Optical beacon for autonomous device and autonomous device configured to use the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical beacons for robotic cleaners rely solely on physical properties of emitted signals for communication, which limits their ability to convey information effectively to the robotic cleaners, restricting navigation, cleaning, and mapping operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical identifiers generated by beacons, which are detectable by robotic cleaners through cameras, allowing the shape and configuration of the light patterns to convey specific actions, such as navigation, cleaning, or mapping instructions, in addition to physical properties like wavelength and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If optical beacons rely solely on physical properties of emitted signals for communication, then the beacon structure remains simple, but the information communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical signal is segmented into multiple distinct physical properties (intensity, wavelength, temporal patterns) that can independently encode different aspects of information. This allows the beacon to communicate complex navigation and cleaning instructions by varying these segmented signal characteristics without adding mechanical complexity to the beacon structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in multiple physical parameters of the optical signal simultaneously - intensity modulation, wavelength selection, and temporal patterns - to encode comprehensive information about environmental features, navigation paths, and cleaning operations. This multi-parameter approach enables rich information communication while maintaining a simple beacon structure that only requires an optical emitter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only physical properties like intensity and wavelength are used for signal detection, then the detection system remains simple, but the ability to convey specific actions is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical beacon employs periodic temporal patterns in its emitted signals to encode specific actions and instructions. By varying the frequency, duration, and rhythm of light emission, the system communicates complex operational commands to the robotic cleaner without requiring complex detection hardware - the robot's processor interprets these temporal patterns to determine required actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system achieves multi-functionality by using a single optical sensor capable of detecting various physical properties (intensity, wavelength, temporal patterns) of the beacon signal. This universal detector can identify different environmental features, navigation instructions, and cleaning commands through the same hardware, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining high adaptability.
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 method enables more robust communication with robotic cleaners, allowing them to perform specific actions based on detected optical identifiers, enhancing navigation, cleaning operations, and mapping capabilities within environments.
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
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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.