Automatic Door Sensor Zoning for Autonomous Robot Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic doors with simple configurations struggle to open for robots at an appropriate distance while minimizing unnecessary openings, as existing sensor systems either require complex mounting or lead to unwanted door activation due to broad detection ranges.
Innovation Solution
A moving environment system featuring an automatic door with a sensor that emits light beams to detect objects, using a dual detection area setup where the robot's detection area covers a low-traffic zone along the walls, allowing the robot to approach from a distance while reducing unnecessary openings by differentiating between passerby and robot detection zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensor detection area is adjusted to detect a robot at an appropriate distance, then the robot can approach the door from farther away, but objects that are not going to pass through will also be detected causing unnecessary door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple distinct zones: a first detection area for passersby and a second detection area for robots. Each zone has different detection parameters and thresholds, allowing the sensor to differentiate between passersby and robots, thereby enabling robot detection at appropriate distances without causing unnecessary door openings for non-passing objects
Solution Approach 2:
Different detection characteristics are applied to different spatial zones. The first detection area uses parameters optimized for detecting human passersby, while the second detection area uses parameters optimized for detecting robots. This local differentiation allows each zone to function independently with appropriate sensitivity levels
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is mounted on the surface of the door plate, then detection capability is improved, but the door structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated into the door control system rather than being mounted on the door plate surface. The control system combines data from multiple sources including the sensor, robot identification algorithms, and detection area analysis to achieve accurate object detection and differentiation, thereby maintaining detection capability while avoiding structural complexity
3Device complexity
If a simple door configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the robot must come very close to the door for detection
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting both passersby and robots, determining intent to pass through, identifying robot types, and controlling door operation accordingly. This multi-functional approach allows a simple door configuration to achieve sophisticated detection and operation capabilities through software intelligence rather than hardware complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the automatic door to open while the robot is at an appropriate distance from the door, reducing unnecessary openings and preventing interference with passing individuals by using a low-traffic area as a detection zone for robots, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor, which is provided in an upper part of the automatic door, may emit light beams to the predetermined detection area, measure a reflected light of the light beams, and thereby detect an object that has entered the predetermined detection area
Data Source
AI summary
A moving environment system capable of opening a door in a state in which a robot is away from the door by an appropriate distance while also reducing unnecessary opening of the door is provided. A moving environment system includes: an autonomous mobile robot; and an automatic door including a sensor configured to detect an object that has entered a predetermined detection area, in which the detection area includes a detection area for a passerby and a detection area for an autonomous mobile robot, the detection area for the autonomous mobile robot is set so as to include an area through which a frequency of people passing is equal to or smaller than a predetermined frequency, and the autonomous mobile robot passes through the automatic door via the detection area for the autonomous mobile robot.