Single-Scanner Reflector Layout for Multi-Plane Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles equipped with single-axis scanners face challenges in detecting obstacles such as slope angles, steps, cliffs, and potholes, and struggle to identify objects in close proximity, as they can only project parallel to the surface, limiting their detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axes scanning system utilizing a single-axis scanner and reflectors to create additional scanning planes by reflecting the scan signal at angles, allowing for detection across multiple axes without the need for multiple scanners or expensive multi-axes laser range finders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-axis scanner is used to detect obstacles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection capability is limited to parallel surfaces only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second scanning dimension by mounting a single-axis scanner on a rotating platform. The scanner rotates about a first axis to create a first scanning plane, while the platform rotates about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, creating a second scanning plane. This dimensional transformation allows the system to detect obstacles in multiple orientations without using multiple scanners, thus maintaining device simplicity while enhancing detection versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scanners are used to achieve multi-axes scanning, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single-axis scanner perform multiple functions by rotating it on a platform. The same scanner that would normally only create one scanning plane is now capable of creating multiple scanning planes at different orientations through the platform rotation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple scanners, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining enhanced detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple scanners into a single scanner system. By merging the scanning function with the rotation platform, the system achieves multi-axes scanning capability that would traditionally require multiple separate scanners. The scanner and platform work together as an integrated system to provide comprehensive obstacle detection.
3Device complexity
If a single-axis scanner projects parallel to the surface, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to detect close objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical scanning dimension by rotating the single-axis scanner on a platform that rotates about a perpendicular axis. This creates scanning planes at different angles, including downward angles that can detect close objects on the ground. The dimensional change allows the scanner to look in multiple directions, improving close object detection while maintaining device simplicity.
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 cost-effective and efficient detection of obstacles and terrain changes, including those close to the vehicle, by projecting a single-axis scan signal into multiple planes, enhancing the vehicle's ability to navigate safely without increasing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one reflector is arranged to receive and reflect a portion of the scan signal to create one or more secondary scanning planes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a multi-axis scanning system and method that utilize a single scanner. The scanner radially projects an output beam in a first angular plane over a range of scan angles. At least one reflector is fixed relative to the scanner to receive the output beam in at least one portion of the range of scan angles and redirects the received output beam in at least one other angular plane extending at least partially beneath the first angular plane. The first angular plane can be substantially parallel to a ground surface and the at least one other angular plane can include a plane that extends from the reflective surface to the ground surface. The scanner can be configured to detect a reflection of the output beam, to determine a distance to an object reflecting an incident output beam.