Moving Robot Light Section Crossing to Eliminate Detection Dead Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning robots equipped with image sensors often have detection dead zones in front of their moving direction, leading to potential collisions with obstacles, which result in noise and damage to furniture and devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cleaning robot that projects vertical light sections crossing each other in front of its moving direction, using multiple light source modules and an image sensor to capture these light sections within its field of view, effectively eliminating the detection dead zone and enabling obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image sensor is used as a detecting means in the cleaning robot, then the robot can detect environmental objects, but detection dead zones appear in front of the moving direction causing collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical light sections that extend in the depth direction (perpendicular to the image sensor plane) to detect obstacles in the detection dead zone. By adding this third dimension (depth) to the traditional two-dimensional image sensor detection, the system can now detect obstacles that were previously undetectable in front of the moving direction, thus eliminating the detection dead zone while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light sections as an intermediary between the image sensor and obstacles in the detection dead zone. The light sections act as a mediator that extends the detection capability into the dead zone area, allowing the image sensor to indirectly detect obstacles through the light section interactions without requiring direct line-of-sight detection.
2Reliability
If multiple light source modules are added to project vertical light sections, then the detection dead zone is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs light source modules that serve multiple functions: they project vertical light sections for dead zone detection, provide illumination for the image sensor, and can be integrated with the robot's existing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light source modules with the image sensor system and robot structure, merging multiple functions into integrated components. The light sources are positioned and configured to work in conjunction with the image sensor, creating a unified detection system rather than separate add-on components, which helps manage overall system 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
This solution allows the cleaning robot to accurately detect obstacles and cliffs, preventing collisions and ensuring safe operation by covering the detection dead zone with projected light sections, enhancing its navigation and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The first light source module is configured to project a first light section toward a moving direction. The second light source module is configured to project a second light section toward the moving direction
Implementation Method 2
The image sensor is configured to capture an image frame covering the first light section and the second light section using a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a moving robot including a first light source module and a second light source module respectively project a first light section and a second light section, which are vertical light sections, in front of a moving direction, wherein the first light section and the second light section cross with each other at a predetermined distance in front of the moving robot so as to eliminate a detection dead zone between the first light source module and the second light source module in front of the moving robot to avoid collision with an object during operation.