Rotating Distance Sensor Array for Adaptive Robot Area Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-based LIDAR sensors used in mobile robots for area mapping are expensive and difficult to maintain, requiring technical expertise for replacement, and existing solutions do not efficiently adjust scanning velocity based on distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with two or more distance sensors that rotate at adjustable velocities, controlled by a processing module, to optimize distance measurement resolution based on environmental conditions, using a rotating mechanism that adjusts velocity between 0.01 r/s and 10 r/s, and can change direction, allowing for more precise mapping without the need for high-speed, single-direction scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser-based LIDAR sensors are used for area mapping, then mapping precision is improved, but device cost and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex LIDAR sensors with cheaper distance sensors that can be easily replaced. The system uses multiple low-cost distance sensors instead of a single expensive LIDAR unit, making the overall system more cost-effective and easier to maintain while achieving comparable mapping precision through software processing and multiple sensor inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mapping function across multiple distance sensors positioned at different locations on the robot body. Instead of relying on a single LIDAR sensor, the system segments the sensing task across several sensors that collectively provide comprehensive area mapping data, reducing the complexity and cost of individual sensor components.
2Productivity
If high rotational velocity is used for scanning, then mapping speed is improved, but measurement resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of rotational velocity based on real-time distance measurements. The processing module continuously monitors distance data and adjusts the rotational speed of the sensor assembly accordingly, slowing down when precise measurements are needed and speeding up when coverage is the priority. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize both mapping speed and measurement resolution adaptively throughout the scanning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from distance measurements to control rotational velocity. The processing module receives distance data from the sensors and uses this information to adjust the rotational speed of the mechanism, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes the balance between scanning speed and measurement precision based on the actual environmental conditions being scanned.
3Device complexity
If single-direction rotational scanning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement coverage and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple distance sensors positioned asymmetrically at different locations and orientations on the robot body. This asymmetric arrangement allows the sensors to cover different angular sectors and distance ranges, providing comprehensive measurement coverage without requiring complex multi-directional rotation mechanisms. The asymmetric sensor placement complements the adjustable rotational movement to achieve complete area mapping.
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 approach reduces the need for expensive LIDAR systems by using cost-effective distance sensors that adjust scanning velocity dynamically, enhancing mapping resolution and accuracy while simplifying maintenance, allowing for efficient area mapping with reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic cell configured to measures a duration the light travelled from the light emitting member to the object and back to a focal plane array of the photovoltaic cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The subject matter discloses a mobile robot configured to map an area, comprising a body, two or more distance sensors, configured to collect distance measurements between the mobile robot and objects in the area, a rotating mechanism mechanically coupled to the body and to the two or more distance sensors, said rotating mechanism is configured to enable rotational movement of the two or more distance sensors and a processing module electrically coupled to the two or more distance sensors and to the rotating mechanism. The processing module is configured to process the distance measurements collected by the two or more distance sensors and to instruct the rotating mechanism to adjust a velocity of the rotational movement, said velocity is adjusted according to the distance measurements collected by the two or more distance sensors.