Cleaning Robot Light-Spot Navigation for Precise User Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning robots require users to manually navigate them to specific locations, which is inconvenient, especially when the robot is hidden under furniture, and existing systems lack efficient methods for precise positioning and obstacle avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot system that includes a navigation unit, light receivers for infrared and visible light, and a controller to track a light spot indicated by a remote controller, allowing the robot to move automatically along a cleaning path, change direction, and avoid obstacles, using a combination of infrared and visible light signals for precise positioning and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the cleaning robot navigates autonomously without user manipulation, then the automation level is improved, but the user cannot easily direct the robot to specific locations when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote controller as an intermediary device that uses infrared light spots as a visual mediator between the user and the cleaning robot. The user points the remote controller at the desired location, creating a light spot that the robot's light receiver detects, enabling intuitive directional control without complex navigation manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical remote control system with optical signals (infrared light spots) for communication between the user and the cleaning robot. This substitution enables more intuitive pointing-based control while maintaining automation capabilities
2Ease of operation
If the user manually navigates the cleaning robot using a remote controller, then the robot can reach specific locations, but the user must first find the robot which is difficult when it is under furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the control system by projecting infrared light spots onto the floor surface. This allows the user to indicate positions in two-dimensional space through pointing, while the robot interprets these spatial coordinates to navigate to the designated location regardless of its current position or visibility
3Productivity
If the cleaning robot follows a predetermined cleaning path, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the user cannot easily direct the robot to clean specific areas first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cleaning robot's path dynamic and adaptable by allowing real-time intervention through the light spot pointing system. The robot can switch between following a predetermined cleaning path and navigating to user-designated locations, enabling flexible prioritization of specific cleaning areas while maintaining overall cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the robot detects the light spot position using infrared receivers, processes this spatial information, and adjusts its navigation accordingly. This feedback loop allows the robot to respond to user pointing gestures and dynamically modify its cleaning path to prioritize specific areas
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
Enables convenient and precise movement of the cleaning robot to designated areas, including under obstacles, improving user interaction and navigation efficiency by using a light-based tracking system for accurate positioning and obstacle avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver configured to receive the infrared ray output from the remote controller
Implementation Method 2
output visible light to thereby form a light spot
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a cleaning robot including a navigator to move a main body, a remote controller to output a modulated infrared ray in accordance with a control command of a user and to form a light spot, a light receiver to receive the infrared ray from the remote controller, and a controller to control the navigator such that the main body tracks the light spot when the modulated infrared ray is received in accordance with the control command. Since the cleaning robot tracks a position indicated by the remote controller, a user may conveniently move the cleaning robot.