TOF Sensor Self-Orientation Sensing Without External Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object detection devices, such as laser radars installed in automobiles, cannot ascertain the attachment orientation of the device itself, necessitating the use of additional orientation sensing devices like inclination sensors or levels.
Innovation Solution
An attachment orientation sensing device that utilizes a distance measurement device, such as a TOF sensor or LiDAR, to acquire distance and angle information about a reference surface, allowing the device to sense its own attachment orientation without external orientation sensing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional object detection device (laser radar) is used to measure distance and detect objects, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but the device cannot ascertain its own attachment orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement device performs self-diagnosis by using its own measurement capabilities to detect the orientation of its attachment surface. The device measures distances to multiple points on the reference surface, calculates inclination angles from these measurements, and determines whether the attachment surface is properly oriented without requiring external orientation sensing devices.
2Loss of information
If a separately provided orientation sensing device (inclination sensor or level) is added to ascertain attachment orientation, then attachment orientation information is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement device is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only measures distances to objects for its primary detection purpose but also uses these same measurements to determine the orientation of its attachment surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate orientation sensing devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to ascertain attachment orientation.
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 attachment orientation of a distance measurement device to be sensed accurately and automatically, eliminating the need for separate orientation sensing devices like inclination sensors or levels.
Implementation Method 1
acquires distance information about the distance to a reference point on a reference surface according to the phase difference between a received light wave and an emitted light wave
Implementation Method 2
emitted light wave emitted from an emission unit included in the distance measurement onto the reference surface
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment orientation sensing device 10 comprises a distance information acquisition unit 11, an angle information acquisition unit 12, and an attachment orientation sensing unit 14. The distance information acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the distance to reference points P1 and P2 on a floor surface FL according to the phase difference between the received light wave and the emitted light wave of the light emitted from the emission unit 21 included in a TOF sensor 20 with respect toward the floor surface FL. The angle information acquisition unit 12 acquires information about the angle to the reference points P1 and P2. The attachment orientation sensing unit 14 senses the attachment orientation of the TOF sensor 20 with respect to the floor surface FL on the basis of the distance information and the angle information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 11 and the angle information acquisition unit 12.