Autonomous mobile device and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile devices, such as cleaning robots, face challenges in determining their operation status when under obstacles like beds or sofas due to low light intensity, which affects image acquisition and localization.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the device with a detecting device and a light source assembly that illuminates obstacles above the device when obstacles are detected within a predetermined range, ensuring the imaging device can capture clear images regardless of ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the autonomous mobile device operates under obstacles without additional illumination, then the device structure remains simple, but the imaging device cannot acquire clear image information due to low light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The light source assembly is activated in advance when the detecting device identifies an obstacle above the predetermined distance threshold, providing illumination before the imaging device needs to capture images under the obstacle, thereby ensuring sufficient light intensity for clear imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The light source assembly acts as an intermediary element between the detecting device and the imaging device, mediating the light conditions under obstacles to enable the imaging device to capture clear images even in low-light environments
2Illumination intensity
If the light source assembly is always on to ensure sufficient illumination, then the imaging device can always acquire clear images, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source assembly operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when the detecting device detects an obstacle above the predetermined distance, and turned off when no obstacle is detected, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient illumination when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from the detecting device about obstacle detection status and adjusts the light source assembly operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption based on real-time environmental conditions
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 accurate determination of operation status and improved localization by providing consistent image capture under varying light conditions, enhancing the device's ability to recognize features and maintain accurate mapping.
Implementation Method 1
A light outputting direction of the light source assembly includes the upward direction of the main body. When the detecting device detects an obstacle within a predetermined distance range in the upward direction of the main body, the controller is configured to control the light source assembly to turn on, to illuminate a lower surface of the obstacle located in the upward direction of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile device and a control method are disclosed. The autonomous mobile device includes a main body and an imaging device, a detecting device, a light source assembly, and a controller disposed at the main body. The imaging device is configured to acquire image information in a predetermined direction of the main body. The predetermined direction includes an upward direction of the main body. The detecting device is configured to detect obstacle information in the upward direction of the main body. A light outputting direction of the light source assembly includes the upward direction of the main body. The controller is configured to, when the detecting device detects the obstacle within a predetermined distance range in the upward direction of the main body, control the light source assembly to turn on to provide illumination for the imaging device.