Time-of-Flight Proximity Sensing for 3D Robot Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional robotic proximity sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, are inadequate for detecting objects in uncontrolled environments due to limitations in response time, accuracy, and sensitivity to noise and environmental changes, making them unsuitable for robots working alongside humans.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple proximity sensing systems with time-of-flight proximity sensors that can detect a 3D profile of objects, adjust detection range and resolution based on object distance, and predict object movement to enable accurate reaction by the robotic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors are used for object detection, then immunity to background noise is improved, but response time becomes slower and blind spots are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors (acoustic field) with time-of-flight sensors (optical field) to eliminate the inherent limitations of ultrasonic technology. This substitution enables faster response times and eliminates blind spots while maintaining noise immunity through optical detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic wave propagation to light propagation time measurement. By using time-of-flight measurement with optical sensors, the system achieves both fast response times and extended detection range while eliminating the blind spot problem inherent in ultrasonic sensors.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors are used for object detection, then good noise immunity is achieved, but detection accuracy in uncontrolled environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ultrasonic detection with optical time-of-flight detection, replacing acoustic wave-based measurement with light-based measurement. This substitution provides superior detection accuracy in uncontrolled environments while maintaining noise immunity through the use of optical filters and modulated light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic properties to optical properties (light travel time). This parameter change enables more precise distance measurement and object detection in varied environmental conditions, overcoming the limitations of ultrasonic sensors in uncontrolled settings.
3Loss of time
If time-of-flight sensors are used for fast detection, then response time is improved, but detection range and resolution requirements create complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal time-of-flight sensor system that can adapt to different detection ranges and resolutions through software control and parameter adjustment. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware to serve multiple detection needs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fast response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of detection parameters (such as integration time, measurement frequency, and detection threshold) based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for different scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-configuration sensor systems, thereby managing 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 faster and more accurate object detection, allowing robots to differentiate between objects and react appropriately, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
time-of-flight proximity sensors, which use light to detect an object within a detection range
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic device including one or more proximity sensing systems coupled to various portions of a robot body. The proximity sensing systems detect a distance of an object about the robot body and the robotic device reacts based on the detected distance. The proximity sensing systems obtain a three-dimensional (3D) profile of the object to determine a category of the object. The distance of the object is detected multiple times in a sequence to determine a movement path of the object.