Method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning device methods lack user flexibility and control over defining and assigning cleaning tasks to specific surface areas, as subareas are automatically defined without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
Users can manually define the position, shape, and size of partial surface areas on a map and specify cleaning tasks, including intensity and frequency, with the cleaning device detecting soiling levels and adjusting operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subareas are automatically defined by the control device without user intervention, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and user control over cleaning strategies are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A map display interface serves as an intermediary between the automatic detection system and the user, allowing users to visually review automatically detected subareas and manually adjust their definitions, shapes, and cleaning task assignments without directly interacting with the control device's programming functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static automatic definition to dynamic user-adjustable definitions, where subarea parameters (position, shape, size, cleaning intensity) can be modified in real-time based on user input and soiling level observations
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually define position, shape, and size of partial surface areas, then the adaptability and user control are improved, but the ease of operation and device complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy (map) of the physical environment where users can define and adjust subarea parameters. This graphical interface simplifies the complexity by providing an intuitive visual representation rather than requiring direct manipulation of coordinate systems or technical parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically detects and pre-defines subareas and their basic parameters before presenting them to the user for confirmation or modification, reducing the user's workload while maintaining adaptability
3Productivity
If cleaning intensity is automatically adjusted based on detected soiling levels, then the productivity is improved, but the user control and adaptability to specific surface requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the detection device provides real-time information about soiling levels to the control device, which then automatically adjusts cleaning intensity parameters. This closed-loop control enables adaptive productivity optimization while maintaining user oversight through the map interface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The application relates to a method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device (1) within an environment, wherein the cleaning device (1) cleans an area (2) according to a predefined work plan, determining at least one degree of soiling of the area (2) and controlling a cleaning task depending on the degree of soiling. To make the cleaning operation more flexible and individualized, it is proposed that the degree of soiling be entered into a map (4) linked to positional information of the environment, wherein a user edits the map (4), namely by defining area sub-areas (5, 6, 7, 8) of the area (2) in the map (4) and manually assigning a cleaning task of the cleaning device (1) to at least one area sub-area (5, 6, 7, 8).