Cleaning Robot Multi-Light Floor Type Recognition for Adaptive Suction

The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection modules: ultrasonic sensors for initial carpet detection, and optical sensors (image sensor with light source) for detailed surface texture analysis. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in detecting specific features, with the optical module providing the additional capability to distinguish short-haired carpets from flat floors that the ultrasonic module cannot differentiate.

An optical intermediary system (light source and image sensor) is introduced as a mediator between the ultrasonic detection and the control system. The light source illuminates the floor surface and the image sensor captures reflected light patterns, creating an optical signature that mediates the distinction between different floor types, particularly enabling the differentiation of short-haired carpets through surface reflection characteristics.

Multiple detection functions are merged into an integrated detection system where the ultrasonic sensor module and optical sensor module work together under a unified control algorithm. The light source and image sensor are combined into a single optical detection unit that captures surface reflection patterns. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate systems while maintaining the ability to distinguish all floor types.

The optical detection system serves multiple functions: it detects surface texture for distinguishing short-haired carpets, measures surface height for long-haired carpet detection, and provides ambient illumination for the image sensor. The image sensor itself performs dual functions of capturing optical patterns for floor type recognition and potentially navigation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

The detection system performs preliminary identification of floor types and carpet characteristics before the cleaning process begins. By using ultrasonic and optical sensors to detect surface texture, height, and reflection patterns ahead of time, the system can pre-determine the optimal suction force level and wiping configuration, avoiding energy-wasting trial-and-error adjustments during cleaning and enabling immediate optimization when transitioning between floor types.

The cleaning robot implements dynamic adjustment of suction force and wiping component height based on real-time floor type detection. The control system continuously monitors detection data and dynamically modifies cleaning parameters: increasing suction force when carpets are detected, maintaining normal force on flat floors, and adjusting wiping component height according to carpet pile length. This dynamic adaptation optimizes cleaning performance while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary high-power operation on low-pile surfaces.