Dynamic information projection for a wall sensor
An implementation of a system, device and method for projecting a visual indicator against a surface is provided. A display projection system in a handheld sensor device (e.g. a handheld wall scanner) projects a static or computer-controlled dynamic pattern of light onto a surface being scanned to indicate a specific feature, such as existence of solid structures of wood, metal or plastic, electric or magnetic fields, or a disturbance of a field. The projected light may be controlled by a computer via an aperture to allow flexibility in what is projected, such as icons, lines, graphics, characters and colors.
1. A handheld sensor device to project a visual indicator against a surface, the device comprising:
a sensor to sense an object behind the surface and to provide a data signal;
a controller coupled the sensor to receive the data signal, the controller configured to activate a first icon based on the data signal and to provide a control signal, wherein the first icon comprises a distinct two-dimensional icon; and
a light source coupled to the controller to receive the control signal and to project the first icon against the surface, the light source comprising
a light emitting source; and
an aperture defining the first icon to project light from the light emitting source as the first icon.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first icon comprises an arrow.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first icon indicates a direction to the object.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first icon indicates an edge feature of the object.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first icon indicates the object is wooden.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first icon indicates the object is metallic.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first icon indicates the object is electrically energized.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first icon indicates a center feature of the object.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the light source is further configured to project a second icon against the surface, wherein the second icon indicates an edge feature of the object, and wherein the second icon comprises a distinct two-dimensional icon.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture comprises a dynamic opening.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the dynamic opening comprises an LCD panel.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture comprises a fixed opening.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the fixed opening comprises an opening formed by joining a top housing and a base housing.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the light emitting source comprises:
a first color source comprises a first color for the first icon; and
a second color source comprises a second color for a second icon, wherein the second icon comprises a distinct two-dimensional icon; and
wherein the first and second color sources are selectable by the controller.
15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.
16. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a stud sensor.
17. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an electrical field sensor.
18. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor.
19. A method to project a visual indicator against a surface using a handheld sensor device, the method comprising:
sensing, by the handheld sensor device, an object behind the surface;
determining, by the handheld sensor device, a first feature of the sensed object; and
projecting, from the handheld sensor device, a light emitting source and through an aperture shaped to define a first icon projected onto the surface, the first icon indicating the first feature, wherein the first icon comprises a distinct two-dimensional icon.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the first icon comprises an arrow.
21. The method of claim 19 , wherein the first icon indicates a direction to the object.
22. The method of claim 19 , wherein the first icon indicates an edge feature of the object.
23. The method of claim 19 , wherein the first icon indicates a center feature of the object.
24. The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
determining a second feature of the sensed object; and
projecting a second icon indicating the second feature, wherein the second icon comprises a distinct two-dimensional icon.
25. The method of claim 19 , wherein the aperture comprises a dynamic opening.
26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the dynamic opening comprises an LCD panel.
27. The method of claim 19 , wherein the aperture comprises a fixed opening.
28. The method of claim 27 , wherein the fixed opening comprises an opening formed by joining a top housing and a base housing.
29. A method for detecting an object behind a surface using a handheld sensor device, the method comprising:
sensing, by the handheld sensor device, a first feature of the object;
selecting a first icon, from a plurality of icons, based on sensing the first feature, wherein the first icon comprises a distinct two-dimensional icon;
projecting, from the handheld sensor device, the first icon, defined by an aperture, against the surface in response to being selected;
sensing, by the handheld sensor device, a second feature of the object;
selecting a second icon, from the plurality of icons, based on sensing the second feature, wherein the second icon comprises a distinct two-dimensional icon; and
projecting, from the handheld sensor device, the second icon against the surface in response to selecting the second icon.
30. The method of claim 29 , wherein:
the first icon indicates a first direction; and
the second icon indicates an opposite direction.
31. The method of claim 29 , further comprising:
sensing a third feature of the object;
selecting a third icon, from the plurality of icons, based on sensing the third feature; and
projecting the third icon against the surface in response to selecting the third icon.
32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the third icon indicates a center feature of the object.