a single channel capable of driving up to 10mA.
- Built - in 2.5V high - precision Vref.
- Four - channel voltage comparator CMP.
- Independent power supply for I/O (supporting independent power supply of 1.2 - 3.6V for 8 pins).
- I2C communication rate up to 1Mbps, supporting BootLoader download and hot - swap.
- Supports PLA and MDIO peripherals.
- Has a reset - hold function: When software or WDT resets, the DAC and ports can maintain their output.
- Low - voltage power supply from 1.8V to 3.6V.
- BGA64 (4x4mm²) small package, meeting the requirements of optical module applications.
