Material Estimation Device Using LiDAR Particle Size Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques cannot estimate the material of a target object based on its particle size, particularly when the object is composed of a particulate body.
Innovation Solution
A material estimation device that acquires and processes information from laser light irradiated onto and reflected by a target object using LiDAR technology, estimating particle size and subsequently determining the material through databases or machine learning models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a time-of-flight (ToF) distance sensor is used to detect whether a target object is covered with a semi-transparent container, then the detection capability is improved, but the ability to estimate material based on particle size is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single laser detection system. The same laser device that detects semi-transparent containers also captures scattered light from particles, enabling both container detection and particle size estimation without requiring separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting semi-transparent containers, estimating particle size, and inferring material composition. This multi-functional approach allows the system to gather comprehensive information about the target object using a single integrated device.
2Length of stationary object
If laser light is used to irradiate the target object, then the detection range is improved, but the complexity of processing reflected light information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reflected light information into distinct components: light reflected from the container surface, light scattered by particles, and light transmitted through the container. By separating these information sources, the system can process each type of information independently using appropriate algorithms, reducing overall processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing steps including signal filtering, feature extraction, and data normalization between the raw reflected light detection and final material estimation. These intermediary processes simplify the complex relationship between laser illumination and material characterization.
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
Enables accurate estimation of a target object's material by correlating particle size information with material type, improving estimation accuracy over time through database updates.
Implementation Method 1
a light emission unit configured to emit laser light toward a target object
Implementation Method 2
a light reception unit configured to receive reflected light reflected by the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a material estimation device, etc., whereby the material of an object can be estimated on the basis of particle size of the object. A material estimation device (2) comprises: an information acquisition means (21) for acquiring particle size estimation information used to estimate the size of particles in a particulate body constituting an object, on the basis of laser light radiated to the object and reflected light reflected by the object; a particle size estimation means (22) for estimating the size of particles in the particulate body using the particle size estimation information; and a material estimation means (23) for estimating the material of the object on the basis of the result of estimation by the particle size estimation means.