Swivel Laser Scanner Layout for Shadow-Free Parking Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object detection systems for large areas, such as parking lots, require frequent manual calibration and significant personnel and hardware deployment to ensure reliable detection of free capacities, leading to high costs.
Innovation Solution
An object detection system comprising a detection device with a fastening mechanism, swivel motor, swivel arm, and data acquisition unit, allowing 360° detection around a fastening object without casting shadows, using a 2D laser scanner for reliable detection in various conditions, and a data processing unit to calculate object positions and free areas, with information transmission to mobile units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring systems only monitor entrances and exits, then the system is simple to operate, but the reliability of free capacity detection deteriorates over time without frequent manual calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of the entire parking lot and processing them to determine the current number of parked vehicles, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations and maintaining reliable detection over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from monitoring only entrances and exits (1D point monitoring) to capturing images of the entire parking lot area (2D area monitoring), enabling comprehensive detection of all parked vehicles and improving free capacity detection reliability
2Reliability
If manual calibration with camera images is performed, then detection reliability is maintained, but personnel deployment and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures images and processes them through the calculation unit to determine the current number of parked vehicles, completely eliminating the need for manual calibration operations and reducing personnel deployment to zero for calibration tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated image capture and processing system using cameras and calculation units, substituting human labor with automated technological processes
3Measurement precision
If data acquisition unit is placed at the top of the mast, then the system structure is simple, but shadow casting prevents optimal alignment and detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the data acquisition unit from the mast structure by mounting it on a movable platform that can be positioned at optimal locations, allowing the detection unit to be segmented from the support structure and placed where it can operate without shadow interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable platform that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to optimize detection angles and avoid shadow casting, transforming the static mast-top mounting into a dynamic, adaptable positioning system
4Area of stationary object
If multiple data acquisition units are deployed for comprehensive coverage, then detection coverage is improved, but hardware costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single data acquisition unit mounted on a movable platform that can rotate and reposition itself to scan and capture images of the entire parking lot area, replacing multiple static units with one dynamic unit that achieves comprehensive coverage through movement
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 system provides reliable, cost-effective, and shadow-free 360° detection of objects and free areas without manual calibration, enabling efficient monitoring of large spaces like parking lots, container handling areas, and ports, and informs users about current space availability.
Implementation Method 1
The data acquisition unit is designed as a 2D laser scanner
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An object detection system is provided for detecting objects such as trucks, cars, buses, etc., in large areas such as parking lots. The system comprises a detection device with a mounting device for attaching the data acquisition unit to a mounting object, a swivel motor connected to the mounting device, a swivel arm coupled at one end to the swivel motor in such a way that the swivel arm can be pivoted about an axis of rotation by means of the swivel motor, a control unit for controlling the swivel motor, and a data acquisition unit (106) for capturing object information, the data acquisition unit being mounted on the swivel arm at a distance from the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the system includes a processing unit for calculating a 3D dataset from the data of the data acquisition unit and data relating to the movement of the swivel motor.