Mobile robot and method of controlling a mobile robot illumination system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robots equipped with vision systems face challenges in low-light conditions, requiring illumination systems that consume power and reduce battery life, and existing solutions do not efficiently adjust illumination based on environmental changes and robot rotation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot with a vision system and illumination system that dynamically adjusts illumination levels using a control system, which compares exposure times, calculates average brightness, and adjusts power to light sources based on image segments and robot rotation information, optimizing power usage and illumination distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the illumination system is activated to improve image quality in low-light conditions, then the image quality is improved, but the power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time image analysis. The control system continuously monitors image brightness and exposure time, switching the illumination system on or off based on whether the exposure time exceeds a threshold. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain image quality when needed while conserving energy when natural lighting is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the camera's exposure time measurement to control the illumination system. The control system analyzes the exposure time of captured images and uses this information to determine whether to activate the illumination system, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both image quality and power consumption based on actual lighting conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the illumination system remains on to ensure continuous image quality, then the image quality is maintained, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the illumination system operates periodically based on detected lighting conditions. The control system continuously monitors image exposure time and only activates the illumination system when the exposure time exceeds a threshold for a predetermined period, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern that extends battery life while maintaining image quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the camera's own exposure time information to control the illumination system, allowing the system to self-regulate based on actual lighting conditions without external intervention. The control system automatically determines when illumination is needed by analyzing the camera's exposure requirements, enabling the system to serve its own lighting needs efficiently.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the illumination system is activated only when exposure time exceeds threshold, then the power consumption is reduced, but the response time to lighting changes may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors image exposure time even when the illumination system is off, preparing to activate it immediately when conditions warrant. By maintaining continuous monitoring of exposure time and having the illumination system ready to activate, the system minimizes response delay while still avoiding unnecessary power consumption during adequate lighting conditions.
4Measurement precision
If the illumination system provides uniform illumination across all areas, then the image quality is consistent, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system provides differentiated illumination based on local lighting conditions in different image segments. The control system divides the image into segments and independently controls illumination for each segment based on its specific brightness requirements, allowing uniform image quality where needed while conserving energy in areas with adequate natural lighting.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot including a vision system, the vision system including a camera and an illumination system; the illumination system including a plurality of light sources arranged to provide a level of illumination to an area surrounding the mobile robot; and a control system for controlling the illumination system. The control system adjusts the level of illumination provided by the plurality of light sources based on an image captured by the camera; an exposure time of the camera at the time the image was captured; and robot rotation information.