Autonomous Robot Sensor Layout for Near-Ground Blind Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous devices, such as mobile robots, face challenges in detecting objects in their immediate vicinity due to the limited field of view of their sensors, particularly at corners and close to the ground, which can lead to collisions with ground-level objects like forklifts in manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous device is equipped with both long-range and short-range sensors, where short-range sensors are strategically arranged around the body, especially at corners and along the perimeter, to provide overlapping fields of view and detect objects close to the surface, using proximity or near-field sensors that can output signals for controlling the device's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long-range sensors are used for detection, then the detection range is extended, but objects in immediate vicinity particularly at corners and close to ground cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two distinct sensor types: long-range sensors for distant object detection and short-range sensors for near-field detection. This segmentation allows each sensor type to specialize in its optimal detection range, with long-range sensors covering the first field and short-range sensors covering the second field, thereby eliminating the blind spots that would exist if only one sensor type were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to sensor placement by positioning short-range sensors at corners and along edges of the device body, oriented to detect objects close to the ground. This dimensional approach to sensor distribution ensures comprehensive coverage of the near-field environment, particularly in areas that would be blind spots for conventional long-range sensors.
2Area of stationary object
If sensors are positioned to cover maximum area, then field of view is maximized, but detection precision in immediate vicinity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device are equipped with sensors having different detection characteristics. Long-range sensors provide broad field of view for distant detection, while short-range sensors provide high detection precision for objects in immediate vicinity. This local quality differentiation ensures that each sensor is optimized for its specific operational context, achieving both broad coverage and precise near-field detection.
3Reliability
If short-range sensors are added to detect near-field objects, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges long-range and short-range sensors into a unified detection system controlled by a single control system. The control system receives inputs from both sensor types and integrates this information to control device movement. This merging approach, while adding sensors, consolidates the control architecture to manage complexity, as the same control system handles both long-range and short-range detection data without requiring separate control systems.
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
This configuration ensures comprehensive detection of objects near the device, eliminating blind spots and enabling safe navigation by integrating signals from both long-range and short-range sensors for effective control of the robot's movement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one short-range sensor on the body configured for detection in a second field directed towards the surface
Implementation Method 2
The at least one short-range sensor may comprise near-field sensors
Implementation Method 3
at least one long-range sensor on the body configured for detection in a first field
Implementation Method 4
The at least one short-range sensor may comprise photoelectric sensors
Implementation Method 5
The at least one short-range sensor may be configured to use infrared light to detect the object
Data Source
AI summary
An example autonomous device is configured to detect objects within a vicinity of the autonomous device. The autonomous device is configured to move along a surface. The autonomous device includes a body, at least one long-range sensor on the body configured for detection in a first field, and at least one short-range sensor on the body. Each short-range sensor is configured for detection in a second field directed towards the surface. The second field is smaller than the first field. Each short-range sensor is configured to output signals based on detection of an object within the second field. A control system is configured to control movement of the autonomous device based, at least in part, on the signals.