Odor-Guided Moving Object Control Using Multi-Gas Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving objects, such as robots and drones, lack the capability to effectively navigate using odor cues, limiting their ability to locate odor sources autonomously.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an odor sensing module with multiple gas sensors to determine movement direction based on odor concentration changes, comparing sensor output patterns with a preset target pattern, and controlling the object's movement to align with the target pattern or turn until alignment is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If moving objects use only image sensors or radar sensors for identification, then they can identify objects visually or through electromagnetic waves, but they cannot detect odor sources or chemical substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas sensors (first gas sensor and second gas sensor) with different sensing characteristics into a single odor sensing module. This merging approach enables the moving object to detect various odor sources by integrating the outputs of multiple sensors, thereby expanding sensing capability without requiring separate modular additions
Solution Approach 2:
The odor sensing module is designed to detect multiple types of gases and odors simultaneously by using gas sensors with different sensitivity characteristics. The control unit processes outputs from multiple sensors to identify various odor sources, making the system universal in its ability to detect different chemical substances
2Productivity
If the moving object moves randomly without odor-based navigation, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot efficiently locate odor sources
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the outputs of multiple gas sensors and uses this feedback information to determine the movement direction. By comparing real-time sensor readings with target odor profiles, the system adjusts its movement to maximize odor detection, creating a closed-loop control system that efficiently locates odor sources
Solution Approach 2:
The moving object dynamically adjusts its movement direction based on real-time odor concentration gradients detected by the gas sensors. The system transitions from static or random movement to dynamic odor-guided navigation, optimizing its path to efficiently locate odor sources while adapting to changing environmental conditions
3Measurement precision
If the moving object uses a single gas sensor for odor detection, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot distinguish between different odor patterns or target specific odors
Solution Approach 1:
The odor sensing capability is segmented into multiple gas sensors, each with different sensing characteristics and sensitivities to specific gases. The first gas sensor and second gas sensor detect different aspects of the odor environment, and their combined outputs enable precise identification of target odors through pattern recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in sensor output parameters (concentration readings from multiple gas sensors) to identify target odors. By monitoring how multiple sensor parameters change simultaneously in response to different gases, the control unit can distinguish between various odor patterns and identify specific target odors with high accuracy
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
Enables the moving object to autonomously locate odor sources by adjusting its direction based on odor concentration, enhancing its ability to find or avoid odor-producing materials.
Implementation Method 1
an odor sensing module disposed in the body and including a plurality of gas sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment moving object includes a body, a driving unit, an odor sensing module disposed in the body and including a plurality of gas sensors, and a control unit configured to determine an odor using an output value of each of the gas sensors, determine a movement direction based on a change in concentration of the odor, and control the driving unit to move the body in the determined movement direction.