Mobile Robot Angle Correction Using Obstacle Edge Coordinate System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile robots experience cumulative errors in angle measurement due to inertial navigation, affecting recharging and coverage efficiency, and existing solutions require additional costly components and complex control systems.

Innovation Solution

A mobile robot uses a long straight line at an obstacle's edge to establish a right-angle coordinate system, correcting its walking angle to align with the corresponding axis direction, employing sensors like infrared and gyroscope to detect and adjust its path efficiently without additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If inertial navigation is used for angle measurement, then the mobile robot can operate without additional hardware, but cumulative errors cause inaccurate angle measurement affecting recharging and coverage efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle measurement accuracyVSAvoidrecharging efficiency and coverage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the mobile robot's position relative to obstacle edges using sensors, calculating deviation angles from the coordinate system, and correcting the walking angle based on this feedback to eliminate cumulative errors from inertial navigation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate system established based on long straight lines at obstacle edges. This coordinate system serves as a reference framework that mediates between the inertial navigation system and the actual path, enabling angle correction without requiring additional positioning hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a camera or beacons are installed to correct the mobile robot's angle, then angle measurement accuracy is improved, but the cost and control complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle measurement accuracyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the mobile robot's existing sensors to detect obstacle edges and automatically establish a coordinate system for angle correction. The system uses itself and the environment (obstacles) rather than requiring external cameras or beacon infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual coordinate system as a copy of the physical environment's geometric features (long straight lines at obstacle edges). This virtual reference framework provides angle correction functionality without requiring physical markers or additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If the mobile robot continuously corrects its walking angle using obstacle edge detection, then path accuracy is improved, but the control process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath planning accuracyVSAvoidcontrol process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing the coordinate system based on the first detected long straight line at an obstacle edge. This pre-established reference framework simplifies subsequent angle corrections, as the robot only needs to compare its position against this pre-defined coordinate system rather than continuously recalculating references

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method provides accurate angle correction with low costs and simplified control, enhancing the robot's path planning and operational efficiency in the working area.

Implementation Method 1

employing sensors like infrared and gyroscope to detect and adjust its path efficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

employing sensors like infrared and gyroscope to detect and adjust its path efficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope effect: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP3552532B1Method for angle correction of mobile robot in working area and mobile robot
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 GUANGZHOU COAYU ROBOT CO LTD
  • EP3552532B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3552532B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3552532B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An angle correction method of a mobile robot in a working area, comprising: obtaining a long straight line at an edge of an obstacle first found by the mobile robot; establishing a right-angle coordinate system based on the long straight line; obtaining a walking angle of the mobile robot when it finds a long straight line at an edge of an obstacle again; based on the walking angle and the right-angle coordinate system, correcting the walking angle to a corresponding axis direction. Also disclosed is a mobile robot that can perform angle correction.