Autonomous Light Audit Rover for Accurate Waypoint Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large area lighting audits, such as those for sporting fields, are time-consuming and inaccurate due to manual positioning of investigative waypoints and potential errors in light level readings caused by incorrect sensor elevation and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-controlled rover with light and positioning sensing capabilities, equipped with a cosine and V lambda corrected light sensor, inertial measurement unit, and gimbal for orientational correction, which autonomously takes light level readings at predetermined waypoints within sporting field coordinates, ensuring accurate data collection by discarding readings taken at inappropriate angles and averaging continuous sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of investigative waypoints is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the positioning accuracy and light level reading accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rover performs self-positioning using GPS receiver and self-orientation using inertial measurement unit and gimbal subsystem, eliminating the need for manual positioning and orientation by the operator. The system automatically navigates to waypoints and maintains proper sensor orientation throughout the audit process.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical positioning and orientation operations are replaced with automated electronic systems including GPS for positioning, inertial measurement units for orientation detection, and gimbal subsystems for active orientation control, significantly improving measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If handheld light sensor is held at arm's length, then the operator can take readings, but positioning accuracy and reading consistency deteriorate due to incorrect elevation and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor subsystem performs self-orientation using the gimbal mechanism controlled by the orientation controller, which actively maintains the sensor at the correct elevation and orientation automatically, eliminating operator error while preserving ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial measurement unit continuously provides feedback on the sensor's actual orientation, which the orientation controller uses to adjust the gimbal subsystem and maintain proper sensor alignment, ensuring consistent measurement precision throughout operation.
3Productivity
If conventional manual auditing methods are used, then the equipment required is simple, but the time required for large area lighting audits increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores multiple investigative waypoints in advance using the waypoint generator, allowing the rover to automatically navigate through all required measurement points without operator intervention, significantly improving audit efficiency for large areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The rover continuously collects light level data as it automatically traverses between waypoints without requiring operator repositioning or manual reading taking at each point, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the audit process.
4Quantity of substance
If light level readings are taken at various orientations, then more data points can be collected, but reading accuracy deteriorates due to inappropriate sensor angles
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor subsystem automatically maintains the correct orientation through gimbal control, ensuring that all data points collected are of high precision while still allowing the rover to visit multiple waypoints and collect sufficient quantity of valid data.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal subsystem acts as an intermediary between the light sensor and the varying terrain/waypoints, actively adjusting the sensor orientation to maintain optimal measurement angles regardless of the rover's position or surface undulations.
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 significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of light level sampling by automating the positioning and orientation of the light sensor, reducing human error and improving data reliability through semiautonomous operation and post-processing of orientational data.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor being in operable communication with the microprocessor for sensing light levels
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor being in operable communication with the microprocessor for sensing the position of the rover
Implementation Method 3
The orientational sensor may take the form of an inertial measurement unit. The orientational sensor may ascertain and record the orientation (such as the tilt and pitch) of the rover.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a microprocessor-controlled rover having light and positioning sensing capabilities for the semiautonomous taking of light level readings in a more accurate manner. In embodiments, the rover comprises a cosine and V lambda corrected light sensor. The system may comprise a control computer which generates a waypoint file comprising a plurality of investigative waypoints within investigative area boundary coordinates, including that which may be configured using an on¬screen GIS database interface. The investigative waypoints may be configured appropriately by the control computer, including in accordance with the relevant light audit settings. The waypoint file may be transmitted wirelessly to the rover. As such, the rover moves to each investigative waypoint according to the position sensed by the position sensor and the location specified by each investigative waypoint. At each investigative waypoint, the rover takes light level readings including in manners for enhancing the accuracy thereof.