IR Glass Wall Detection for Robot Distance and Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous systems, such as robots and drones, face difficulties in detecting glass walls and doors due to the transparency of glass to laser and microwave sensors, and the lack of accuracy from ultrasound sensors, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of at least one IR imaging device and one IR emitter on the autonomous system to emit and detect an IR thermal signature, which is reflected off glass surfaces, allowing for distance and angle calculation using triangulation, enabling effective detection of glass walls and doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser, LIDAR, or microwave sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the detection range and speed are improved, but glass walls and doors cannot be detected due to transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light/laser/microwave frequencies to infrared thermal frequencies. By operating in the long-wavelength IR band (8-15 μm), the system detects thermal radiation emitted by glass and surrounding objects, a parameter space where glass is not transparent and can be reliably detected through its thermal signature rather than optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical detection mechanisms (laser, LIDAR, microwave) with thermal detection mechanisms. Instead of using electromagnetic radiation in visible or radio frequency bands that pass through glass, the system uses infrared thermal sensors to detect heat radiation, substituting the detection physics from optical to thermal domain where glass becomes detectable.
2Ease of manufacture
If ultrasound sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the cost is reduced, but the accuracy to detect glass edges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic frequency (ultrasound) to thermal frequency (infrared). Thermal imaging naturally provides edge detection capability through temperature gradients at glass boundaries, achieving superior edge detection accuracy compared to ultrasound while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of uncooled thermal sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces acoustic detection (ultrasound) with thermal radiation detection. This substitution leverages the natural thermal contrast at glass edges and surfaces, providing inherent edge detection capability without the complexity of acoustic signal processing and with improved precision for glass-specific applications.
3Reliability
If touch sensors or collision buttons are installed on robots, then glass collision can be detected after occurrence, but collision prevention is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection by using thermal imaging to identify glass surfaces and potential collision risks before actual contact occurs. The system continuously monitors the thermal environment, detects glass edges and surfaces in advance, and can alert operators or adjust navigation paths proactively, transforming reactive collision detection into preventive collision avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal imaging as an intermediary detection layer between the robot and physical collision. This intermediary system provides early warning of glass presence and potential hazards, allowing the control system to take preventive actions before the robot makes contact with glass surfaces, thus preventing rather than just detecting collisions.
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 provides a cost-effective method for autonomous systems to accurately detect glass surfaces, preventing collisions and enhancing navigation by using thermal imaging within the long-wavelength IR spectrum, allowing for reliable detection of transparent glass panels and walls.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, by an IR thermal emitter, an IR thermal signature from the autonomous system
Implementation Method 2
detecting presence of the IR thermal signature that reflects on the reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
determining a distance and angle of the autonomous system from the reflective surface based on the refected IR thermal signature within the FOV
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting glass wall with reflective surface for an autonomous system. The method comprises deploying at least one IR imaging device and at least one IR emitter on the autonomous system, wherein the IR imaging device comprises a field-of-view (FOV); emitting, by an IR thermal emitter, an IR thermal signature from the autonomous system, wherein the IR thermal signature is located outside of the FOV; detecting presence of the IR thermal signature that reflects on the reflective surface; and determining a distance and angle of the autonomous system from the reflective surface based on the refected IR thermal signature within the FOV. The reflective surface will be identify as the glass wall. A sensor assembly and an autonomous system is also provided.