Miniature Radar Array Layout for 360° 3D Mapping in Narrow Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional topographic survey methods, such as LiDAR SLAM technology, are cumbersome and require high computing power, making them unsuitable for micro robots to perform high-frequency 360° mapping in dark and lightless environments.
Innovation Solution
A miniature radar array mapping system comprising a miniature radar mapping array, a data acquisition module, and a host computer, which uses laser, ultrasonic, or millimeter wave radars to construct a 360° 3D mapping model, enabling micro robots to map complex and variable terrain environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-line LiDAR is used for environmental survey, then mapping precision is improved, but device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar survey system into multiple independent miniature radars arranged in specific geometric patterns (rectangular, triangular, circular, or hexagonal arrays). Each miniature radar captures environmental data from its own direction, and the combined data forms a complete 360° mapping. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage without requiring a single large LiDAR unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical LiDAR systems with electronic radar technology. By using miniature radars that emit electromagnetic waves (microwave or millimeter wave) instead of mechanical rotating LiDAR units, the system achieves similar mapping capabilities with significantly reduced volume and weight suitable for micro-robot platforms.
2Measurement precision
If multi-line LiDAR is used for environmental survey, then mapping precision is improved, but computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the environmental survey task across multiple miniature radars, each capturing data from its specific direction. The host computer processes data from all radars in parallel, combining their individual measurements to construct the complete 3D mapping. This segmentation distributes the computational load and enables efficient processing of environmental data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the environmental survey from traditional 2D plane scanning to 3D spatial mapping by utilizing the vertical dimension through elevation angles. Multiple miniature radars positioned at different heights and angles capture environmental data in three dimensions, enabling comprehensive 360° mapping without requiring excessive computational resources for 2D image processing.
3Ease of operation
If traditional survey methods are used in dark environment, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical-based survey methods (cameras, traditional LiDAR) with radar technology that uses electromagnetic waves in microwave or millimeter wave bands. These radar waves can penetrate darkness and operate independently of visible light conditions, enabling micro-robots to perform environmental surveying in completely dark environments with the same ease of operation as in lit conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from optical frequency (visible light) to radio frequency (microwave or millimeter wave). This parameter change allows the survey system to function in dark environments because electromagnetic waves at these frequencies are not affected by the absence of visible light, maintaining measurement capability while preserving ease of operation.
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 high-frequency sampling and real-time mapping in dark environments with reduced computational requirements, allowing micro robots to effectively survey complex and narrow spaces while maintaining mapping integrity and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
miniature radars of the miniature radar mapping array are laser radars, ultrasonic radars, millimeter wave radars or a combination of laser radars, ultrasonic radars and millimeter wave radars
Implementation Method 2
miniature radars of the miniature radar mapping array are laser radars, ultrasonic radars, millimeter wave radars
Implementation Method 3
miniature radars of the miniature radar mapping array are laser radars, ultrasonic radars, millimeter wave radars
Implementation Method 4
miniature radars of the miniature radar mapping array are laser radars, ultrasonic radars, millimeter wave radars
Implementation Method 5
for underwater environments, active sonar probes are selected to form the miniature radar mapping array
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature radar array mapping system in complex narrow space includes a miniature radar mapping array, a miniature radar data acquisition module, a host computer and a robot platform. A software system of the host computer includes navigation software and mapping software. The environmental sample data sampled by the miniature radar data acquisition module are transmitted to the navigation software of the host computer. Position, velocity and attitude information of a robot at a current moment are obtained by the navigation software and are transmitted to the mapping software. A 360° 3D mapping model of environment is constructed by the mapping software based on a miniature radar detection model and a miniature radar array model, which is a component unit for generating panoramic 3D maps of the complex narrow space.