Mobile robot and operating method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile robots face inaccuracies in obstacle detection and floor condition sensing, leading to errors in navigation and inability to store path data for adaptive path changes.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the mobile robot with an optical pattern sensor using a cross-shaped pattern to accurately sense obstacles and generate a local area map within a designated distance, allowing for precise navigation and storage of environmental data for path adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic or infrared sensors are used for obstacle detection, then basic obstacle sensing capability is provided, but measurement precision of distance and floor condition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic and infrared sensors with a camera-based vision system. The camera captures images of the environment, and through image processing algorithms, the system calculates distances to obstacles and detects floor conditions. This substitution of mechanical/acoustic sensing with optical sensing enables higher measurement precision while maintaining detection reliability through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the camera and the navigation system. These algorithms process raw camera images to extract distance information and floor condition data, acting as a mediator that transforms visual data into actionable navigation parameters with high precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile robot generates a map and travels based on the map, then navigation capability is provided, but the robot cannot store path data or cope with sudden path changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously capturing and storing images of the environment and previously traversed paths during navigation. This pre-stored visual information serves as a reference that the robot can compare against its current position and planned path, enabling it to adapt to sudden path changes by referencing previously captured environmental data rather than relying solely on pre-generated maps.
3Productivity
If the robot travels based on pre-generated maps, then navigation efficiency is improved, but the robot cannot adapt to sudden path changes or environmental variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing real-time camera images with stored reference images and path data. The system uses this feedback to detect deviations from the planned path, identify environmental changes, and dynamically adjust navigation decisions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains navigation efficiency while enabling adaptability to sudden path changes and environmental variations.
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 navigation accuracy and adaptability by storing data within a designated distance, enabling efficient obstacle avoidance and path changes, thus improving cleaning efficiency and reducing unnecessary operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical pattern sensor using a cross-shaped pattern to accurately sense obstacles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
Disclosed are a mobile robot and an operating method thereof, in which data within a designated distance from a main body of the mobile robot is accumulated and stored and thus form a local area map. Thereby, a traveling direction or a rotating direction is set while avoiding an obstacle around the main body and thus a path may be rapidly set, repetition of unnecessary operation is prevented and thus a traveling velocity based on rapid movement may be improved, and the obstacle is easily avoided and thus cleaning efficiency may be improved.