Structured 3D Targets for Laser Edge Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic container handling systems face measurement uncertainties due to the limitations in accuracy of laser scanner spot resolution and beam divergence, which affect the precise positioning of spreader and trolley in cranes during container pick-up and drop-off operations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs structured three-dimensional target shapes on the spreader and corresponding pulse-emitting sensors on the trolley to enhance the accuracy of edge detection by using known pulse transmission and reception times to calculate rectangular coordinates, thereby improving the precision of spreader positioning relative to the trolley.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laser scanner spot resolution and beam divergence methods are used for edge detection, then the system structure remains simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large measurement uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional edge detection to three-dimensional structured shape detection. By attaching 3D target shapes (such as pyramids or prisms) to the spreader and detecting them from multiple angles, the system obtains depth information and multiple projection points, significantly improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through structured geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces structured target shapes as intermediary objects between the laser scanner and the spreader. These targets serve as mediators that convert the laser spots into structured geometric patterns, enabling more accurate edge detection by providing multiple reference points and geometric constraints for position calculation
2Area of stationary object
If laser scanner beam divergence is increased to cover larger areas, then the scanning range expands, but measurement precision deteriorates due to larger spot sizes at distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional target shapes that maintain their structural characteristics across different distances. By detecting the geometric relationships among multiple vertices of the 3D shape rather than relying on single spot resolution, the system achieves accurate measurements over larger scanning areas without being limited by beam divergence-induced spot size increases
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 increases the accuracy of distance and edge measurements by an order of magnitude, reducing measurement uncertainties and ensuring precise positioning of the spreader in all six degrees of freedom, enhancing the efficiency of container handling operations.
Implementation Method 1
Each LIDAR sensor 30 emits a pulse of laser light, and then precisely measures the time until the pulse, or some part of it, is reflected back. This time is then multiplied by the speed of light to obtain a distance measurement.
Implementation Method 2
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) devices, also referred to as 'laser sensors' or 'laser scanners', are one possibility.
Implementation Method 3
Each LIDAR sensor 30 emits a pulse of laser light, and then precisely measures the time until the pulse, or some part of it, is reflected back.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining the rectangular coordinate position of a first object spaced apart from and opposing a second object by placing at least three three-dimensional structures at different known locations on the top surface of the first object and a corresponding number of pulse transceivers at known locations on the bottom surface of the second object, directing a series of pulses having a known speed from each of the transceivers along a path crossing the highest point of a corresponding one of the structures, determining the shortest and second shortest distances travelled by the transmitted pulses and using that data together with other known data to locate edges of the first object and calculate the rectangular coordinate position of the first object with respect to the second object.