Mobile robot and method of controlling a plurality of mobile robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile robots struggle to perform cooperative cleaning in the same space due to differences in cleaning types and sensor technologies, leading to difficulties in sharing position and environment information, and inefficient liquid detection and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling multiple mobile robots that includes a driver, memory for obstacle maps, sensors, and a communication interface, allowing one robot to transmit obstacle maps and cleaning commands to another, enabling accurate detection and cleaning of liquid regions using coordinate values, image analysis, and signal strength indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-performance sensor is used to accurately detect the position of another mobile robot that is far away, then the position detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical sensors (cameras) to capture images of other robots, creating a visual copy of their appearance and position. This allows robots to detect and track each other using standard imaging technology rather than requiring specialized high-performance position sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or specialized position sensing systems with an optical imaging system. By using standard cameras to capture robot positions and calculating coordinates from images, the system substitutes complex position detection hardware with simpler, more cost-effective optical sensors that are already standard in mobile robots
2Adaptability or versatility
If respectively different types of mobile robots are used for cleaning, then cleaning versatility is improved, but map sharing and cooperative cleaning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal map data structure and communication protocol that can be used by different types of mobile robots (dry cleaners, wet cleaners, floor polishers). The obstacle map contains standardized position information and environment data that any robot type can interpret, enabling diverse robots to share spatial information and coordinate their cleaning operations effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes key parameters in the obstacle map data structure (position coordinates, robot identification, cleaning area boundaries) so that despite differences in robot types and cleaning methods, all robots use consistent parameter formats for communication. This parameter standardization enables seamless information exchange between heterogeneous robot systems
3Productivity
If a dry-type cleaner detects and suctions a liquid, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the filter or other components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary liquid detection using optical sensors and image processing before the dry-type cleaner begins suction operations. By detecting liquid presence in advance through image analysis of the cleaning area, the system can alert operators or automatically adjust cleaning parameters to prevent liquid ingestion that would damage the filter and internal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses real-time feedback from optical sensors during cleaning operations to monitor for liquid presence. When liquid is detected through image analysis, the system provides immediate feedback to control the cleaner's operation, preventing the suction of liquids that would harm the filter and other sensitive components
4Device complexity
If a liquid having high viscosity is cleaned by a dry-type cleaner, then the cleaning process is simplified, but the liquid may not be removed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of liquid viscosity characteristics using optical sensors and image analysis before cleaning begins. By analyzing the appearance, flow behavior, and consistency of liquids in the cleaning area through captured images, the system can identify high-viscosity liquids and alert operators to use appropriate cleaning equipment, preventing ineffective cleaning attempts with dry-type cleaners
Data Source
AI summary
A robot including a driver configured to move a main body, a memory configured to store an obstacle map with respect to a cleaning area, a sensor configured to collect information about the cleaning area, a communication interface configured to communicate with a second robot, and a controller is disclosed. The controller is configured to, when receiving an obstacle map including position information for a liquid region in the cleaning area from the second robot, control the main body to move to the liquid region and clean the liquid region.