Cleaning Robot Light Layout to Eliminate Forward Detection Dead Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning robots equipped with image sensors face detection dead zones, leading to potential collisions with obstacles during operation, as they cannot detect objects within these zones, resulting in noise and damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cleaning robot design that projects vertical light sections crossing each other in front of the robot's moving direction, utilizing multiple light source modules and an image sensor to eliminate detection dead zones and enable obstacle detection, including cliffs, by capturing images with a field of view larger than the included angle between the light sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image sensor is used as a detecting means in a cleaning robot, then the robot can detect environmental objects, but detection dead zones are created in front of the moving direction leading to collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for detection by projecting vertical light sections (perpendicular to the ground plane) in addition to horizontal scanning. This 3D light section approach creates overlapping detection volumes that eliminate the forward detection dead zone, allowing the robot to detect obstacles directly ahead that would otherwise be missed by traditional 2D image sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light sections as an intermediary medium between the robot and obstacles. By projecting structured light patterns (vertical and horizontal light sections) into the environment and capturing their reflections with image sensors, the system creates an active illumination-based detection field that fills the dead zone and enables reliable obstacle detection.
2Reliability
If multiple light source modules are added to eliminate detection dead zones, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor serve multiple functions by capturing different light sections (vertical and horizontal) and using them for both depth calculation and obstacle detection. The same sensor array that captures regular navigation images is also used to detect the reflected light sections, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple light sources and detection mechanisms into a unified system. The vertical and horizontal light sections are projected using integrated light source modules, and their reflections are captured by the same image sensor used for navigation, merging multiple detection functions into a single coherent system that reduces complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents collisions by ensuring the detection of obstacles and cliffs, enhancing the robot's navigation and safety by eliminating detection dead zones and allowing for accurate depth calculation and object identification.
Implementation Method 1
The first light source module is configured to project a first light section toward a moving direction. The second light source module is configured to project a second light section toward the moving direction
Implementation Method 2
The image sensor is configured to capture an image frame toward the moving direction using a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a moving robot including a first light source module and a second light source module respectively project a first light section and a second light section, which are vertical light sections, in front of a moving direction, wherein the first light section and the second light section cross with each other at a predetermined distance in front of the moving robot so as to eliminate a detection dead zone between the first light source module and the second light source module in front of the moving robot to avoid collision with an object during operation.