Optical navigation device which can determine dirtiness level of cover or fix multi light pattern issue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto clean machines face issues with navigation interference due to dirty covers and errors in distance calculation when multiple machines are close to each other, as they rely on light patterns that can be affected by dirtiness and proximity.
Innovation Solution
An optical navigation device with a processing circuit, a first light source, and a second optical sensor with different focal planes to detect the dirtiness level of the cover and distinguish between light patterns emitted by multiple machines, allowing for automatic detection and adjustment of light patterns to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical sensor is used to detect light patterns for navigation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of distance calculation deteriorates when multiple machines are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical sensing function into two separate optical sensors with different focal planes. The first optical sensor detects light patterns at a first focal plane while the second optical sensor detects at a second focal plane. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between light patterns from different distances, enabling accurate distance calculation even when multiple machines are present, without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for light pattern detection by using different focal planes for the two optical sensors. Instead of relying on a single detection plane, the system utilizes the depth dimension (focal plane difference) to differentiate between light patterns from different machines. This dimensional approach enables the system to resolve distance calculation ambiguities that would exist with a single sensor.
2Speed
If the optical sensor detects all light patterns without distinction, then the navigation response time is reduced, but the reliability of navigation deteriorates due to interference from other machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light pattern detection process by assigning different focal planes to different optical sensors. This allows the system to simultaneously detect and distinguish light patterns from multiple machines without requiring sequential processing, maintaining fast response time while ensuring reliable navigation by accurately identifying which light pattern belongs to which machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the focal plane difference as an intermediary parameter to mediate between multiple light patterns. By detecting light patterns at different focal planes, the system can identify and filter out interference from other machines, ensuring that navigation decisions are based on accurate distance information while maintaining real-time response capability.
3Measurement precision
If a second optical sensor with different focal plane is added to distinguish light patterns, then the measurement precision of distance calculation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of the optical sensing function by using two sensors at different focal planes. This segmentation provides the necessary measurement precision for distinguishing light patterns from multiple machines. The increase in device complexity is justified by the significant improvement in measurement precision and navigation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical sensing system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both navigation detection and distance measurement simultaneously using the two optical sensors. The first optical sensor handles primary navigation while the second optical sensor provides depth information, allowing the system to achieve multiple objectives without requiring separate systems for each function.
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 solution enables automatic detection of cover dirtiness, reducing user intervention and improving distance calculation accuracy by distinguishing and filtering out interference from nearby machines, ensuring smooth operation and accurate navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source, configured to emit first light; a first optical sensor, configured to sense first optical data generated according to the first light
Implementation Method 2
a second optical sensor, configured to sense the first optical data, wherein the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor have different focal planes
Data Source
AI summary
An auto clean machine, comprising: an optical sensor; a light source, configured to generate a first light pattern; and a processing circuit, configured to determine which light pattern is the first light pattern if the optical sensor senses more than one light pattern. The present invention also discloses an optical navigation device with a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor.