Light indicator system for an autonomous mobile robot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile robots lack effective visual indicators to communicate their status and conditions to users, leading to confusion and difficulty in troubleshooting issues.
Innovation Solution
A light indicator system on the robot that uses a light-propagating plate and multiple light sources to generate patterns of illumination, synchronized with a controller to convey status information, such as operation duration, battery charge, and error locations, ensuring intuitive understanding by users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional single-point indicator lights are used, then the device complexity is low, but the information transmission capability and user understanding are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system is segmented into multiple light sources (first, second, third light sources) positioned at different locations on the robot body. Each light source can be independently controlled to indicate different status information, allowing comprehensive status communication without requiring a complex single indicator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point vertical indicator lights to a two-dimensional arrangement of multiple light sources on the robot's body surface. This spatial distribution across the body perimeter enables directional indication and more丰富的 status communication while maintaining simple individual light source components
2Ease of operation
If multiple light sources are distributed across the robot body, then the visual indication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different light sources are positioned at specific locations corresponding to different robot components (front, rear, sides). Each light source provides localized status indication relevant to its position, making it easier for users to understand which specific component or direction is being indicated without complex centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple light sources collectively serve multiple functions: indicating overall robot status, directional information, component-specific states, and operational modes. This multi-functionality is achieved through simple positional distribution rather than complex individual light source designs
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
The system provides clear and consistent visual feedback to users about the robot's status and conditions, facilitating easier operation and maintenance by aligning visual cues across multiple devices, enhancing user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
light sources each being positioned to direct light through only a portion of the plate to only a portion of the continuous loop
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
An autonomous mobile robot includes a body, a drive supporting the body above a floor surface, a light-propagating plate positioned on the body and having a periphery defining a continuous loop, light sources each being positioned to direct light through a portion of the plate to a portion of the continuous loop, and a controller to selectively operate the light sources to provide a visual indicator of a status or service condition of the autonomous mobile robot. The drive is configured to maneuver the mobile robot about the floor surface.