Moving device and object detection method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving devices, such as robotic cleaners, face challenges in accurately detecting and distinguishing between aboveground and underground objects due to environmental factors like color, light, and noise, which affects their navigation and task performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a radio-frequency (RF) sensor by a moving device to detect aboveground and underground objects, correct signals to identify objects, and generate maps indicating the distribution of these objects, thereby improving navigation and task performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an infrared beam or ultrasonic waves are used to detect obstructions, then the moving device can detect the presence and location of obstructions, but the detection accuracy is reduced due to environmental factors such as color, external light, noise, and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical/infrared/ultrasonic waves to radio frequency (RF) waves. RF waves operate at a different frequency range that is not affected by visible light, color, or temperature variations in the same way optical sensors are. This parameter change allows the moving device to detect obstructions accurately without being influenced by environmental factors like sunlight or room lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the optical detection system (infrared beam) or acoustic detection system (ultrasonic waves) with an electromagnetic detection system using radio frequency sensors. This substitution replaces the physical mechanisms that are sensitive to environmental conditions with a different physical principle (RF wave reflection) that penetrates and reflects off objects regardless of lighting or temperature conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensors are used to detect only aboveground objects, then the detection process is simple, but underground objects cannot be detected which limits navigation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RF sensor system universal by enabling it to detect both aboveground and underground objects using the same sensor type and detection mechanism. The RF waves can penetrate non-conductive materials and reflect off both surface objects and subsurface objects, allowing a single sensor system to perform multiple detection functions that would traditionally require separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal correction as an intermediary processing step that separates the composite RF signal into components representing aboveground and underground objects. By applying correction algorithms that account for signal attenuation and reflection characteristics, the system can distinguish between objects at different depths without requiring physically separate sensor systems.
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 RF sensor enables accurate detection and mapping of both aboveground and underground objects, enhancing the moving device's ability to navigate and perform tasks effectively, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the presence of an obstruction and a location of the obstruction by using a reflected beam or reflected waves
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A moving device and an object detection method thereof are provided. A method, performed by a moving device, of generating a map related to an object in a task space includes radiating at least one sensing signal toward aboveground and underground regions in a vicinity of the moving device, receiving signals reflected from an aboveground object located on a ground in the task space and an underground object located under the ground in the task space, and generating the map indicating distribution of the aboveground object and distribution of the underground object, based on the received reflected signals.