Robot Object Detection Using Segmented Approach and Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object detection systems for robots, such as capacitive sensors, have limited range and create blind zones, making them unsuitable for anti-collision safety applications, especially in environments with humans and objects, as they fail to detect objects at short distances or in contact effectively.
Innovation Solution
A combination of approach sensors with a greater detection range and proximity sensors with a shorter range is used to cover blind areas, allowing for comprehensive object detection from both close and distant objects, ensuring no blind zones and enabling trajectory adaptation and contact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If small size and low cost sensors (capacitive sensors) are used, then cost and size are reduced, but detection range is limited and blind zones are created
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple sensor types with different detection ranges: approach sensors for distant detection and proximity sensors for close detection. This segmentation allows each sensor type to operate in its optimal range, eliminating blind zones while keeping individual sensor costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different sensor technologies (approach sensors and proximity sensors) into a unified detection system. This merging allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage from far to near distances, solving the blind zone problem without requiring a single expensive high-range sensor.
2Reliability
If larger and more expensive sensors (time-of-flight sensors, optical sensors) are used, then detection range is increased, but detection aperture remains small creating blind zones
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single sensor with limited aperture, the system segments the detection space and uses multiple sensors positioned to cover different angular ranges. This increases the overall detection aperture while maintaining reasonable individual sensor specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of multiple detection ranges (approach and proximity) to complement the angular coverage. This multi-dimensional approach (angular + range) ensures complete spatial coverage without requiring excessively large individual sensor apertures.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are multiplied to reduce blind zones, then detection coverage is improved, but cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensor types are assigned to different spatial zones: approach sensors for distant zones and proximity sensors for near zones. This local quality assignment ensures that each sensor operates in its optimal range, achieving comprehensive coverage without unnecessarily multiplying sensors throughout the entire space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a minimal set of sensors strategically positioned to achieve sufficient coverage. Rather than densely packing many sensors, it uses just enough sensors at critical locations (approach and proximity points) to eliminate blind zones, avoiding excessive cost and complexity.
4Reliability
If sensors with greater detection range are used, then trajectory adaptation is enabled, but contact detection at very short distance is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two functional zones: approach detection for trajectory adaptation and proximity detection for contact detection. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific function, with approach sensors providing early warning for trajectory adjustment and proximity sensors providing precise short-range and contact detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Proximity sensors act as intermediaries between the approach sensors and the robot body. They bridge the gap by detecting objects in the intermediate zone that approach sensors miss, and by providing the final warning before contact, enabling both trajectory adaptation and contact detection functions.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and compact object detection system that ensures reliable anti-collision safety by covering all detection areas, allowing robots to adapt their trajectory and prevent collisions with humans and objects.
Implementation Method 1
Small size and low cost sensors are known, such as capacitive sensors
Implementation Method 2
Larger and more expensive sensors are also known offering a greater detection range, such as time-of-flight sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an object detection device (100) for a robot, intended to be fitted to said robot, comprising: - at least one sensor (102), termed an approach sensor, implementing a first detection technology for detecting a nearby object; - at least one sensor (104, 700), termed a contact sensor, implementing a second detection technology for detecting a nearby object, which second technology differs from said first technology and has a range that is shorter than the range of said at least one approach sensor (102). The invention also relates to a robot fitted with such a device (100).