Methods and systems of distributing task areas for cleaning devices, and cleaning devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing task distribution methods for cleaning devices result in inefficient cleaning due to unnecessary turns when dealing with non-rectangular cleaning regions, leading to increased cleaning time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that divide the task map into sub-regions based on recesses in the shape, merge adjacent sub-regions with common sides, and calculate cleaning times to select the most efficient path for the cleaning device, minimizing turns and optimizing cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaning device cleans a fixed-size task region sequentially, then the cleaning path is simple to plan, but the cleaning efficiency decreases due to unnecessary turns
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device divides the non-rectangular cleaning area into multiple rectangular sub-regions based on the recesses in the shape. Each sub-region can be cleaned independently with a standardized cleaning pattern, eliminating unnecessary turns while maintaining simple cleaning paths within each rectangle.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent rectangular sub-regions that share a common long side or common short side are merged to form larger rectangular cleaning zones. This merging process continues until the optimal rectangular partition is achieved, maximizing cleaning efficiency by reducing the number of turns required.
2Loss of time
If the cleaning device follows a fixed cleaning path, then the control is simple, but the cleaning time increases due to unnecessary turns in non-rectangular areas
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device pre-processes the cleaning area by identifying recesses and dividing the space into rectangular sub-regions before actual cleaning begins. This preliminary segmentation allows the device to follow simple rectangular cleaning paths without making unnecessary turns during the cleaning process.
3Productivity
If the cleaning device treats the entire area as one region, then the task distribution is simple, but the cleaning efficiency decreases due to excessive turns in irregular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device handles non-symmetric, non-rectangular cleaning areas by introducing asymmetric divisions based on the specific recesses in the shape. Each division creates rectangular regions that adapt to the irregular boundaries, allowing efficient cleaning without forcing a symmetric pattern that would create unnecessary turns.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of distributing task areas, adapted to a cleaning device, is provided, including: receiving a task map; obtaining a shape that corresponds to the task map; dividing the task map into a plurality of sub-regions according to a plurality of recesses in the shape; merging the two adjacent sub-regions that have a common long side or short side, and obtaining a plurality of merge results that correspond to each of the merge actions; calculating a plurality of cleaning times for each of the merge results for the cleaning device; selecting the merge result that has the shortest cleaning times as a first distribution result; and enabling the cleaning device to perform a cleaning task according to the first distribution result.