Autonomous Robot Image-Based Obstacle Recognition for Path Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous robots face challenges in navigating and performing tasks in complex environments due to limitations in object recognition and path planning, particularly when encountering obstacles like cords, pet waste, and other objects, which can lead to collisions or inefficient cleaning patterns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where a robot captures images of its workspace using an image sensor, identifies characteristics such as edges, shapes, and colors, and adjusts its path accordingly to avoid obstacles, using a processor to execute actions like altering its route or adjusting cleaning components, enabling efficient navigation and task completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the robot uses basic obstacle detection methods, then the device complexity is low, but the object recognition accuracy is insufficient leading to collisions or inefficient cleaning patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into multiple stages: capturing images with image sensors, processing images to identify characteristics (edges, shapes, colors), and executing actions based on identified objects. This segmentation allows the robot to achieve high object recognition accuracy through systematic multi-step analysis rather than relying on a single complex detection system.
2Reliability
If the robot alters its path to avoid obstacles, then the safety and task completion rate improve, but the productivity decreases due to longer cleaning paths
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary image capture and processing to identify obstacles before executing path alterations. By detecting and analyzing obstacles in advance through image sensors and processing, the robot can plan avoidance paths that minimize deviation from the original cleaning route, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring safety.
3Reliability
If the robot uses multiple image sensors and processing steps, then the object detection reliability improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic image capture and processing cycles rather than continuous operation. The robot captures images at intervals, processes them to identify characteristics, and executes actions based on the analysis. This periodic approach maintains reliable object detection while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous sensing and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects include a method for operating a robot in a workspace, including: capturing, with an image sensor, image data of the workspace including objects within the workspace as the robot moves within the workspace; identifying, with a processor of the robot, at least one characteristic in the image data, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises one of: an edge, a shape, and a color; determining, with the processor, an object type of an object; and instructing, with the processor, the robot to execute at least one action based on the at least one characteristic, wherein the at least one action comprises one of: driving along a modified path and driving around the object.