Mobile robot and control method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D sensor-based robots struggle to accurately detect obstacles with thin shapes, leading to inefficient and inappropriate driving and cleaning operations.

Innovation Solution

A mobile robot accumulates sensing results from a 3D camera sensor over a predetermined time period to generate face information, using a recognition model to detect obstacles, and controls driving based on this information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a 3D camera sensor uses line light for obstacle detection, then the detection speed is improved, but the detection accuracy deteriorates for thin-shaped obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning of the environment using line light to identify potential obstacle regions before conducting detailed detection. This allows the robot to pre-position itself or pre-activate additional sensors for areas where thin-shaped obstacles are suspected, improving both speed and accuracy by preparing detection resources in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional line light detection to three-dimensional detection by incorporating depth information and spatial mapping. This dimensional enhancement allows the robot to detect thin-shaped obstacles by analyzing their spatial context and relationships with surrounding objects, overcoming the limitation of line light while maintaining efficient detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a 3D camera sensor is used for obstacle detection, then the detection range is improved, but the detection accuracy for thin-shaped obstacles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection field is segmented into multiple zones with different detection strategies. High-priority zones where thin-shaped obstacles are likely to exist use enhanced detection algorithms and multiple sensor types, while lower-priority zones use standard line light detection. This segmentation maintains wide coverage while improving accuracy in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary processing steps between wide-area scanning and final obstacle identification. These intermediaries include preliminary classification of detected objects, spatial relationship analysis, and contextual verification that help distinguish thin-shaped obstacles from background elements, improving accuracy without reducing detection range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If obstacle detection relies on single sensor reading, then the response time is improved, but the detection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic detection cycles with increasing frequency based on operational context. During normal operation, detection occurs at standard intervals. When the robot approaches areas with historical obstacle data or detects potential obstacle signatures, the detection frequency increases automatically. This periodic action maintains fast response times while improving reliability through repeated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where detection results from previous cycles inform subsequent detection strategies. If thin-shaped obstacles are detected or suspected, the system adjusts its detection parameters, activates additional sensors, or modifies its movement pattern to allow for better observation. This feedback loop improves reliability without significantly increasing response time by making detection adaptive rather than uniformly frequent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances the accuracy and reliability of obstacle detection, particularly for thin-shaped obstacles, improving driving stability and usability of the 3D camera sensor.

Implementation Method 1

a 3D camera sensor may be provided to detect an obstacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4116044B1Mobile robot and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4116044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4116044B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4116044B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present specification relates to a mobile robot and a control method therefor, in which the mobile robot generates virtual floor surface information about a travelling environment by accumulating, for a certain time, the results of sensing via a camera sensor to improve the accuracy of obstacle detection using the camera sensor, detects whether or not there is an obstacle in the travelling environment, on the basis of the floor surface information, and controls travel according to the result of the detection.