Cleaning Robot Dual-Pattern Projection for Obstacle and Wall Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning robots can only detect one-dimensional depth information and often bump into obstacles due to dead zones between different sensors, leading to noise and damage, and are unable to efficiently calculate wall distances for effective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot equipped with a light source module that projects both a line pattern and a speckle pattern using different optical elements, allowing a single image sensor to capture and process these patterns to calculate two-dimensional depth information and wall distances, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and reducing dead zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple different sensors are used to detect front distance and wall distance, then detection coverage is improved, but dead zones between sensors cause frequent bumping into obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single image sensor by projecting different light patterns (line pattern for depth, speckle pattern for appearance) that can be captured by one sensor. This eliminates dead zones between multiple sensors and provides continuous coverage without gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting depth information through line pattern analysis, identifying obstacle appearance through speckle pattern analysis, and calculating wall distances. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized sensors with one universal sensor.
2Device complexity
If conventional sensors are used for obstacle detection, then simple detection is achieved, but one-dimensional depth information is insufficient for identifying obstacle appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional depth detection to two-dimensional depth information by using image sensor data. The line pattern projection and analysis provide depth information across a plane rather than a single distance measurement, enabling appearance identification while maintaining sensor simplicity.
3Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to detect both patterns, then device complexity is reduced, but the sensor must process multiple different light patterns simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by sequentially projecting different light patterns (line pattern for depth, speckle pattern for appearance) at different time intervals. The image sensor captures these patterns in sequence, and the processor analyzes them separately, simplifying the detection and processing of multiple patterns compared to simultaneous capture.
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
The robot can accurately detect obstacles and maintain a consistent distance from walls, reducing collisions and extending its service life by using a single image sensor to capture and process both patterns, enhancing its ability to navigate and clean effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The first light source is configured to project a first pattern through the first optical element
Implementation Method 2
The second light source is configured to project a second pattern through the second optical element
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor is configured to acquire an image of the first pattern and an image of the second pattern
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electronic device including a light source module, an image sensor and a processor. The light source module projects a first pattern and a second pattern toward a moving direction. The image sensor captures an image of the first pattern and an image of the second pattern. The processor calculates one-dimensional depth information according to the image of the first pattern and calculates two-dimensional depth information according to the image of the second pattern.