Optical Beacon Identifier Patterns for Robotic Cleaner Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical beacons for robotic cleaners rely solely on physical properties of signals, limiting their ability to communicate information effectively to the devices, as they lack a robust method to convey specific actions or instructions.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical identifiers generated by beacons, which are unique light projections that can be detected by robotic cleaners, allowing for the communication of specific actions or instructions through their shape and configuration, in addition to physical properties like wavelength and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beacons emit signals with specific physical properties (intensity or wavelength) for detection by robotic cleaners, then the signal can be detected by the robotic cleaner, but the ability of the beacon to communicate information to the robotic cleaner is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon system segments information communication into multiple independent channels: physical signal properties (intensity, wavelength) for basic detection and recognition, and optical identifier patterns (shapes, configurations, sequences) for detailed instruction transmission. This segmentation allows the robotic cleaner to reliably detect signals while receiving comprehensive operational information through the optical identifier patterns.
2Device complexity
If beacons use only physical signal properties for communication, then the system remains simple, but the beacon cannot convey specific actions or instructions to the robotic cleaner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to optical communication by encoding information in the geometric patterns, shapes, and configurations of optical identifiers projected by the beacon. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to maintain simple signal transmission while conveying complex navigational and operational instructions through the spatial arrangement of light patterns.
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 more robust communication of information to robotic cleaners, enabling them to perform specific actions such as navigation, cleaning, or mapping based on the detection of optical identifiers, enhancing their operational capabilities and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical emitter disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
an optical identifier generator optically coupled to the optical emitter, the optical identifier generator being configured to shape light emitted by the optical emitter into an optical identifier
Data Source
AI summary
An optical beacon may include a housing, an optical emitter at least partially disposed within the housing, and an optical identifier generator optically coupled to the optical emitter. Light incident on the optical identifier generator may be shaped into at least one optical identifier. The optical identifier may be associated with an action capable of being carried out by a robotic cleaner such that detection of the optical identifier by the robotic cleaner causes the robotic cleaner to carry out the action.