Autonomous Mobile Platform Using TOF 3D Imaging for Low-Cost Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems are constrained to a narrow set of operations and are costly due to the use of complex and expensive navigation systems like radar, LIDAR, or ultrasonic units, limiting their versatility and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A versatile autonomous mobile platform equipped with a 3-D imaging system using time-of-flight sensors and a modular design that allows for interchangeable attachments, including robotic manipulators, audio and video displays, and package delivery mechanisms, supported by a navigation system that integrates data from multiple sensors for comprehensive environmental representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar, LIDAR or ultrasonic units are used for navigation sensing, then navigation capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex navigation systems (radar, LIDAR, ultrasonic units) with inexpensive time-of-flight camera sensors. This substitution dramatically reduces system cost and complexity while maintaining adequate navigation and environmental sensing capabilities for autonomous mobile platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical/electromagnetic sensing systems with optical-based time-of-flight camera technology. This replacement uses modulated light sources and phase-detection cameras to measure distances, eliminating the need for complex radar or ultrasonic hardware while achieving comparable navigation functionality.
2Reliability
If specialized robotic systems are designed for specific operations, then operational reliability is improved, but versatility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs an autonomous mobile platform with a universal base unit that can perform multiple functions across different applications. The platform includes standardized coupling mechanisms that allow interchangeable attachments (package carriers, robotic manipulators, telepresence devices, beverage dispensing systems), enabling a single platform design to serve diverse roles from delivery to service operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the robotic system into a modular architecture consisting of a base unit and detachable functional attachments. This segmentation allows the core navigation and mobility functions to be standardized while enabling customization through interchangeable modules, thus achieving both reliability through standardization and versatility through configurability.
3Ease of manufacture
If mass production of specialized robotic units is implemented, then production cost is reduced, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal base unit designed for mass production that can be configured for different applications through interchangeable attachments. This approach allows economies of scale in manufacturing the core platform while maintaining adaptability through modular functional modules that can be added or removed based on application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable platform where the functional capabilities can be changed by attaching or detaching different modules. This dynamic adaptability allows a single mass-produced base unit to serve multiple purposes throughout its operational life, eliminating the need to manufacture different specialized units for different applications.
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 platform achieves efficient and cost-effective navigation and task execution across various applications by utilizing a 3-D imaging system with time-of-flight sensors and modular attachments, enhancing mobility, navigation, and computing capabilities while reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
two or more time-of-flight sensors, each comprising a modulated light source and a detector synchronized for phased detection of the modulated light that has originated from the modulated light sources and is reflected or scattered off remote objects
Implementation Method 2
detector synchronized for phased detection of the modulated light that has originated from the modulated light sources and is reflected or scattered off remote objects
Implementation Method 3
modulated light that has originated from the modulated light sources and is reflected or scattered off remote objects
Implementation Method 4
modulated light that has originated from the modulated light sources and is reflected or scattered off remote objects
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile system comprising: a means of achieving mobility, a means of navigating, a means of providing autonomous power, and a means of providing general purpose computing. In some embodiments, the system comprises a base unit capable of sensing its environment and computing navigation instructions to direct the system to move to particular locations and execute functions as directed by a set of programmed instructions. In some embodiments, two or more time-of-flight (TOF) imaging systems are attached to measure distance to objects in the environment, which may in turn be used by the means of navigating. In some embodiments, a coupling exists on the base unit to attach additional structures and mechanisms. These structures may comprise a means for carrying packages or other items, robotic manipulators that can grab and move objects, interactive audio and video displays for telepresence applications, a means for serving food and drink, etc.