Compact Laser Distance Sensor Using Triangulation for Robotic Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser distance sensors are too expensive and bulky for many applications, such as robotic navigation and automotive systems, due to their large form factor and limited resolution, making them unsuitable for cost-effective and compact use in these fields.
Innovation Solution
A compact, planar laser distance sensor system with a short baseline that achieves high accuracy and range, utilizing a charge-coupled device or CMOS sensor with a laser source, capable of rapid data acquisition and low power consumption, and incorporating a rotating optics package for 360-degree scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laser distance sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical laser distance sensors with an optical triangulation system using a laser source, optics package, and 2D sensor array. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical scanning mechanisms while achieving high measurement precision through optical field analysis and triangulation calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: distance measurement, obstacle detection, navigation, and environmental mapping. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision across various applications.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laser distance sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional point-by-point distance measurement to a 2D field-based measurement approach. By using a 2D sensor array to capture the entire optical field simultaneously, the system achieves high measurement precision across multiple points without requiring proportional increases in device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from sequential point distances to simultaneous 2D spatial field data. This parameter change allows the sensor to capture comprehensive distance information across a wide area using a compact optical triangulation design, reducing the volume required compared to conventional sensors.
3Productivity
If sophisticated sensor systems are implemented, then navigation efficiency is improved, but cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function across a 2D sensor array, with each element contributing to the overall distance measurement. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sophisticated navigation capabilities through coordinated processing of multiple simple sensor elements, improving cost-effectiveness compared to using fewer complex sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple identical sensor elements in a 2D array configuration, each performing the same basic detection function. This copying approach enables sophisticated navigation through spatial processing of replicated simple components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high navigation efficiency.
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
The system provides accurate distance measurements with 1 cm-3 cm accuracy up to 6 m, rapid data acquisition, and low power consumption, suitable for various applications including robotic navigation and automotive systems, while minimizing redundancy and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a source and a sensor separated by a distance, i.e., the baseline, wherein the sensor is operative to detect light reflected from an object illuminated by the source, and wherein distance to the object is determined as a function of the angle of light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is operative to detect light reflected from an object illuminated by the source
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring system and method employing a laser distance sensor may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a laser distance sensor may acquire accurate distance measurements with a short baseline.