Multi-Layer Laser Scanner for 3D Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety laser scanners are limited to two-dimensional scanning and lack the capability for reliable three-dimensional object detection, leading to unnecessary shutdowns due to interference from objects like grass or other non-security-relevant items, and existing 3D cameras are not suitable for safety technology applications due to complex evaluations and different scanning properties.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer laser scanner system that emits multiple collimated light beams, each scanning a distinct area, with a control and evaluation unit that determines object presence across multiple scanning systems, triggering a safety reaction only when objects are detected in multiple systems, ensuring robust and reliable object detection with low computational requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer laser scanner is used for safety monitoring, then the device complexity is low and the evaluation is simple, but the reliability is reduced due to false shutdowns from interfering objects like grass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-layer 2D scanning to multi-layer 3D scanning by adding vertical dimension with multiple beam generators at different heights. Each beam generator scans a distinct layer, enabling three-dimensional object detection. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish between ground-level interference objects and safety-relevant objects in upper layers, significantly improving detection reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
2Reliability
If multiple light sources are used to scan multiple layers, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the use of energy increases due to multiple laser sources operating simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning where multiple light sources do not operate continuously but instead scan their respective layers in periodic cycles. The beam generators are deflectable and periodically sweep across their assigned layers, enabling energy-efficient operation while maintaining reliable multi-layer detection coverage. This periodic action reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination of all layers simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If 3D cameras are used for three-dimensional monitoring, then the capability for 3D detection is achieved, but the device complexity and computational requirements become extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D monitoring space into multiple horizontal layers, with each layer scanned by a dedicated beam generator. This segmentation approach divides the complex 3D detection task into simpler 2D scanning operations across multiple layers. Each light source focuses on its specific layer, reducing computational complexity compared to capturing and processing full 3D point clouds from 3D cameras, while still achieving comprehensive three-dimensional coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex optical-mechanical system of 3D cameras with a simplified multi-layer laser scanning system. Instead of using camera arrays and complex image processing, the invention uses multiple laser beam generators with deflectable mirrors to scan each layer independently. This substitution of mechanical scanning for optical capture significantly reduces device complexity and computational requirements while maintaining 3D detection capability
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 reliable and robust object detection in three-dimensional space, reducing false shutdowns and maintaining simplicity in evaluation, suitable for mobile applications and meeting safety standards with improved tolerance to interfering objects and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
The light is reflected by objects within the monitoring area and analyzed by the laser scanner
Implementation Method 2
the distance of the object from the laser scanner is calculated from the light's travel time using the speed of light
Data Source
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AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10) for detecting objects (48) in a monitoring area (20) is specified, comprising at least one light transmitter (22) for emitting several separated light beams (26), at least one light receiver (32) for generating a respective received signal from the light beams (28) remitted in the monitoring area (20), a movable deflection unit (12) with which the emitted light beams (26) are periodically guided through the monitoring area (20) in order to scan a circuit (44) with the separated light beams (26) during the movement of the scanning unit (12), and a control and evaluation unit (40) which is designed to obtain information about the objects (48) in the monitoring area (20) from the respective received signal.In this process, the presence of a safety-relevant object (48, 50) is determined for each circuit (44) and, by joint evaluation of the presence of a safety-relevant object (48, 50) determined for each circuit (44), a decision is made as to whether a safety-oriented reaction is triggered.