Automatic cleaning device and cleaning method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic cleaning devices face reduced efficiency due to limited processing capabilities, which slow down the generation of real-time environmental maps necessary for effective cleaning operations.

Innovation Solution

An automatic cleaning device equipped with a sensor system, a central processing unit, a graphic processing unit, and a pre-processing unit, where the graphic processing unit generates maps based on pre-set environment parameters, reducing the data processing burden on the central processing unit and enhancing processing capability and reaction speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single central processing unit is used to process environment parameters and generate maps, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed and working efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing system complexityVSAvoidmap generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is segmented into two independent units: a central processing unit (CPU) for data acquisition and control, and a graphic processing unit (GPU) dedicated to map generation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different tasks, thereby improving map generation speed without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A data transmission interface acts as an intermediary between the CPU and GPU, enabling efficient data exchange. The CPU acquires environment parameters from sensors and transmits them to the GPU, which then generates maps based on this data. This intermediary mechanism facilitates coordinated operation between the two processing units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the central processing unit processes all environment parameters for map generation, then ease of operation is maintained, but working efficiency and reaction speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidcleaning working efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments processing functions between CPU and GPU, with the CPU handling data acquisition and the GPU handling map generation. This division enables the GPU to dedicate its full processing power to generating real-time maps, thereby improving working efficiency and reaction speed while maintaining ease of operation through automated parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The GPU performs map generation autonomously based on environment parameters received from the CPU, without requiring additional control instructions. This self-service capability allows the GPU to independently process data and generate maps in real-time, improving the system's overall responsiveness and cleaning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If processing capability is increased to improve map generation speed, then working efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap generation speedVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the processing system into specialized CPU and GPU units, the patent achieves high map generation speed without requiring a single overly complex processor. Each unit has a specific function, reducing individual complexity while maintaining high overall processing capability through parallel operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration improves the working efficiency and processing speed of automatic cleaning devices by dedicating the graphic processing unit to map generation, allowing for faster and more accurate real-time mapping and enhanced cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

the point laser emitter obtains the distance data between the laser ranging device and surrounding objects by generating a point laser; and the line laser emitter obtains the distance data between the laser ranging device and surrounding objects by generating a line laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3391797B1Automatic cleaning device and cleaning method
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3391797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3391797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3391797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic cleaning device includes: a sensor system (10) for collecting a pre-set environment parameter of surroundings of the automatic cleaning device; and an application processor (20). The application processor (20) includes a central processing unit (201) electrically coupled to the sensor system (10) to acquire the pre-set environment parameter collected by the sensor system (10). The application processor (20) further includes a graphic processing unit (202) electrically coupled to the central processing unit (201). The graphic processing unit (202) obtains the pre-set environment parameter from the central processing unit (201) and then generates a map of the surroundings of the automatic cleaning device based on the pre-set environment parameter. The technical solution of the present invention can enhance the processing capability and the reaction speed of the automatic cleaning device so as to improve the working efficiency of the automatic cleaning device.