Light Section Sensor Positioning via Orthogonal Search Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position and orientation of an object relative to a reference coordinate system, such as in industrial robotics, are incomplete as they often fail to accurately obtain the third spatial coordinate necessary for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a light section sensor that moves perpendicularly to the light line and its exit direction during a search drive, allowing image data evaluation to identify prominent points on the object, thereby determining the object's position and orientation by correlating the sensor's position with the object's features, using a movement device to generate the missing spatial coordinate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light section sensor is used to determine object position, then two spatial coordinates can be determined, but the third spatial coordinate is missing for complete positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movement component perpendicular to the light line and light exit direction, adding a third measurement dimension. By moving the light section sensor during a search drive and recording image data at different positions, the system captures spatial information in three dimensions, enabling complete position determination including the previously missing third coordinate.
2Loss of information
If the light section sensor remains stationary, then the measurement system is simple, but the third spatial coordinate cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a movement device that provides controlled motion of the light section sensor in a direction perpendicular to both the light line and light exit direction. This mechanical addition enables third coordinate acquisition while maintaining relative system simplicity through coordinated motion control and image data evaluation.
3Extent of automation
If manual alignment of the light section sensor is used, then positioning can be achieved, but automation and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic search drive functionality where the movement device autonomously moves the light section sensor through the measurement space, and the control device automatically evaluates image data to determine object position. This self-service automation eliminates manual alignment operations and significantly reduces positioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic evaluation of recorded image data to determine object position, creating a feedback loop where measurement results are processed and used to control the movement device. This automated feedback mechanism enables efficient, hands-free positioning operations.
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 enables accurate determination of an object's position and orientation relative to a reference coordinate system, including the third spatial coordinate, enhancing precision and applicability in industrial robotics for processing tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The light section sensor preferably works according to the triangulation principle, which is known in principle to a person skilled in the art, i.e. the line projector generates and transmits a light, e.g. a laser light, which projects the line of light onto the object
Implementation Method 2
The line projector includes, for example, a laser as the light source, in particular a laser diode with downstream optics, and generates a relatively narrow line of light projected onto an object
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves executing a search movement by automatically moving the light section sensor with a movement component orthogonal to the light line (15) and orthogonal to the exit direction of the light by a movement device. The image data are recorded by the light section sensor during the search movement. The image data are evaluated. A prominent position is recognized, particularly an outer edge (17) of the object on the base of the evaluated image data. The position or the location of the object is determined based on the position of the light section sensor, which is assigned to the prominent position of the object and based on an evaluation of the image data assigned to the prominent position of the object.