Mobile robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robots, such as robot cleaners, face challenges in accurately detecting obstacles and floor conditions due to the limitations of ultrasonic and infrared sensors, which fail to provide reliable distance measurements and cliff detection.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with a pattern irradiation unit that emits a cross-shaped optical pattern using a lens with convex cells, allowing for precise detection of obstacles by analyzing the pattern image, including a light source and a structured light camera to capture and process the optical pattern, enabling accurate measurement of distance and obstacle height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic or infrared sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the robot can detect obstacles to some extent, but the measurement precision of distance and obstacle height is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from ultrasonic/infrared sensing to optical pattern recognition. By projecting a cross-shaped optical pattern and analyzing its reflection, the system achieves higher measurement precision for distance and obstacle height while improving detection reliability through geometric pattern analysis rather than signal-based sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic sensing system (ultrasonic or infrared sensors) with an optical projection and imaging system. The structured light camera captures the reflected optical pattern, enabling precise measurement of distance and obstacle dimensions through optical geometry rather than acoustic or infrared wave detection.
2Measurement precision
If a structured light camera and pattern irradiation unit are added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and lens into an integrated pattern irradiation unit, and combines the structured light camera with the processing system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components compared to using multiple ultrasonic or infrared sensors, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical pattern projection system serves multiple functions: it detects obstacle presence, measures distance, determines obstacle height, and identifies floor conditions such as cliffs. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The solution enhances obstacle detection accuracy, allowing the robot to navigate safely by avoiding obstacles and cliffs, with improved precision in measuring distances and recognizing floor conditions, thereby ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a lens converting the light emitted from the light source into the cross-shaped optical pattern, wherein the lens includes convex cells on an incidence surface upon which light emitted from the light source is incident
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Disclosed is a mobile robot including a main body and a pattern irradiation unit emitting a cross-shaped optical pattern including a horizontal line optical pattern and a vertical line optical pattern intersecting the horizontal line optical pattern. The pattern irradiation unit includes a light source and a lens converting light emitted from the light source into the cross-shaped optical pattern, the lens includes convex cells on an incidence surface upon which the emitted light is incident, the incidence surface is divided into a first area converting the light emitted from the light source into the horizontal line optical pattern and a second area converting the light emitted from the light source into the vertical line optical pattern, vertical convex cells extended in parallel in the vertical direction are formed in the first area, and horizontal convex cells extended in parallel in the horizontal direction are formed in the second area.