Apparatus and system for remotely controlling a moving robot and method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cleaners lack efficient control mechanisms for users to designate specific cleaning areas, leading to unnecessary operations and reduced cleaning efficiency due to random cleaning patterns and obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A remote control apparatus with a user interface that displays a map of the robot's traveling area, allowing users to input commands to select designated areas for intensive cleaning, avoidance, or escape traveling, and generates control signals to optimize the robot's cleaning path and suction force using wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the robot cleaner performs random cleaning operations autonomously, then the robot can operate without user intervention, but cleaning efficiency is reduced due to unnecessary operations and obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables semi-autonomous operation where the robot executes cleaning tasks based on user-designated areas and patterns. The robot autonomously navigates and cleans within specified regions while the user provides high-level area designation, combining autonomous execution with user guidance for optimized cleaning efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface allows users to pre-designate cleaning areas and patterns before the robot begins operation. By planning and specifying the areas to be cleaned in advance through map selection and area designation, the system avoids unnecessary operations and optimizes the cleaning path from the outset

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the robot cleans the entire cleaning area uniformly, then complete coverage is achieved, but time is wasted on areas that do not require intensive cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverage completenessVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cleaning area into multiple zones with different cleaning priorities and patterns. Users can designate specific areas for intensive cleaning versus standard cleaning, allowing the robot to apply different cleaning strategies to different locations based on their specific requirements, thereby optimizing overall cleaning time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning area is segmented into multiple selectable regions that can be individually designated and configured. The robot processes these segmented areas according to user-specified patterns and priorities, enabling selective intensive cleaning of certain zones while using standard patterns for others

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the user interface provides detailed area designation controls, then precise area selection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea designation precisionVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simplified digital map representation of the cleaning area that the user can interact with. Instead of complex coordinate input or manual navigation control, the user interfaces with a visual map copy that allows intuitive area selection through simple touch or click operations on designated zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface integrates multiple functions into a unified map-based control system. The same map display serves for area designation, pattern selection, and operation monitoring, allowing users to control various robot functions through a single versatile interface rather than multiple separate controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3196726B1Apparatus and system for remotely controlling a moving robot and method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 YUJIN ROBOT
  • EP3196726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3196726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3196726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a remote control apparatus for remotely controlling a moving robot, including: a user interface unit displaying a map associated with a traveling area of a moving robot and receiving a user command associated with an operation of the moving robot; a processor selecting at least a part of the map as a designated area and generating a control signal for remotely controlling the moving robot by considering the received user command; and a wireless communication unit transmitting the generated control signal to the moving robot and receiving a response signal depending on the control signal from the moving robot.