Edge Detection Using Distance Sensor Scan Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems, such as GPS, struggle to accurately identify and follow the edge of a region like a cut agricultural crop due to limitations in resolution and susceptibility to atmospheric interference, leading to increased coverage errors and inefficiencies in harvesting or terrain management.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing one or more distance sensors that scan along multiple scan lines to detect the edge of a region by analyzing standard deviations, allowing for precise identification and navigation, independent of atmospheric conditions and requiring less processor power compared to laser or pixel-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GPS systems are used to monitor vehicle location and provide automated steering, then navigation capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to 1-3 meter resolution limitations and atmospheric interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary edge detection system that uses distance sensors to detect the physical edge of the region. This intermediary system bridges the gap between GPS navigation and precise edge following, allowing the vehicle to navigate automatically while maintaining high measurement precision by detecting edges through distance measurements rather than relying solely on GPS resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based navigation system with an optical/electronic distance sensing system for edge detection. By using distance sensors to measure the physical edge of the region, the system achieves higher precision without being constrained by GPS resolution or atmospheric interference
2Measurement precision
If more precise positioning is obtained using CORS network or RTK base station correction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the edge detection function from complex positioning systems like CORS or RTK. By using simple distance sensors to detect the physical edge of the region, the system achieves high positioning accuracy relative to the edge without requiring complex base stations, correction networks, or sophisticated signal processing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive distance sensors instead of expensive CORS or RTK infrastructure. The distance sensors are simple, low-cost devices that can be easily replaced if needed, providing sufficient measurement precision for edge detection without the high cost and complexity of professional-grade positioning systems
3Measurement precision
If laser or pixel-based systems are used for edge detection, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and processor power increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a partial approach by implementing edge detection only at the boundaries of the region rather than analyzing the entire field of view with high resolution. By using distance sensors to detect edges at specific locations rather than processing complete laser or pixel images, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision with significantly reduced computational requirements and energy consumption
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 accurate and efficient navigation along the edge of a region, minimizing errors and processor power consumption, allowing for real-time edge detection and alignment of vehicles or cutting implements, thereby optimizing harvesting or terrain management processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one distance sensor (e.g., a reflectivity based distance sensor) that scans along a series of scan lines and determines the distance to objects
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sensing an edge of a region includes at least one distance sensor configured to detect a plurality of distances of objects along a plurality of adjacent scan lines. A controller is in communication with the at least one distance sensor and is configured to determine a location of an edge of a region within the plurality of adjacent scan lines. The controller includes a comparator module configured to compare values corresponding to the detected plurality of distances, and an identification module configured to identify the location of the edge of the region according to the compared values. In one example, the values corresponding to the detected plurality of distances include couplets of standard deviations that are analyzed and selected to identify the location of the edge.