Method for operating a self-traveling floor treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-traveling floor treatment apparatuses, such as vacuum and wiping robots, rely on acoustic signals to inform users of error conditions, which can be annoying and difficult for hearing-impaired or deaf individuals to detect, and are challenging to locate, especially when error conditions occur and the apparatus is hidden.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an optical signal output device to emit a directional light projection indicating its location, allowing users to visually identify the device's position, and optionally transmits error messages to external devices for manual initiation of the optical signal, ensuring energy efficiency and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic signals are used to inform users of error conditions, then the user can be alerted to the error, but the signal can be annoying and difficult for hearing-impaired or deaf individuals to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic signal system with an optical projection system. Instead of using sound waves to notify users of errors, the apparatus projects visual light patterns onto the floor or surfaces, providing an alternative sensory channel that is accessible to all users including those with hearing impairments, while eliminating the annoying repetitive beeping sounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the notification parameter from acoustic frequency and intensity to optical brightness, color, and projection pattern. This fundamental parameter change allows the same error notification function to be achieved through a different physical modality that avoids the harmful effects of acoustic signals while maintaining reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If acoustic signals are emitted periodically with long time intervals, then energy consumption is reduced, but it becomes difficult for users to locate the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the acoustic notification system with an optical projection system that continuously displays the apparatus location and error status on the floor or surrounding surfaces. This visual feedback mechanism provides constant location information without requiring periodic activation, making the apparatus easily locatable while maintaining energy efficiency through optimized projection timing and brightness levels
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the optical signal output device continuously emits light to indicate position, then the apparatus is easily locatable, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional activation of the optical projection system rather than continuous operation. The projection is activated when error conditions are detected, when the apparatus is stationary, or when motion is detected by sensors, and deactivated during normal cleaning operations or when the apparatus is in motion, thereby maintaining effective location indication while significantly reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical projection system dynamic by adjusting its activation state based on operational conditions. The system transitions between active and inactive states according to detected conditions such as error presence, motion status, and ambient light levels, optimizing the balance between location detectability and energy efficiency in real-time
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 effective and accessible communication of error conditions to users, facilitating easier location and rectification of issues, particularly for hearing-impaired individuals, by using a visible directional indicator, and allows for energy-efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal output device of the floor treatment apparatus emits an optical information signal, which generates a light projection
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a floor treatment apparatus that travels by itself within an environment, wherein a control and evaluation unit monitors the operating status of the floor treatment apparatus, detects an error condition of the floor treatment apparatus and initiates the output of an information signal in case an error condition occurs. In order to locate the floor treatment apparatus in a particularly simple and convenient fashion during an error condition, it is proposed that an optical signal output device of the floor treatment apparatus emits an optical information signal, which generates a light projection that represents a directional indicator, wherein the directional indicator points from a projection site within the environment in the direction of the current position of the floor treatment apparatus.