IR Sensor Navigation Using a Passive Reflector for Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot navigation systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively navigating indoor spaces, particularly in areas with obstacles, as they often require complex and costly solutions like active beacons and detailed mapping, which may be overkill for simpler environments.
Innovation Solution
Employing a passive Waypoint Reference Reflector (WRR) with a distance measuring sensor that uses the triangulation method to determine relative bearing, allowing navigation by a single reference point while also detecting obstacles, thereby simplifying navigation and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active beacons and detailed mapping are used for robot navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential navigation function by using a single passive reflector and distance measuring sensor, eliminating the need for complex active beacons and detailed environmental mapping systems while maintaining adequate navigation accuracy for walkway traversal
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex active beacons with inexpensive passive reflectors that can be simple reflective surfaces or objects, significantly reducing system cost and complexity while maintaining navigation functionality
2Measurement precision
If active beacons and detailed mapping are used for robot navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive passive reflectors instead of costly active beacons, using simple reflective materials that can be easily manufactured or obtained, thereby dramatically reducing the overall system cost while maintaining adequate navigation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing environmental objects or simple reflective surfaces as navigation markers, eliminating the need for expensive specialized navigation infrastructure and reducing deployment costs
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference points are used for navigation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical navigation function by using a single reference point (passive reflector) with a distance measuring sensor, eliminating the complexity of multiple reference points and associated calculation systems while maintaining sufficient positioning accuracy for walkway navigation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple active navigation markers that require complex positioning calculations, the invention inverts the approach by using a single passive reflector with the robot's distance measuring sensor, simplifying the system architecture while achieving the navigation objective
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
This approach enables precise and efficient navigation along walkways by using a single reference point, reducing navigation complexity and cost, while maintaining obstacle detection capabilities, making it suitable for various indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor which emits and receives light using the Triangulation Method for distance calculation. The sensor may contain both the emitter and receiver in one unit or be separate units which operate as a pair.
Implementation Method 2
Emitted light is reflected off an object and returns to the distance measuring sensor at an angle which varies with distance.
Data Source
AI summary
Within an indoor setting and upon a floor-based mobile platform, exists one servomotor-controlled IR distance measuring sensor, while some distance away exists a passive and fixed reflector. The IR sensor operates to acquire and track the fixed reflector, the relative bearing of such defining navigation by a single reference point with obstacle detection.