Multiple Linear Sensors for Low-Profile Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems struggle to detect low-profile objects, such as those on the floor, due to their blind height limitations, which can lead to missed detection and potential collisions, and implementing full 3D imaging systems is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system utilizing multiple linear sensors spaced apart on a substrate, where a light source projects a light bar that captures reflected rays from different heights, allowing for the generation of a coarse 3D map by processing signals from these sensors, which can include CMOS architecture with correlated double sampling to remove background noise and enable color imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single linear sensor is used in Lidar, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot detect low-profile objects due to blind height limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple segments by using multiple linear sensors positioned at different heights. Each sensor is responsible for detecting objects within its specific height range, collectively covering the entire detection space without blind zones. This segmentation approach maintains individual sensor simplicity while achieving comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane detection approach to multi-plane detection by positioning sensors at different vertical heights. This dimensional change in sensor arrangement eliminates the blind height limitation of single-sensor systems while avoiding the complexity of full 3D imaging systems.
2Reliability
If multiple linear sensors are used to eliminate blind height, then detection capability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into multiple vertical zones, with each linear sensor assigned to a specific height range. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive detection coverage using simple, independent sensors rather than a complex integrated system, maintaining low cost and simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple linear sensors perform the same basic detection function but at different heights, making the system universally capable of detecting objects at any height level. This multi-functional arrangement uses identical simple components to achieve enhanced detection capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Loss of information
If full 3D imaging system is implemented, then complete scene understanding is achieved, but cost and complexity become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential height dimension information needed for navigation by positioning sensors at different vertical levels. Instead of capturing complete 3D imagery, the system extracts sufficient spatial information (horizontal position and height level) to enable obstacle detection and navigation, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining practical utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial 3D sensing by measuring at discrete height levels rather than continuous 3D scanning. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for navigation purposes without the excessive complexity of full 3D imaging systems, achieving the minimum necessary capability for the application.
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 effectively detects low-profile objects without the need for full 3D imaging, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for generating a thin 3D map within a predefined height, enhancing the navigation capabilities of mobile robots by ensuring they avoid obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a light source projecting a light bar to produce a plurality of reflected beams when hitting a target
Implementation Method 2
Each of the sensors is provided to detect a distance towards an object
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system is designed to include a plurality of linear sensors, where these linear sensors are spaced apart, positioned or disposed in parallel on a substrate. These sensors are provided to detect respective distances towards a target from different planes so as to generate a plurality of 2D maps. A thin or coarse 3D map is then generated from these 2D maps to facilitate movements of a mobile robot employing the sensing system.