Map based training and interface for mobile robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous cleaning robots lack efficient training and control systems that allow users to selectively and dynamically clean specific areas within a home environment, limiting their flexibility and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application that enables users to create and edit a master map by consolidating training maps, allowing for on-demand cleaning of specific rooms or areas by receiving location data from the robot during training runs and presenting an interface for map storage, deletion, and customization, enabling users to select areas for cleaning missions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot performs complete autonomous cleaning of the entire environment, then the cleaning coverage is maximized, but the user cannot selectively clean specific areas when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning environment into discrete selectable areas or rooms within the master map. Users can segment the cleaning task by selecting specific areas to clean rather than cleaning the entire environment, enabling selective area cleaning while maintaining ease of operation through simple area selection interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If the robot requires extensive training to map the entire environment, then the mapping accuracy is improved, but the time required before the robot can be used is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary training runs to generate the master map before actual cleaning operations. During these training runs, the robot autonomously explores and maps the environment, storing the data in the master map. This preliminary mapping action enables accurate environment representation to be established once, allowing subsequent cleaning operations to proceed efficiently without repeated training.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system stores multiple training maps for different areas, then the flexibility to clean specific areas is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple training maps into a single master map that represents the complete environment. This unified master map contains all area information from individual training runs, allowing users to select and clean specific areas without managing multiple separate map files. The merging process simplifies the interface while maintaining the flexibility to target specific areas for cleaning.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an autonomous cleaning robot is described. The method includes initiating a training run of the autonomous cleaning robot and receiving, at a mobile device, location data from the autonomous cleaning robot as the autonomous cleaning robot navigates an area. The method also includes presenting, on a display of the mobile device, a training map depicting portions of the area traversed by the autonomous cleaning robot during the training run and presenting, on the display of the mobile device, an interface configured to allow the training map to be stored or deleted. The method also includes initiating additional training runs to produce additional training maps and presenting a master map generated based on a plurality of stored training maps.