Inertial Sensor Presence Detection for Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic devices face challenges in detecting the presence of entities and movements without relying on power-intensive camera and microphone systems, which raise privacy concerns and drain limited power supplies.
Innovation Solution
The use of accelerometers and gyroscopes within the robotic device to detect vibrations and movements, sending signals to a processor that triggers action signals for output elements like motors, lights, or speakers based on predetermined conditions, allowing for presence and manipulation detection without the need for extensive power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera and microphone systems are used for presence detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical (camera) and acoustic (microphone) detection systems with inertial sensing systems using accelerometers and gyroscopes. This substitution detects presence and manipulation through vibration and movement patterns transmitted through contact, eliminating the need for power-intensive camera and microphone systems while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vibration signals as an intermediary medium to detect presence and manipulation. Instead of directly using cameras or microphones, the system detects vibrations transmitted through the surface or structure the robot is in contact with, which then serve as indirect indicators of presence and user interactions.
2Measurement precision
If camera and microphone systems are used for presence detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical (camera) and acoustic (microphone) detection systems with inertial sensing systems using accelerometers and gyroscopes. This substitution detects presence and manipulation through vibration and movement patterns transmitted through contact, eliminating the need for camera and microphone systems that raise privacy concerns.
3Use of energy by moving object
If accelerometer and gyroscope systems are used, then power consumption is reduced, but detection precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) and merges their data streams to achieve accurate detection. By fusing data from both sensor types and processing vibration patterns collectively, the system maintains high detection precision despite using lower-power sensors compared to camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses on detecting specific vibration patterns and movement characteristics that are sufficient for presence and manipulation detection, rather than attempting to capture all environmental information. This selective detection approach maintains adequate precision while minimizing power consumption.
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
This solution enables efficient detection of entities and movements while minimizing power usage and privacy concerns, enhancing user interaction and experience through responsive actions.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer disposed within the body, wherein the accelerometer is configured to send an accelerometer signal in response to a detection of a vibration external to the body
Implementation Method 2
a gyroscope disposed within the body, wherein the gyroscope is configured to send a gyroscope signal in response to a detection of movement of the body
Data Source
AI summary
Disposed within the body of a robotic device are an output element, accelerometer, gyroscope, and processor. The accelerometer sends a signal to the processor in response to detection of a vibration external to the body. The gyroscope sends a signal to the processor in response to a detection of movement of the body. The processor then sends an action signal to the output element based on the signals received from the accelerometer and gyroscope.