Autonomous Mobile Platform With TOF 3D Navigation and Modular Tasks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems are often limited to specific operations and are costly due to the complexity and expense of navigation systems like LIDAR, which restrict their versatility and applicability across various service applications.
Innovation Solution
A versatile autonomous mobile platform equipped with a 3-D environmental imaging system using time-of-flight sensors, enabling efficient navigation and extension of capabilities through interchangeable attachments for various tasks, such as package delivery, telepresence, and beverage service, while reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LIDAR or ultrasonic units are used for navigation, then navigation capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical navigation systems (LIDAR, ultrasonic units) with a camera-based vision system. The camera captures images that are processed to extract depth information and navigate the robot, substituting mechanical sensing with optical sensing and computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create a visual copy or representation of the environment. By capturing images and processing them to extract spatial information, the system creates a digital model of the surroundings that can be used for navigation without requiring direct mechanical measurement of distances.
2Reliability
If specialized robotic systems are designed for specific operations, then operational reliability is improved, but versatility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a robotic platform with universal capabilities that can perform multiple functions. The base robot is equipped with sensors and actuators that can be programmed for different tasks, and accessories can be attached to extend functionality, allowing a single platform to serve in delivery, telepresence, beverage service, and other applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the robot's capabilities can be changed through software programming and accessory attachment. The system transitions from static specialized designs to dynamic reconfigurable platforms that can adapt their function based on task requirements.
3Measurement precision
If complex navigation systems are implemented, then navigation precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive camera modules instead of expensive LIDAR or ultrasonic sensors. While individual camera units are low-cost and can be replaced if needed, they provide sufficient navigation precision when used in arrays and processed through image analysis algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple inexpensive camera modules to achieve the navigation precision that would otherwise require a single expensive LIDAR unit. By merging multiple low-cost sensors and processing their combined data, the system achieves high precision at lower manufacturing cost.
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 platform achieves cost-effective and efficient navigation and task execution across diverse applications, enhancing the robotic system's versatility and reducing operational complexity by utilizing time-of-flight sensors for 3-D imaging and allowing for easy attachment of additional functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
two or more time-of-flight sensors, each comprising a modulated light source and a detector synchronized for phased detection of the modulated light that has originated from the modulated light sources and is reflected or scattered off remote objects
Implementation Method 2
modulated light that has originated from the modulated light sources and is reflected or scattered off remote objects
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile system comprising: a means of achieving mobility, a means of navigating, a means of providing autonomous power, and a means of providing general purpose computing. In some embodiments, the system comprises a base unit capable of sensing its environment and computing navigation instructions to direct the system to move to particular locations and execute functions as directed by a set of programmed instructions. In some embodiments, two or more time-of-flight (TOF) imaging systems are attached to measure distance to objects in the environment, which may in turn be used by the means of navigating. In some embodiments, a coupling exists on the base unit to attach additional structures and mechanisms. These structures may comprise a means for carrying packages or other items, robotic manipulators that can grab and move objects, interactive audio and video displays for telepresence applications, a means for serving food and drink, etc.