Tilted Laser Scan Plane for 3D Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled devices cannot detect obstacles located above or below the device, limiting their operational capabilities in unmanned production systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a laser sensor that emits and receives laser light while rotating, providing two-dimensional distance data for a 360-degree scan plane angled relative to the horizontal plane, allowing the device to detect obstacles in all directions and generate three-dimensional data for navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laser sensor scans in a horizontal plane, then the device can detect obstacles in the horizontal traveling direction, but it cannot detect obstacles located above or below the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tilts the scan plane of the laser sensor at a predetermined angle (e.g., 30 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane. This dimensional change in the scanning approach enables the sensor to detect obstacles in three-dimensional space, including those located above and below the device, thereby expanding detection coverage while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the scan plane is tilted at an angle, then the device can detect obstacles above and below, but the incident angle of laser light on the cover changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and adjusts the tilt angle of the scan plane (e.g., 30 degrees) to optimize the balance between obstacle detection capability and minimizing harmful reflections on the cover. By changing this geometric parameter, the system achieves effective three-dimensional detection while controlling the incident angle of laser light on the cover to reduce unwanted reflections
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
Enables the self-propelled device to detect and avoid obstacles in its entire surroundings, enhancing its navigation and operational safety in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
a laser sensor that emits laser light L1 and that receives reflected light L2 of the laser light L1
Implementation Method 2
a laser sensor that emits laser light while rotating the laser light around the laser sensor and receives reflected light of the laser light to output two-dimensional distance data
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled device includes a wheel-driven traveling body and a laser sensor. The laser sensor emits laser light while rotating the laser light around the laser sensor and receives reflected light of the laser light to output two-dimensional distance data representing a distance to an object located around the laser sensor for each angle around the laser sensor. The traveling body includes a controller that controls traveling of the traveling body on the basis of the two-dimensional distance data output from the laser sensor. The laser sensor is provided on the traveling body such that a scan plane that is a region through which the laser light passes during rotation of the laser light has a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane.