Autonomous Working Device Control Using Physical Gesture Interaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous working devices, such as lawnmowers, often collide with humans or neglect areas in their working environment due to lack of effective interaction methods, requiring users to access smartphone apps or reprogram the devices, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially in outdoor settings where hands may be occupied or dirty.
Innovation Solution
Equipping autonomous working devices with sensors and actuators that allow for physical interactions like nudging, pushing, or knocking gestures to adjust navigation trajectories and working parameters, enabling intuitive human-machine communication without the need for reprogramming or smartphone apps, using existing sensors like IMUs and force-sensitive covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the autonomous working device operates autonomously without interaction mechanisms, then the device can work independently in the assigned area, but the user cannot easily adjust navigation trajectory or working parameters when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone or tablet computer running an application as an intermediary between the user and the autonomous working device. This intermediary enables easy adjustment of navigation trajectory and working parameters through a user interface, resolving the contradiction by providing simple user interaction while maintaining autonomous operation. The application serves as a mediator that translates user inputs into device control commands.
2Ease of operation
If the user uses a smartphone app to reprogram the autonomous working device, then the navigation trajectory can be adjusted, but the user may not have immediate access to the smartphone or may be reluctant to use it with dirty hands
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous working device is equipped with onboard sensors (camera, microphone, touch sensors) that enable it to directly perceive and respond to user gestures without requiring external smartphone intervention. The device serves itself by processing gestures autonomously through its own sensor suite and controller, eliminating the need for smartphone mediation and simplifying the interaction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction of connecting a smartphone to the device with optical and acoustic sensing. The camera captures visual gestures, and the microphone captures acoustic signals, substituting the need for physical smartphone connection and app-based reprogramming with non-contact sensing methods.
3Productivity
If the autonomous working device follows a fixed navigation trajectory, then the device can operate efficiently, but it may neglect certain spots or repeatedly collide with persons in the working area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the environment for persons and obstacles. When persons or obstacles are detected, the controller adjusts the navigation trajectory in real-time to avoid collisions while maintaining productivity. The feedback loop enables the device to adapt its fixed trajectory dynamically based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation trajectory is transformed from a static, pre-programmed path to a dynamic, adaptive path that can change in real-time. The controller dynamically adjusts the trajectory based on sensor input, allowing the device to maintain efficient operation while adapting to persons and obstacles in the working area.
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 users to intuitively control autonomous devices during operation, adjusting navigation and working parameters without reprogramming, improving user-device interaction and task efficiency by allowing direct communication through physical gestures, reducing collisions and ensuring complete area coverage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal based on a physical interaction of the autonomous working device with a physical entity
Implementation Method 2
using existing sensors like IMUs
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous working device comprises at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal based on a physical interaction of the autonomous working device with a physical entity, at least one actuator configured to perform a working task, and a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling the actuator. The controller is configured to evaluate the sensor signal, to determine a pattern of a physical interaction of the autonomous working device with a person and to generate the control signal based on the determined pattern of a physical interaction.