Laser Scanner Misalignment Detection for Mobile Robots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous devices, such as mobile robots, face challenges in detecting misalignments in their laser-based scanners, which can lead to collisions due to undetected errors in the scanner's emitter or mirror, potentially resulting in accidents and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a camera to capture images of laser beams intersecting objects and surfaces, comparing these images to determine misalignment by analyzing the distance and overlap between intersections, allowing for adjustments in movement speed or direction to correct the scanner's alignment, and includes actuators to automatically correct the scanner's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser-based scanner is used to detect objects, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but misalignment of scanner may occur causing detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the autonomous device's own camera and laser scanner to perform self-diagnosis of misalignment. The camera captures images of the laser beam's intersection with the surface, and the processing device compares these intersections at different locations to detect misalignment without requiring external calibration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the laser scanner's alignment by capturing images at multiple locations and comparing beam intersections. When misalignment is detected, the system provides feedback to adjust the scanner's position or alert operators, ensuring continuous detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured to detect misalignment, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for misalignment detection and can also be used for general navigation and object recognition. The processing device performs both image analysis for alignment detection and other computational tasks, reducing the need for dedicated specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam itself serves as an intermediary tool for detection. Instead of requiring complex direct measurement instruments, the system uses the visible laser beam as a reference that can be captured by the camera, simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If scanner misalignment is not detected, then device operation continues, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of misalignment by capturing images at multiple locations before critical errors occur. By continuously monitoring beam intersections, the system can detect and correct misalignment issues before they lead to collision risks, ensuring safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on scanner alignment status by comparing beam intersections from multiple images. When misalignment is detected, the system can alert operators or adjust the scanner position, preventing collision risks while maintaining continuous operation.
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 effectively detects and corrects misalignments in real-time, reducing the risk of collisions and ensuring accurate navigation by determining the amount of misalignment and adjusting the scanner's position, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of autonomous device operations.
Implementation Method 1
a laser-based scanner on the body to output a beam in a plane
Implementation Method 2
a camera on the body to capture an image of an area in which the beam intersects an object
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a body having wheels to move along a surface, a laser-based scanner on the body to output a beam in a plane, a camera on the body to capture an image of an area in which the beam intersects an object, and one or more processing devices to determine whether at least part of the laser-based scanner is misaligned based on the image.