Cleaning Robot Non-Omnidirectional Light Detector Directional Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning robots equipped with omnidirectional light detectors struggle to accurately determine the direction of light sources, such as light generating devices, which hinders their ability to avoid restricted areas and efficiently navigate towards charging stations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-omnidirectional light detector with a rib or mask that spins to create a shadowed area, allowing for the detection of light beam angles and enabling the robot to adjust its movement direction based on calculated spin angles, thereby determining the light source's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an omnidirectional light detector is used, then the robot can detect light from all directions, but it cannot accurately determine the direction of the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The light detector is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its detection direction. By rotating the detector and measuring light intensity at multiple angles, the system can triangulate the light source position, thus achieving both comprehensive detection coverage and precise directional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point detection model to a multi-angular detection model by adding the rotation dimension. This allows the robot to collect light intensity data from multiple angular perspectives, enabling accurate determination of light source direction through comparative analysis of angular measurements.
2Measurement precision
If the light detector spins to determine light source position, then directional accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating detector mechanism serves multiple functions: it detects light intensity, determines light source direction, and can potentially map the environment. By making the detector multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate sensors and mechanisms, thereby managing system complexity while achieving precise directional measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detector's own rotation to generate the necessary measurement data for determining light source position. The rotation mechanism and detection system work together as an integrated unit where the detector's movement provides the differential measurements needed for directional calculation, eliminating the need for additional external reference systems.
3Measurement precision
If the robot stops and spins the light detector to detect light beams, then light source positioning accuracy improves, but the time required for navigation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light detector performs periodic rotations at controlled intervals rather than continuous spinning. This allows the robot to efficiently scan for light sources during navigation, achieving accurate positioning through periodic angular measurements while minimizing the time spent on detection activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary light detection and directional estimation before committing to navigation actions. By quickly assessing light source positions and planning navigation routes in advance, the robot reduces the time spent on repeated detection cycles during actual navigation, thus balancing accuracy with time efficiency.
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 allows the cleaning robot to accurately avoid restricted areas and efficiently navigate towards light generating devices or charging stations, enhancing its operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a light beam via the non-omnidirectional light detector
Implementation Method 2
a non-omnidirectional light detector with a rib or mask that spins to create a shadowed area
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention provides a control method of a cleaning robot with a non-omnidirectional light detector. The method includes the steps of: detecting a light beam via the non-omnidirectional light detector; stopping the cleaning robot and spinning the non-omnidirectional light detector when the non-omnidirectional light detector detects the light beam; stopping the spinning of the non-omnidirectional light detector and estimating a first spin angle when the non-omnidirectional light detector does not detect the light beam; and adjusting a moving direction of the cleaning robot according to the first spin angle.