Solid-State LIDAR Sensor Arc Layout for Power Equipment Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power equipment used for outdoor maintenance, such as lawn mowers and trimmers, face challenges in operating safely and efficiently due to complex turf management requirements and dynamic environmental conditions, necessitating advanced safety and object detection systems to prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electronic machine vision device equipped with solid-state LIDAR sensors and infrared sensors arranged along a two-dimensional or three-dimensional curvature, capable of detecting objects and generating ranging data to initiate safety responses, such as speed reduction or stopping, through a microprocessor that communicates with the power equipment's control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If advanced safety and object detection systems are implemented in power equipment, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task across multiple LIDAR sensors positioned at different locations on the equipment, with each sensor monitoring a specific zone. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive safety coverage while keeping individual sensor requirements manageable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR-based detection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: object detection, distance measurement, collision prevention, and operator safety monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby limiting complexity increase while maintaining high operational safety.
2Reliability
If LIDAR sensors are used for object detection, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple relatively low-cost LIDAR sensors rather than a single high-precision expensive sensor. By using multiple simpler, more affordable sensors positioned strategically, the system achieves reliable detection coverage while keeping individual component costs manageable and overall manufacturing cost acceptable.
3Measurement precision
If multiple LIDAR sensors are positioned at different locations, then object detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LIDAR sensors into an integrated detection system with centralized control logic. By merging the sensors and their data processing functions into a unified system architecture, the patent achieves comprehensive detection coverage while managing the complexity through integration rather than allowing it to accumulate across separate components.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and reliable safety and object avoidance system for power equipment, enabling safe operation in various environments by detecting objects and triggering appropriate responses, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The LIDAR sensors can employ a projected infrared frequency adapted to use in an outdoor environment, coupled with a sensor adapted to detect reflection of the projected infrared frequency from an object within a field of view of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The LIDAR sensors can employ a projected infrared frequency adapted to use in an outdoor environment, coupled with a sensor adapted to detect reflection of the projected infrared frequency
Implementation Method 3
coupled with a sensor adapted to detect reflection of the projected infrared frequency from an object within a field of view of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A machine vision device is provided usable in conjunction with power equipment machines. By way of example, an array of sensors can be deployed to detect proximity of objects to the power equipment machine, and issue an alert in response to detecting an object within a threshold distance. The alert can be utilized by the power equipment machine to take corrective action to mitigate or avoid running over or striking the object. Sensors having respective fields of view can be arranged along an arc to facilitate machine vision of a spatial volume in a proximity of the machine, and ranging determinations can be coupled with low cost processing devices to facilitate a machine vision solution far more cost effective than other technologies in the art.