Image-Based Input for Cleaning Robot Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote controllers for devices like cleaning robots are inefficient in specifying complex cleaning ranges, requiring users to manually operate buttons or input instructions, which can be cumbersome and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that uses an image receiver and controller to interpret handwritten instructions on images or photographs, allowing users to specify cleaning ranges and operations by drawing trajectories or lines, enabling easier and more intuitive control of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dedicated remote controller with buttons is used to operate a device, then the device can be controlled through manual button operations, but the operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone when specifying complex cleaning ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an image-based input system. Users draw cleaning ranges on a photograph or image, and the system automatically interprets these drawings into control commands, eliminating the need for complex sequential button operations and significantly reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the user and the device control. The user's hand-drawn markings on an image are processed by image recognition algorithms that convert them into precise cleaning range specifications, acting as a mediator that translates intuitive visual input into actionable control commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual button operations are used to specify cleaning ranges, then the device can be controlled, but the process becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical button sequences with a simple visual drawing interface. Users naturally draw cleaning ranges on images, and the system's image recognition technology automatically converts these drawings into precise control parameters, eliminating operation complexity while maintaining high accuracy through automated interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic interpretation and conversion of user drawings into precise cleaning specifications without requiring manual input of complex parameters. The image recognition system self-services the entire process of translating visual input into actionable commands, reducing both operational complexity and potential for human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10819902B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a receiver that receives an image, and a controller that controls an operation of the information processing apparatus based on information written in the image received by the receiver. In a further modification of the invention, the information may define an operation related to movement.