Control of autonomous mobile robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous cleaning robots lack efficient methods to prioritize and optimize cleaning missions based on real-time environmental conditions and user-defined zones, leading to suboptimal cleaning efficiency and energy management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing behavior control zones with prioritization, where autonomous cleaning robots can identify and prioritize cleaning regions based on debris levels, user input, and sensor data, optimizing cleaning paths and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the robot cleans the entire floor surface, then the cleaning coverage is maximized, but the energy consumption exceeds the available energy level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning environment into multiple zones with different priority levels (first priority cleaning zones and second priority cleaning zones). The robot performs cleaning operations in a segmented manner, starting with high-priority zones when energy is limited, rather than attempting to clean the entire surface uniformly. This segmentation allows the robot to optimize cleaning coverage based on available energy resources.
2Productivity
If the robot prioritizes cleaning dirtier regions first, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the cleaning coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different cleaning priorities to different spatial zones based on their dirtiness levels. First priority cleaning zones are designated for dirtier regions that require immediate attention, while second priority zones are designated for cleaner regions. The robot adapts its cleaning behavior locally to each zone's characteristics, intensifying cleaning in dirtier areas while reducing or skipping cleaning in cleaner areas when energy is constrained.
3Ease of operation
If the robot follows user-defined behavior control zones, then user satisfaction is improved, but the cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cleaning behavior that adapts to both user-defined preferences and real-time energy constraints. The robot dynamically adjusts its cleaning path and priorities based on available energy levels. When energy is sufficient, the robot can fulfill all user-defined behavior control zones. When energy is limited, the robot dynamically shifts to prioritize only the most critical zones, thereby reducing cleaning time while still providing meaningful user satisfaction through prioritized cleaning of important areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving mapping data collected by an autonomous cleaning robot as the autonomous cleaning robot moves about an environment. A portion of the mapping data is indicative of a location of an object in the environment. The method includes defining a clean zone at the location of the object such that the autonomous cleaning robot initiates a clean behavior constrained to the clean zone in response to encountering the clean zone in the environment.