Light Scanner Using SPADs for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-driving transport systems face limitations in collision avoidance due to the inefficiencies of mechanical switches, ultrasonic sensors, and safety laser scanners, which are often large, expensive, or prone to wear, and lack flexibility and effective self-testing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost light scanner using the time-of-flight principle with single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for distance measurement, enabling flexible geometry protection and continuous self-testing without additional reference targets, integrated with a modular design and optional optics for enhanced sensitivity and temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety laser scanners are used for collision avoidance, then detection reliability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical protective devices (bumpers, mechanical switches) with optical detection systems. Specifically, it uses ultrasonic sensors and light scanners to detect objects and obstacles, substituting mechanical contact-based detection with field-based detection methods that are more reliable and less prone to wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (light signals) to detect physical objects. The light scanner emits light pulses and detects their reflection or interruption, creating an optical representation of the environment without requiring physical contact or large mechanical structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical protective devices are used for collision avoidance, then implementation simplicity is improved, but durability and response capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical protective devices with optical and ultrasonic sensing systems. These electronic/optical systems have no moving parts, eliminating wear and tear while maintaining simplicity of implementation. The systems respond to electrical signals rather than mechanical contact, greatly extending durability.
3Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic sensors are used for distance measurement, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision and directional control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the detection signal from ultrasonic waves to optical waves (light). Light has much shorter wavelength than ultrasound, enabling precise directional control through optical elements like lenses and mirrors while maintaining cost-effectiveness through integrated circuit technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from acoustic wave detection to electromagnetic wave detection, utilizing the optical dimension. This allows for precise angular resolution and directional control through the use of optical elements, overcoming the diffraction limitations of ultrasonic sensors.
4Reliability
If optical safety sensors are used with self-testing capabilities, then safety reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety detection function with self-testing capabilities into a single integrated system. The light scanner performs both primary detection and self-diagnosis using the same optical path and electronics, eliminating the need for separate test equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: primary safety detection, contamination detection, and self-testing. The same optical components and electronics serve all three functions, making the system universal and reducing complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
5Measurement precision
If reference targets are used in the detection zone, then measurement accuracy is improved, but available scanning angle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the self-testing function from the primary detection zone by using scattered light within the housing rather than requiring external reference targets. This removes the obstruction caused by reference targets while maintaining measurement accuracy through alternative testing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses scattered light from the light transmitter as an intermediary to test the reception path. Instead of requiring direct reflection from external targets, the system detects light that scatters within the housing, providing a reference signal without blocking the scanning aperture.
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 scanner provides a cost-effective, flexible, and reliable solution for collision avoidance with high sensitivity and modularity, allowing for secure detection of various geometries and scenarios, including non-rectangular fields, with integrated self-testing capabilities and reduced construction space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light receiver (4) which receives the light pulses (3) reflected at an object (6) in the measured zone (5) and supplies them in the form of received electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
at least one light transmitter (2) which transmits consecutive light pulses (3) into a measured zone (5)
Implementation Method 3
determines a distance signal representative of the distance (8) of the object (6) from the light scanner (1) from the time between the transmission and the reception of the light pulse (3) while taking account of the speed of light
Data Source
AI summary
A light scanner in accordance with the principle of the time of flight having at least one light transmitter (2) which transmits consecutive light pulses (3) into a measured zone (5) and having at least one light receiver (4) which receives the light pulses (3) reflected at an object (6) in the measured zone (5) and supplies them in the form of received electrical signals to a control and evaluation unit (7) which determines a distance signal representative of the distance (8) of the object (6) from the light scanner (1) while taking account of the speed of light between the transmission and reception of the light pulse (3), wherein the light receiver (4) has at least one single photon avalanche diode (9).