Cleaning Robot RF Docking Using RSSI Around Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning robots face challenges in accurately docking to charging stations, especially when located remotely or obstructed, leading to potential battery depletion due to inefficient recognition of guide signals.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot equipped with a radio frequency (RF) signal antenna unit and controller that processes received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values to estimate the direction of the charging station, allowing for precise navigation and docking, even in the presence of obstacles, using directional antennas and map data for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IR sensor-based docking methods are used, then the cleaning robot can dock to the station when close, but the cleaning robot cannot recognize the guide signal when located at a remote position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical-based docking systems (IR sensors, image sensors, LIDAR) with a radio frequency (RF) based system. The station transmits RF signals that the cleaning robot receives and processes to determine direction and distance, enabling reliable detection at remote positions where optical sensors fail due to line-of-sight requirements and environmental interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical signal intensity to RF signal strength indicator (RSSI). By measuring RSSI values of RF signals transmitted by the station, the cleaning robot can determine both direction and distance to the station, overcoming the limitation of optical sensors that only work at close range with direct line of sight.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for docking, then the system can work at close range, but the signal recognition fails when obstacles block the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes RF electromagnetic wave transmission for optical signal transmission. RF signals can penetrate obstacles such as furniture and walls that block optical paths, allowing the cleaning robot to detect the station's position even when obstacles are present in the environment.
3Device complexity
If the cleaning robot uses conventional docking methods, then the structure is simple, but the operational reliability decreases when battery power depletes due to failed station recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical sensor systems with a simpler RF-based detection system. The station transmits RF signals and the robot measures RSSI values to determine direction and distance, providing a more reliable docking capability that works in various environmental conditions without requiring complex sensor arrays or processing systems.
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 RF-based docking system enables the cleaning robot to effectively locate and dock to the charging station from a distance and around obstacles, improving operational reliability and reducing battery depletion risks.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning robot antenna unit configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted from a station
Implementation Method 2
a controller configured to extract a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value by processing the RF signal received by the cleaning robot antenna unit and control movement of the cleaning robot to dock to the station based on the extracted RSSI value
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cleaning robot and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a cleaning robot docking to a station based on a radio frequency (RF) signal and a method of controlling the same.An aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning robot comprising a cleaning robot antenna unit configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted from a station; and a controller configured to extract a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value by processing the RF signal received by the cleaning robot antenna unit and control movement of the cleaning robot to dock to the station based on the extracted RSSI value.