Surface Scan Motion Control Using Onboard Feature Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion control systems rely on 'outside-in' tracking methods, limiting their operational range due to the need for external sensors, which restricts the accuracy and range of motion control, especially in applications like construction and manufacturing where precise surface manipulation is required.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent motion control system utilizing onboard surface profilers and positional sensors to generate topography data, calculate offsets, and control the motion of a machine, enabling accurate placement and manipulation of tools like grinding heads or material extrusion heads without external surveying equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outside-in tracking methodology is used with external sensors, then motion control can be implemented, but operational range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional outside-in tracking approach by implementing an inside-out methodology where onboard sensors on the moving equipment scan and map the environment, and the system calculates the equipment's position based on how the equipment's own sensors perceive the environment. This reversal eliminates the need for external stationary sensors and extends operational range while maintaining motion control accuracy.
2Reliability
If external sensors are used for tracking, then motion control is achievable, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving equipment serves itself by carrying onboard sensors that scan and map the environment. The equipment's own sensor system generates the data needed for motion control and position calculation, eliminating the need for complex external sensor networks and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If onboard sensors are used for surface scanning, then operational range increases, but measurement precision challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously scans the environment with onboard sensors, compares the scanned features against the stored map, calculates position offsets, and uses this feedback to correct and maintain measurement precision. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for the challenges of using onboard sensors while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and mapping of the environment before motion control operations begin. This pre-established map serves as a reference framework that enables accurate position calculation and measurement during subsequent operations, ensuring precision even with onboard sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to an intelligent motion control system that utilizes onboard sensors and processing to guide a surface manipulation machine along a path of travel on a surface, confirm a position of the machine with respect to the surface, and actuate a surface manipulation tool to achieve a desired surface profile or locate a point of interest. The system may include a first and second surface profiler that is configured to scan a surface on which the system travels and a positional sensor configured to generate positional data representing a position of the machine. The processor is configured to generate topography data based on output received from the first surface profiler, generate intermediate data based on output received from the second profiler, compare the intermediate data with the topography data to calculate an offset; and control motion of the system based on the offset.