Parallel Dot Pattern Distance Sensor for Compact Obstacle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance sensors used in unmanned vehicles are bulky, expensive, and have limited field of view, making them unsuitable for compact vehicles and effective obstacle detection in computer vision systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact distance sensor that projects a plurality of beams forming parallel lines of dots onto an object, allowing for three-dimensional distance calculation using imaging sensors and pattern analysis, with multiple light sources arranged around a central axis to cover a wide field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional distance sensors are used for obstacle detection, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task by projecting multiple separate laser beams that form distinct parallel lines on the target object. Each beam independently contributes to distance calculation, allowing the system to achieve accurate 3D measurement while maintaining a compact sensor structure through functional segmentation of the measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D imaging to 3D distance measurement by projecting parallel laser lines that encode depth information. The multiple beams create a three-dimensional measurement capability where each line provides distance data along a specific angular direction, enabling volumetric obstacle detection without increasing physical sensor size
2Measurement precision
If conventional distance sensors are used, then distance measurement is achieved, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is segmented into multiple angular zones, with each laser beam covering a specific directional sector. By distributing multiple beams across different angles, the system achieves wide-area coverage while maintaining precise distance measurement capability in each segment, effectively expanding the total field of view without sacrificing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system achieves multi-functionality by using the same compact imaging sensor to both capture the projected laser line patterns and detect reflected light for distance calculation. This universal approach allows the sensor to simultaneously perform wide-field scanning and precise measurement across the entire field of view, eliminating the need for separate specialized components
3Measurement precision
If conventional distance sensors are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but the sensor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projection function and detection function into a single integrated sensor unit. The laser source and imaging sensor are co-located, with the imaging sensor serving dual purposes of capturing the projected line pattern and detecting reflected light. This merging eliminates the need for separate projection and detection subsystems, dramatically reducing overall sensor volume while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves 3D measurement capability without increasing sensor volume by encoding depth information in the two-dimensional image plane. The parallel laser lines create a spatial encoding scheme where the position and distortion of each line in the captured image directly corresponds to distance information, enabling volumetric measurement from a compact 2D 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
Enables accurate and efficient distance measurement in three dimensions, even for moving or curved objects, with a wider field of view and reduced sensor size, facilitating improved navigation and obstacle detection in unmanned vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a plurality of beams simultaneously from a light source, wherein the plurality of beams causes a plurality of lines of dots to be projected onto the object
Implementation Method 2
capturing an image of a field of view, wherein the object is visible in the image and the plurality of lines of dots is also visible in the image
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for calculating a distance to an object includes projecting a plurality of beams simultaneously from a light source, wherein the plurality of beams causes a plurality of lines of dots to be projected onto the object, and wherein the plurality of lines of dots are orientated parallel to each other, capturing an image of a field of view, wherein the object is visible in the image and the plurality of lines of dots is also visible in the image, and calculating the distance to the object using information in the image.