Diffractive Optical Element Path Detection for Mobile Obstacles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices, such as cleaning robots, lack efficient obstacle detection systems, particularly in indoor environments, due to inaccurate ultrasonic detection and inability to plan paths effectively, and existing structured light systems face challenges in miniaturization and complexity, limiting their application in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A path detection system utilizing a diffractive optical element (DOE) that projects structured light with a transverse baseline and computational lines, captured by a lens and processed in real-time by an image processing unit to determine the position and distance of 3D obstacles, preventing collisions and enabling smooth navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic detection system is used for obstacle detection, then detection coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate detection signals and false results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic detection system (acoustic field) with a structured light detection system (optical field). The laser projector emits structured light patterns that reflect off obstacles and are captured by the sensor, providing both wide coverage and high precision measurements of obstacle position and distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses structured light patterns (different light intensities and distributions) projected onto the environment. By analyzing the reflected light patterns and their variations, the system can precisely detect obstacle characteristics while maintaining wide detection coverage.
2Device complexity
If conventional obstacle detection systems are used in mobile devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to detect and avoid obstacles efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single structured light detection system. The same laser projector and sensor that detect obstacles also enable path planning and navigation capabilities, making the mobile device adaptable to various environments and tasks without adding separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a laser projector capable of varying light intensity and pattern parameters. By changing these optical parameters, the system can adapt to different detection scenarios and obstacle types, enhancing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple system structure.
3Measurement precision
If structured light systems are used for obstacle detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to sophisticated system structure and difficulty in miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the structured light detection components (laser projector, sensor, processor) into a compact modular unit that can be embedded within the mobile device. This nested arrangement allows high-precision obstacle detection while minimizing the space and complexity required in the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection system into functional modules: laser projector for structured light emission, sensor array for light capture, and processor for pattern analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates miniaturization while maintaining detection precision.
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 real-time detection and avoidance of obstacles, enhancing the navigation efficiency of mobile devices by accurately determining the relative position and distance of obstacles, thus improving the working efficiency and adaptability of mobile devices in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element (DOE)... generating laser pattern by diffractive optical element... structured light of the laser pattern projected by a laser light source through the DOE
Data Source
AI summary
A path detection system and a path detection method generating laser patterns by a diffractive optical element (DOE) are revealed. The path detection system is arranged at a mobile device while in use. A laser source projects structured light toward a forward path of the mobile device through the DOE. The structure light includes a transverse baseline and at least one transverse computational line. Then a lens is used to capture images of the structured light. When there is obstacle in a forward path of the mobile device, an image processing unit makes comparisons and performs computation according to changes in position and distance of the image of the respective transverse computational line relative to the X axis and the Y axis of the transverse baseline. Thus the relative position and distance of the obstacle in the forward path is checked in a real time manner.