Structured Light Guidance for Mobile Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic navigation methods relying on dead reckoning are inefficient, while systems using global positioning systems are cost-prohibitive and face accuracy issues due to satellite signal obstructions, energy consumption, and increased system costs.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system that uses structured light generators to project a three-dimensional path plan onto a contained area, allowing mobile robotic devices to follow a navigational path using behavioral codes that continue to guide the device even when the light projection is no longer visible, enabling efficient and accurate area coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dead reckoning is used for robotic navigation, then system cost is reduced, but navigation efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces structured light projections as an intermediary guidance medium between the navigation system and the robotic device. The light projections serve as a visual mediator that provides continuous positional feedback without requiring expensive GPS satellites or complex infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between low cost and high efficiency by creating a simple yet effective intermediate guidance layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation methods (dead reckoning based on odometry and inertial sensors) with an optical-based structured light guidance system. This substitution eliminates the accumulation of positional errors inherent in mechanical dead reckoning while avoiding the high costs of satellite-based systems, achieving both cost-effectiveness and navigation accuracy
2Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used for robotic navigation, then area coverage accuracy is improved, but system cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive structured light projections as temporary, disposable guidance markers that are continuously regenerated as the robot moves. Instead of relying on expensive, energy-intensive GPS satellites, the system uses low-cost light projections that can be rapidly updated and repositioned, providing continuous accurate guidance without significant energy consumption or hardware cost
Solution Approach 2:
The structured light guidance system operates periodically, projecting light patterns at regular intervals along the robot's path. This periodic projection provides continuous positional feedback without requiring constant high-energy transmission, unlike GPS systems that must maintain continuous satellite communication, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If structured light generators are used to project path plans, then navigation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the structured light generators multi-functional by having them serve both as illumination sources and as navigation guidance systems. The same light projection infrastructure that might be used for general illumination or marking also provides precise navigational feedback, eliminating the need for separate dedicated navigation hardware and thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high navigation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guidance function with the existing light projection infrastructure. Instead of adding separate complex navigation sensors or hardware to the robotic device, the system combines the navigation guidance capability with the structured light generators, creating an integrated system that achieves high accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 safe, low-cost, and energy-efficient navigation with extended battery life, ensuring high-quality area coverage and reduced robot weight, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A guidance system that uses structured light generators to project a three-dimensional path plan onto a contained area
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a computer system (302), a number of structured light generators (304), and a number of mobile robotic devices (346). The computer system (302) is configured to generate a path plan. The number of structured light generators (304) is configured to project the path plan. The number of mobile robotic devices (346) is configured to detect and follow the path plan.