Household Robot Task Segmentation for Rest-Period Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Household robots, particularly cleaning robots, require a long time to complete complex tasks due to inefficient task segmentation and module utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating household robots that involves task segmentation into subtasks, determining required function modules, and optimizing the sequence of subtask processing, including consideration of rest periods and parallel processing to enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the household robot processes tasks sequentially without optimization, then task completion is guaranteed, but the time required to complete complex tasks is excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask completion speedVSAvoidtime for complex task completion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides complex tasks into multiple subtasks and further segments them into task segments that can be processed in parallel. The control device identifies independent task segments that can be executed simultaneously by different function modules, thereby reducing overall task completion time while ensuring thorough task execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs preliminary analysis to identify and prepare parallel execution paths before task execution begins. By pre-determining which task segments can be processed in parallel and organizing function modules accordingly, the robot minimizes idle time and optimizes task completion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the robot uses multiple function modules for complex tasks, then task capability is enhanced, but the complexity of task coordination and module management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask processing capabilityVSAvoidtask coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs function modules with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow them to be easily integrated and coordinated. The control device manages multiple function modules through a unified task segmentation approach, where each module can process specific task segments independently, reducing the complexity of inter-module coordination while maintaining high task processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3669739B1Domestic robot and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3669739B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3669739B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3669739B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a household robot (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - providing a number of tasks (A) for the household robot (1), - dividing at least one task (A) into a number of subtasks (T1, T2, T3), - determining the functional modules (2) required to perform the subtasks (T1, T2, T3), - determining the sequence of performing the subtasks (T1, T2, T3) and/or using the functional modules (2), wherein a) it is determined whether a rest period (R) exists within a subtask (T1, T2, T3) and/or between two subtasks (T1, T2, T3) and b) it is checked whether another subtask (T1, T2, T3) or a part thereof can be performed during this rest period (R), wherein, if the check is positive, the sequence of the subtasks (T1, T2, T3) and/or the required functional modules is determined. (2) is determinedthat this other subtask (T1, T2, T3) or a part of this other subtask (T1, T2, T3) is completed within the rest period (R), - completion of the subtasks (T1, T2, T3) according to the specified sequence. The invention further relates to a corresponding household robot.