Dual-Mode Optical Floor Sensing to Reduce Boundary Detection Errors
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaner robots inaccurately detect floor types due to frictional force interference from brush entanglement and optical detection confusion at floor boundaries or with small-sized obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing system using a bright-field and dark-field light source, an optical detecting circuit, and a processing circuit to perform floor type detection by analyzing scattered lights and optical characteristics, distinguishing between different floor types through dark-field and bright-field computations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frictional force sensors are used to detect floor type, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to brush entanglement interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical frictional force sensing method with an optical detection system. Instead of using sensors on the cleaning brush to measure frictional force, the system employs light sources and optical detectors to measure optical characteristics (reflectivity, scattering) of the floor surface, thereby eliminating interference from brush entanglement while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the detector and the floor surface. By using light sources to illuminate the floor and optical detectors to measure the reflected or scattered light characteristics, the system indirectly measures floor properties without direct mechanical contact, thus avoiding brush entanglement issues
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical sources with different directivities are used for floor type detection, then the detection capability is enhanced, but the reliability deteriorates when crossing floor boundaries or encountering small obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical detection process into two distinct modes: dark-field detection mode and bright-field detection mode. Each mode uses specific light source configurations and detection angles optimized for particular floor types. The system switches between these segmented detection modes based on initial measurements, allowing accurate differentiation of floor types while maintaining reliability at boundaries by using the appropriate detection mode for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the optical system by switching between dark-field and bright-field detection modes. This involves changing the illumination angle, light source activation, and detection sensitivity parameters according to the detected optical characteristics, enabling reliable floor type identification across different conditions including floor boundaries and small obstacles
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
Accurately determines floor types without interference from small obstacles or boundaries, achieving high detection accuracy and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by the optical detecting circuit, scattered lights of the dark-field light source from the floor in the target area
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by the optical detecting circuit, scattered lights of the bright-field light source from the floor in the target area
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensing system and an optical sensing method are provided. The system includes a bright-field light source, a dark-field light source, an optical detecting circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit performs a floor type detection process, including: controlling the dark-field light source to provide dark-field illumination; receiving, by the optical detecting circuit, scattered lights of the dark-field light source; executing a dark-field computation process to obtain a first optical characteristic, and determining whether the first optical characteristic meets a first surface condition; in the negative, determining that a floor is a first type; in the affirmative, controlling the bright-field light source to provide bright-field illumination; receiving, by the optical detecting circuit, scattered lights of the bright-field light source; executing a bright-field computation process to obtain a second optical characteristic, and determining whether the second optical characteristic meets a second surface condition.