Design of face-to-face optical wireless power transmission system based on robot arm visual tracking

摘要

OWPT (Optical Wireless Power Transmission) system is composed of light sources such as lasers and LEDs, which are used as transmitters to convert electric power to optical power. Solar cells are used as receivers to convert the optical power back into electric power that can be used as a power supply for electronic devices. The OWPT technology utilizes the small size and divergence angle of laser beams to transmit high power density over longer distances compared to other WPT methods. In the previous study of OWPT system, we studied the combination of a camera and Galvano mirror for target recognition and moving target prediction. However, such design imposes a challenge on the OWPT system, which is, when the object moves a certain distance, refraction occurs as the laser strikes the surface of the solar cells acting as the receiver. Such mismatch could result in further decline in energy transmission efficiency. Therefore, face-to-face tracking is necessary. In this research, we applied a robot arm to enlarge the range of motion and ensure proper alignment between the transmitter and the receiver. More specifically, we have achieved recognition and successful tracking of moving 2D objects using a robotic arm and camera. Subsequently, we successfully solved the problem of object orientation detection in 3D space using Aruco markers.