Omnidirectional Distance Measuring Device with Radial Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring devices have limited detection areas, requiring multiple sensors to be installed and adjusted to cover large spaces, increasing installation time and cost without considering efficient coverage of wide areas.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional distance measuring device is configured with multiple sensors disposed radially around a central axis, each inclined to minimize overlapping detection areas, using TOF sensors or stereo cameras to cover a wide range without individual area adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple distance measuring sensors are installed to cover large spaces, then the detection area is expanded, but the installation time and cost increase due to individual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional distance measuring device divides the detection space into multiple sectors, with each TOF sensor responsible for a specific angular range. The sensors are segmented and arranged radially around a central axis, with each sensor's detection center direction inclined by a predetermined angle from the plane perpendicular to the central axis. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while maintaining a fixed, adjustment-free installation configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple distance measuring sensors are installed to cover large spaces, then the detection area is expanded, but the installation cost increases due to adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple TOF sensors are merged into a single omnidirectional distance measuring device housing, with their detection centers radially arranged around a central axis. The light receiving units are positioned at the center to collectively receive reflected light from all directions. This merging eliminates the need for individual adjustment of each sensor during installation, reducing both labor costs and installation complexity while achieving comprehensive area coverage.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single distance measuring sensor is used, then the installation is simple, but the detection area is limited to a small region
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a single-sensor configuration to a multi-sensor radial arrangement around a central axis, adding angular dimensionality to the detection capability. By inclining each sensor's detection center by a predetermined angle from the plane perpendicular to the central axis, the system achieves omnidirectional coverage (360 degrees horizontally) while maintaining a compact, adjustment-free installation similar to a single sensor.
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 configuration allows for efficient coverage of large spaces with reduced installation time and cost by eliminating the need for individual sensor adjustments, ensuring comprehensive detection without gaps.
Implementation Method 1
a TOF sensor, which is a distance measuring sensor, periodically repeats the emission of irradiation light and the exposure of reflected light and calculates the time delay of the reflected light with respect to the irradiation light from the amount of exposure accumulated in a predetermined exposure period to measure the distance
Implementation Method 2
measuring the distance based on the flight time until irradiation light is reflected by the object and returns
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an omnidirectional distance measuring device that covers a wide detection range and does not require adjustment of each of the detection areas of a plurality of distance measuring sensors. In the omnidirectional distance measuring device, a plurality of distance measuring sensors that measure a distance to a target are disposed radially around a central axis so as to be close to each other. The plurality of distance measuring sensors are integrally configured such that a detection center direction of each of the plurality of distance measuring sensors is inclined by a predetermined angle from a plane perpendicular to the central axis. As the distance measuring sensor, a TOF sensor that measures a distance based on a flight time of light or a stereo camera that measures a distance using parallax of a pair of cameras is used.