Ball-Chasing Robot Infrared Tracking Without AI Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AI camera-based robots for tracking objects face issues with high costs, accuracy affected by lighting and occlusions, and privacy concerns, making them unsuitable for affordable and reliable toys.
Innovation Solution
A ball chasing robot using infrared sensors to detect satellite objects, with adjustable power settings for different surfaces and automatic mode switching, and energy-saving features like sleep modes, eliminating the need for AI cameras and addressing privacy concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AI camera capturing is used to track objects, then tracking capability is improved, but cost increases and privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical AI camera system with an infrared sensing system. The ball chasing robot uses infrared sensors to detect infrared radiation emitted by the satellite object, converting an optical tracking problem into a thermal radiation detection problem. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive AI cameras while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive infrared sensors instead of costly AI camera systems. The infrared sensors are significantly cheaper than AI cameras while providing sufficient tracking capability for toy applications. This principle allows the use of lower-cost components that achieve the required functional performance.
2Reliability
If AI camera capturing is used to track objects, then tracking capability is improved, but accuracy is affected by lighting conditions and occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical detection system with an infrared detection system. Infrared sensors detect thermal radiation which is not affected by visible light conditions, occlusions, or camera angles. This substitution fundamentally resolves the accuracy problems associated with AI camera capturing under varying environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If AI camera capturing is used to track objects, then tracking capability is improved, but privacy and data security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the data-intensive AI camera system with a simple infrared radiation detection system. The infrared sensors only detect thermal energy patterns to determine direction and distance, not capturing visual images or personal data. This substitution eliminates privacy concerns while maintaining the essential tracking function.
4Reliability
If the robot operates continuously to track the satellite object, then tracking reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through sleep modes where the infrared sensors are turned off after detecting the satellite object, and motion detection modes where sensors are activated only when movement is detected. This periodic operation maintains tracking reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by adjusting the operational state of the infrared sensors based on detected conditions. The system dynamically switches between active tracking mode, sleep mode, and motion detection mode, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining tracking reliability when needed.
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
Provides a cost-effective, reliable, and privacy-friendly toy that accurately tracks objects across various surfaces while conserving energy, overcoming the limitations of AI camera-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of infrared sensors configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by a satellite object
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a toy, including a ball chasing robot including: a controller configured to receive power from a battery a plurality of infrared sensors configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by a satellite object, the plurality of infrared sensors connected to the controller; a motor configured to drive a wheel arrangement, the wheel arrangement including at least two drive wheels, wherein: the controller is configured to control the motor and wheel arrangement to drive the ball chasing robot towards the infrared radiation emitted by the satellite object detected by the plurality of infrared sensors; wherein the ball chasing robot includes a plurality of settings, including: a play setting, wherein the controller is configured to control the motor, such that the ball chasing robot is driven towards the source of the infrared radiation emitted by the satellite object, and a sleep setting wherein the controller is configured to turn off the plurality of sensors, wherein the sleep setting is entered automatically after a period of inactivity; and/or: a hard floor setting, wherein the motor is configured to drive the wheel arrangement at a first power setting, and a carpet setting, wherein the motor is configured to drive the wheel arrangement at a second power setting.