Scheduling system for autonomous robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous cleaning robots lack efficient and user-friendly scheduling systems, requiring manual initiation and lacking flexibility in scheduling cleaning missions, especially for specific areas and recurring tasks.

Innovation Solution

A mobile application that allows users to create, manage, and transmit custom cleaning schedules to autonomous cleaning robots, enabling room-by-room cleaning, recurring schedules, and remote control of cleaning parameters such as time and area selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual initiation of cleaning missions is used, then the robot can perform cleaning tasks, but the user must remember to manually start each cleaning mission, reducing convenience and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of initiating cleaning missionsVSAvoidtime user must spend remembering and manually starting cleaning missions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by allowing users to pre-configure cleaning schedules in advance. The mobile application enables users to set up cleaning missions with specific parameters (areas, times, frequencies) before they are needed, so the robot automatically executes them without requiring manual initiation at the moment of cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling the cleaning robot to automatically execute pre-scheduled cleaning missions without continuous human intervention. Once schedules are configured through the mobile application, the robot autonomously initiates and performs cleaning tasks according to the predetermined schedules, freeing the user from repetitive manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If generic cleaning schedules are used, then the robot can perform cleaning tasks, but the user cannot customize cleaning for specific areas or recurring patterns, reducing adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in scheduling cleaning missionsVSAvoidcomplexity of scheduling system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling system is segmented into distinct configurable components through the mobile application: area selection (specific rooms or zones), time parameters (start time, frequency, duration), and cleaning preferences. This segmentation allows users to customize each aspect independently, creating adaptable cleaning schedules without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile application provides a universal scheduling interface that handles multiple cleaning scenarios through a single system: one-time cleanings, recurring daily/weekly schedules, specific area cleaning, and full-home cleaning. This multi-functional approach achieves high adaptability while maintaining interface simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the user must be present to initiate cleaning missions, then the robot can be controlled, but the user cannot control the robot when away from home, reducing operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidreliability of cleaning execution when user is absent

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile application serves as an intermediary between the user and the cleaning robot, enabling remote communication and control. Through this intermediary, users can configure schedules, monitor status, and control the robot from any location with internet connectivity, eliminating the requirement for physical presence while maintaining reliable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If cleaning schedules are not automated, then the system remains simple, but the user must continuously manage and remember cleaning tasks, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of cleaning task executionVSAvoidlevel of automated scheduling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by enabling recurring cleaning schedules that automatically repeat at specified intervals (daily, weekly, or custom frequencies). The mobile application allows users to configure these periodic patterns in advance, and the robot automatically executes them without intervention, significantly improving productivity while maintaining manageable automation levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11278176B2Scheduling system for autonomous robots

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 IROBOT CORP

AI summary

A method of operating an autonomous cleaning robot includes receiving, at a handheld computing device, a first input representing a first set of cleaning schedule parameters for a first cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the first cleaning schedule corresponding to a first area. The method includes presenting, on a display of the handheld computing device, the first cleaning schedule. The method includes receiving, at the handheld computing device, a second input representing a second set of cleaning schedule parameters for a second cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the second cleaning schedule corresponding to a second area different from the first area. The method includes presenting, on the display, the first and second cleaning schedules, and initiating a transmission to the autonomous cleaning robot, based on the first or second cleaning schedules, the transmission including data for causing the robot to initiate a cleaning mission.