Ground-Aligned Laser Scanner for Flat Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic sensor devices struggle to detect flat objects and ground anomalies, particularly when mounted at a height above the ground, leading to potential collisions and safety risks, especially in mobile applications like self-driving vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor device with a ground-aligned laser scanner that determines distance information and uses an evaluation unit to detect deviations from an expected ground area based on a predefined model, allowing for the detection of flat objects and ground anomalies by adjusting the monitoring area's angle relative to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance sensor is mounted at a height above the ground, then incorrect detection of the ground as an obstacle during pitching movements is avoided, but flat obstacles lower than the mounting distance are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is divided into multiple segments at different heights and angles. The distance sensor scans multiple height levels (e.g., 10cm, 20cm, 30cm above ground) with different inclination angles, creating segmented monitoring zones that collectively cover both ground-level flat obstacles and elevated objects
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system transitions from a single-plane parallel monitoring area to a multi-dimensional scanning pattern. By varying both the inclination angle and height of the monitoring area across multiple scan positions, the system creates a three-dimensional detection volume that intersects the ground at multiple points, enabling detection of flat obstacles that were previously invisible
2Measurement precision
If the monitoring area runs parallel to the ground, then ground detection is reliable, but flat obstacles on the ground are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is made dynamic through continuous variation of inclination angles and scan heights. Instead of a fixed parallel orientation, the sensor actively adjusts its scanning planes to multiple angles, creating moving intersection points with the ground that adaptively search for flat obstacles while maintaining ground reference
3Reliability
If additional optical sensors like cameras are added to achieve complete detection, then detection completeness is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing distance sensor is made multi-functional through clever operational patterns. By scanning multiple heights and angles, the single sensor performs the detection functions previously requiring multiple sensors, achieving complete obstacle detection without adding cameras or other optical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves enhanced detection capability by changing operational parameters (scan height, inclination angle, scan position) rather than adding hardware. The distance sensor operates in multiple parameter states, creating a family of monitoring areas that collectively provide complete detection coverage
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 solution enables reliable detection of flat objects and ground anomalies, enhancing safety by preventing collisions and reducing the risk of damage or injury, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
determines distance information for at least one monitored area
Data Source
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AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor device comprises a ground-oriented distance sensor, in particular a laser scanner, which determines distance information for at least one monitoring area, wherein the at least one monitoring area covers a ground area, and wherein the ground area forms a surface area of the ground. Furthermore, the sensor device comprises an evaluation unit configured to detect a deviation from at least one expected ground area based on the distance information and, upon detection of a deviation, to output a signal, in particular a warning signal, wherein the at least one expected ground area is based on a predefined model that represents the distance information for the at least one monitoring area for the theoretical case in which the distance sensor is in a known reference position and is aligned with a known reference ground.