Laser Distance Measurement Using Geometric Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distance measurement technologies in mobile robotic devices, such as infrared sensors, sonar systems, and laser distance sensors, face limitations including low resolution, sensitivity to sunlight, limited coverage, cross-talk, and inaccurate readings due to environmental factors, making them unsuitable for reliable day-to-day use.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement system utilizing converging collimated laser beams projected onto surfaces, captured by an image sensor and processed using computer vision to determine distances based on geometrical relations, allowing for accurate and reliable distance calculation with 360-degree coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Laser Distance Sensors (LDS) are used for accurate distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laser distance sensors with a simpler optical system consisting of laser emitters, a camera, and image processing algorithms. Instead of using sophisticated time-of-flight or triangulation-based LDS, the invention uses geometric analysis of laser dot patterns captured by standard image sensors to calculate distances, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a geometric model (polygon) by connecting detected laser dots and uses the area of this copied geometric representation to determine distance. This approach copies the spatial relationship information into a simplified computational form that can be processed more easily than raw sensor data from complex LDS systems
2Device complexity
If Infrared sensors are used for distance detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to low resolution and sunlight sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple laser emitters arranged in specific geometric patterns (e.g., triangles, quadrilaterals) where each emitter contributes localized information. The system analyzes the geometric relationships between multiple laser dots rather than relying on a single sensor point, improving measurement precision through distributed spatial sampling while keeping individual sensor components simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional infrared distance sensing to two-dimensional spatial analysis by projecting laser beams that create dot patterns on surfaces. By analyzing the geometric configuration (areas of polygons formed by connecting dots) in two dimensions, the system achieves more accurate distance measurements that are less susceptible to environmental interference like sunlight
3Measurement precision
If sonar systems are used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved under optimal conditions, but reliability deteriorates due to cross-talk, limited coverage, and environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement field into multiple discrete laser beams emitted at different angles, creating separate measurement zones. Each laser emitter provides independent distance information, and the system can selectively use data from specific emitters depending on the target location, improving reliability by avoiding cross-talk between adjacent sensors and expanding effective coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces acoustic sonar waves with optical laser beams for distance measurement. This substitution eliminates the problems associated with sound wave propagation (cross-talk, ground bouncing, absorption by sound-absorbing materials) while maintaining measurement precision through geometric analysis of light point patterns
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 system provides accurate and reliable distance measurements with improved robustness against environmental factors, enabling effective navigation for mobile robotic devices without the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
laser light emitters disposed on a baseplate emitting at least two converging collimated laser beams that create a pattern of light points projected on surfaces
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor disposed on the baseplate capturing images of the projected pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distance measurement is proposed in which two or more laser light emitters emitting converging collimated laser beams, an image sensor, and an image processor are positioned on a baseplate. The output of the laser light emitters from light points on surfaces substantially opposite the baseplate. The image sensor captures images of the projected light points. The area of the polygon or the length of the line resulting from connecting the light points is extracted by the image processor and compared to values in a preconfigured table relating polygon areas or line lengths to distances from the baseplate to surfaces.