SWIR Imaging for Water-Based Liquid Detection in Cleaning Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vision systems in autonomous cleaning machines struggle to detect obstacles like water-based liquids and identify materials accurately due to low-light conditions and poor image quality, especially in environments with glare, rain, smoke, or fog.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a SWIR imaging system with multiple illumination sources emitting at different wavelengths in the SWIR spectrum, combined with Ge photodiodes and a SWIR focal plane array, to detect water-based liquids and classify materials based on spectral characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional vision systems operating in the visible spectrum are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and detection capability deteriorate under low-light conditions and poor visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating wavelength parameter from visible spectrum to SWIR spectrum (900-1700 nm), enabling detection of water-based liquids and obstacles in low-light conditions where conventional visible light cameras fail. This parameter change fundamentally improves measurement precision for obstacle detection while operating in previously inaccessible spectral regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces SWIR illumination sources as intermediaries to provide active illumination in the SWIR spectrum, enabling the SWIR camera to capture images in low-light conditions. The illumination sources act as mediators between the limited ambient SWIR radiation and the camera sensor, improving detection capability without requiring direct modification of the camera hardware.
2Measurement precision
If SWIR imaging system with multiple illumination sources is implemented, then the obstacle detection capability improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed illumination rather than continuous illumination, where the SWIR illumination sources emit radiation in periodic pulses synchronized with the camera's frame rate. This periodic action provides sufficient illumination for accurate water-based liquid detection while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple illumination sources emitting at different wavelengths (e.g., 940 nm, 1300 nm, 1550 nm) to provide partial illumination coverage at each wavelength, achieving comprehensive spectral coverage for material identification without requiring excessive illumination intensity at any single wavelength, thus balancing detection accuracy with energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination sources at different SWIR wavelengths are used, then the material identification capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into multiple independent illumination sources, each emitting at a specific SWIR wavelength (e.g., 940 nm, 1300 nm, 1550 nm). This segmentation allows each source to be optimized for its specific wavelength and enables selective activation based on detection needs, improving material identification capability while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the illumination system with multi-functionality, where the same set of SWIR illumination sources serves dual purposes: providing active illumination for general obstacle detection and enabling spectral characterization for material identification. This universality improves adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If SWIR sensing is used to detect water-based liquids, then the detection reliability improves, but the loss of energy increases due to active illumination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using SWIR illumination sources to pre-illuminate the environment before the SWIR camera captures images. This preliminary illumination ensures that sufficient SWIR radiation reaches the camera sensor even in complete darkness, guaranteeing reliable detection of water-based liquids without requiring post-processing or repeated captures that would consume additional energy.
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
Enhances obstacle detection, particularly of water-based liquids, and improves material identification, providing high-resolution images and navigation capabilities under challenging lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first illumination source for emitting radiation at a first wavelength in the SWIR towards a field of view (FOV)... determining, based on the SWIR image data, presence of water-based liquids in the FOV
Implementation Method 2
a receiver operating in the SWIR to acquire SWIR image data based on radiation reflected from elements located in the FOV
Implementation Method 3
a second illumination source for emitting radiation at a second wavelength in the SWIR towards a target within the FOV and determining a spectral characteristic of the target based on absorption of the target at the first wavelength and absorption of the target at the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for utilizing SWIR sensing in automated cleaning machines including a first illumination source for emitting radiation at a first wavelength in the SWIR towards a FOV, a receiver operating in the SWIR to acquire SWIR image data based on radiation reflected from elements located in the FOV and determining, based on the SWIR image data, presence of water-based liquids in the FOV.