Optical Scanning Object Detection with Dynamic Reference Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems erroneously detect inherently unobstructive objects as obstacles and fail to detect obstacles outside confined detection ranges, leading to inaccurate and incomplete object detection.
Innovation Solution
An object detection device that dynamically sets an appropriate detection region using an optical scanning unit, reflector detection, reference body identification, and region defining units to identify and define object detection regions based on reflector information, allowing for accurate detection of objects relative to a reference body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the obstacle detection range is set all over the rack aisle, then the obstacle detection device can detect obstacles on the rack aisle, but it erroneously detects the inherently unobstructive movable rack as an obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into two distinct regions: a reference body detection region for detecting the movable rack (inherently unobstructive object) and an object detection region for detecting actual obstacles. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between the movable rack and actual obstacles, preventing erroneous detection while maintaining comprehensive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference body (the movable rack itself) as an intermediary element. By detecting the reference body's position and using it to define the object detection region, the system creates a dynamic boundary that automatically adjusts to the movable rack's location, eliminating false detections while maintaining accurate obstacle detection.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the obstacle detection range is confined within the vicinity of the opposing rack, then erroneous detection of the movable rack is prevented, but obstacles outside the confined range cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The object detection region is made dynamic by continuously tracking the reference body's (movable rack's) position. As the movable rack moves along the rack aisle, the object detection region automatically adjusts its boundaries to maintain the appropriate detection scope. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the detection range is neither too broad (causing false detections) nor too narrow (missing obstacles).
3Adaptability or versatility
If detection area patterns are set for respective traveling sections, then appropriate detection coverage is provided, but inherently unobstructive objects are erroneously detected as obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the detection space and uses feedback from reference body detection to dynamically adjust the object detection region. When the reference body (movable rack) is detected, the system feeds back this information to redefine the object detection region, automatically excluding the reference body from the detection area and preventing erroneous detection while maintaining comprehensive obstacle monitoring.
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 device prevents erroneous detection of reference bodies as obstacles and ensures comprehensive object detection by dynamically adjusting detection regions, enhancing accuracy and reliability in identifying objects in varying scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an optical scanning unit configured to scan the measurement space by measurement light emitted from a light emission unit and to guide reflected light from a reflector for the measurement light to a light receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection device can dynamically set an appropriate object detection region according to a state of an inherently unobstructive moving object. The device includes: an optical scanning unit configured to scan measurement light in a measurement space and to guide reflected light from a reflector; a reflector detection unit configured to detect reflector information including a distance from the device to the reflector, a reflected light intensity, and a scanning direction of the measurement light; a reference body identification unit configured to identify whether the reflector is a predetermined reference body, based on the reflector information; a region defining unit configured to define an object detection region along the reference body, based on the reflector information about the reference body; and an object determination unit configured to determine, as a target object, a reflector that is present in the region and that is not identified as the reference body.