Programmable Light Curtain for Autonomous Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D sensors for autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars and field robots, require full 3D perception for tasks like path planning but are resource-intensive and computationally heavy, making them unsuitable for time-critical tasks like obstacle detection and collision avoidance, which can be achieved with reduced 3D perception.
Innovation Solution
A light curtain system using a line scan laser and sensor, synchronized to create a programmable and adaptable virtual shell for proximity awareness, allowing for efficient collision avoidance and navigation with minimal computational overhead, capable of detecting objects within a defined perimeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If full 3D sensors are used for autonomous systems, then path planning and object identification can be achieved, but energy consumption and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sensing task into two parts: a lightweight light curtain for continuous proximity monitoring and collision avoidance, and full 3D sensors activated only when needed for path planning. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high adaptability for navigation while reducing energy consumption during routine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light curtain provides partial sensing action by monitoring only the immediate perimeter and potential collision zones rather than performing complete 3D scanning. This partial action is sufficient for collision avoidance and reduces energy consumption while maintaining the system's ability to perform full 3D perception when required for path planning.
2Loss of information
If full 3D sensors are used for autonomous systems, then complete scene perception is achieved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into a light curtain for perimeter monitoring and full 3D sensors for detailed scene analysis. The light curtain handles continuous collision detection with minimal computation, while the 3D sensors are activated only when comprehensive scene perception is required, thereby reducing overall computational overhead while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The light curtain performs partial sensing by monitoring only the critical perimeter zone where collisions are most likely to occur. This reduces the computational load significantly compared to full 3D scanning, while the system maintains the capability to perform complete scene perception when needed for path planning and navigation decisions.
3Reliability
If traditional proximity sensors are used, then collision avoidance is achieved, but adaptability to different detection perimeters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light curtain system is dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the detection perimeter to be adjusted by modifying the laser line orientation and sensor positioning. This enables the system to adapt to different operational scenarios (e.g., lane monitoring for vehicles, robot navigation) while maintaining reliable collision avoidance through continuous real-time monitoring of the defined perimeter.
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 light curtain system provides lightweight, resource-efficient, and flexible proximity sensing and collision avoidance, enhancing visibility in challenging conditions like fog and strong ambient light, with dynamic shape adaptation and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
rapidly rotating a line sensor and a line laser in synchrony
Implementation Method 2
the sensor senses light only from the intersection between these two planes
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are generally directed to a device that monitors for the presence of objects passing through or impinging on a virtual shell near the device, referred to herein as a “light curtain”, which is created by rapidly rotating a line sensor and a line laser in synchrony. The boundaries of the light curtain are defined by a sweeping line defined by the intersection of the sensing and illumination planes.