Cleaner and controlling method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges in precisely detecting the position of a charging station, leading to difficulties in performing a precise docking operation due to the reliance on infrared ray sensors, which can result in inaccurate distance and direction detection.
Innovation Solution
The use of a 3D camera sensor on the robot cleaner to detect 3D coordinates information related to the charging station, allowing for precise positioning and docking by comparing detected coordinates with stored pattern information and calculating the necessary movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an infrared ray sensor is used to detect the charging station position, then the robot cleaner can perform autonomous docking, but the detection precision and docking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the infrared ray sensor (optical detection system) with a 3D camera sensor that captures visual images and processes them through image recognition algorithms. This substitution enables the robot cleaner to detect the charging station's position, shape, and size by analyzing geometric features in captured images, thereby improving detection precision while maintaining autonomous docking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing unit that acts as an intermediary between the 3D camera sensor and the control unit. This intermediary processes the raw image data to extract geometric features (shape, size, position) of the charging station, enabling more accurate detection and recognition compared to direct infrared sensing
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed at the charging station to improve detection accuracy, then the position detection precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the robot cleaner to perform self-detection and self-positioning by using its own 3D camera sensor to capture and analyze images of the charging station. The system independently extracts geometric features and calculates position information without requiring the charging station to be equipped with additional sensors or active signaling devices, thereby avoiding increased device complexity at the charging station
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D camera sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the charging station's position, determines its shape and size, and provides visual feedback for docking alignment. This multi-functional sensor replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors at the charging station, reducing overall system complexity while improving detection precision
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner which performs an autonomous driving, includes: a cleaner body; a driving unit for moving the cleaner body; a camera for detecting 3D coordinate information; a memory for storing pattern information related to a charging station; and a controller for comparing the 3D coordinates information detected by the camera with the pattern information related to the charging station stored in the memory, and for determining whether the charging station is positioned near the cleaner body based on a result of the comparison.