Cooperative Cleaning System with Hierarchy-Based Task Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous cleaning machines are limited in their capabilities, often performing only one cleaning action and requiring human intervention to efficiently clean large and complex areas, such as office spaces, due to the lack of coordinated and automated multi-tasking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A cooperative cleaning system comprising multiple cleaning apparatus that can communicate with a processor unit, which generates a hierarchy state and task operation plan to execute designated cleaning tasks, including sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and furniture arrangement, allowing for coordinated and automated multi-tasking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cleaning machines are deployed for performing different cleaning actions, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the coordination and automation level deteriorates due to lack of integrated control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning machines with different functions (sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing) into a single integrated cooperative cleaning system. The system includes a control unit that coordinates all cleaning apparatus, enabling them to work together automatically as one unified system rather than separate independent machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooperative cleaning system is designed to perform multiple cleaning actions through a single integrated platform. The system can adaptively assign different cleaning tasks to different apparatus based on the cleaning requirements, making the system universally applicable to various cleaning scenarios.
2Device complexity
If a single cleaning machine performs one task at a time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to inability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cleaning area into multiple zones and assigns different cleaning apparatus to different zones or tasks. Each cleaning machine focuses on specific cleaning actions (sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing) while the control unit coordinates their operations, enabling parallel task execution without requiring each individual machine to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooperative cleaning system enables continuous cleaning operations by having multiple apparatus work simultaneously on different tasks and areas. While one machine performs sweeping, another performs vacuuming, and a third performs scrubbing, all operations continue without interruption, maximizing productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If human intervention is used to coordinate cleaning tasks, then the adaptability is improved, but the extent of automation deteriorates due to required human involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives real-time information from all cleaning apparatus about their operational status, location, and task completion. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts and optimizes the cleaning plan, automatically adapting to changing conditions without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooperative cleaning system autonomously manages its own coordination and task allocation. The control unit automatically assigns tasks to appropriate cleaning apparatus based on their capabilities and current status, and adjusts the cleaning plan without requiring human operators to intervene in the coordination process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for performing a designated cleaning task. The system comprises a plurality of cleaning apparatus, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning apparatus is communicatively connected with a processor unit, wherein the processor unit comprises a hierarchy generation module for determining a hierarchy state of each of the registered cleaning apparatus; a task planning module for generating a cleaning operation plan based on the hierarchy state assigned to each of the registered cleaning apparatus; and a task execution module for transmitting a command to execute the cleaning operation plan. The present disclosure also relates to a cleaning apparatus for use with the cooperative cleaning system. The present disclosure also relates to a system for performing a designated task using a plurality of task specific devices by generating device-specific control command for each of the devices based on a high-level control command.