Dual-Laser Distance Estimation for Reliable Robotic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robotic devices lack a cost-effective and accurate method for remote distance estimation, as infrared sensors are resolution-limited and sensitive to sunlight, sonar systems suffer from cross-talk and erroneous readings, and laser distance sensors are too complex and costly for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A method using two converging laser light emitters and image sensors to capture and process laser beams, estimating distance based on the positions of the light beams in the image, with optional additional sensors for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared sensors are used for distance measurement, then the device can detect objects within a certain range, but the resolution is low and the sensor is very sensitive to sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces infrared sensors with a laser-based optical system. Instead of using infrared light that is sensitive to sunlight interference, the system uses visible laser light beams that can be precisely tracked by image sensors, substituting a problematic sensing mechanism with a more reliable optical projection and tracking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser light beams as an intermediary between the emitter and the target surface. By projecting visible laser beams and tracking their position on the surface using image sensors, the system creates an intermediate optical reference that enables precise distance measurement without being affected by sunlight interference.
2Measurement precision
If laser distance sensors are used for accurate distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distance measurement function into separate components: a laser emitter that projects light beams, image sensors that capture beam positions, and processors that calculate distances. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and more affordable while maintaining high measurement precision through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image sensors that can serve multiple purposes: capturing laser beam positions for distance measurement, detecting object presence, and potentially other vision tasks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized expensive sensors, lowering overall system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement 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
Provides accurate and reliable distance estimation with improved accuracy through the use of multiple image sensors and beam convergence techniques, enabling precise distance measurement for robotic devices.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, with a first laser light emitter and a second laser light emitter, a first light beam and a second light beam onto the surface; capturing, with a first image sensor, a first image of the first light beam and the second light beam emitted onto the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for estimating distance to a surface, including: emitting, with a first laser light emitter and a second laser light emitter, a first light beam and a second light beam onto the surface; capturing, with a first image sensor, a first image of the first light beam and the second light beam emitted onto the surface; extracting, with at least one image processor, the first light beam and the second light beam captured in the first image; and estimating, with the at least one image processor, a first distance to the surface on which the first light beam and second light beam are emitted based on at least positions of the first light beam and the second light beam in the first image.