Optical Surface Sensing Layout for Ambient-Light-Robust Cleaning Robots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface processing devices, such as cleaning robots, face challenges in reliably determining the type of surface with minimal technical complexity due to the high equipment expenditure and limited accuracy of existing optical measuring devices, especially when exposed to ambient light.
Innovation Solution
The proposed device employs a light source and two light sensors arranged to measure light intensities using the Phong illumination model, with the first sensor capturing reflected light and the second sensor capturing diffusely scattered light, allowing for differentiation between smooth and non-smooth surfaces by evaluating light components under varying conditions, and adjusting the measuring setup for increased accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging measuring devices with camera systems are used to determine surface type, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex camera systems by using simple light sources and light sensors arranged in specific geometric configurations. Instead of using full imaging devices, it isolates and measures specific light components (reflected vs. diffusely scattered) to determine surface type, thereby achieving accurate measurement with minimal device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/image processing systems with an optical measurement system based on light reflection principles. By substituting camera-based image analysis with direct optical intensity measurements using light sensors, the system achieves surface type determination with significantly reduced complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If gloss meters are used to measure surface gloss, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to light sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement capability from gloss meters by using simple light sources and sensors instead of complex sealed measurement chambers. It isolates the key function of measuring light reflection while eliminating the need for expensive light sealing equipment through clever geometric arrangement of measurement components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex gloss meter equipment with inexpensive, simple light sources and light sensors. The system uses affordable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced, achieving the same measurement function without the high equipment expenditure required by traditional gloss meters
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical measuring devices are used, then surface type determination is possible, but reliability decreases under ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light measurement into distinct components by using specifically arranged light sensors: one sensor measures only reflected light while another measures only diffusely scattered light. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between surface types (smooth vs. non-smooth) even under ambient light conditions, as each sensor captures specific light pathways that are characteristic of different surface types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a geometric arrangement of light sources and sensors as an intermediary that filters out ambient light interference. By positioning sensors at specific angles relative to the light source and surface, the system creates measurement pathways that are insensitive to ambient light, thereby maintaining reliability in various lighting conditions
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 enables reliable surface type differentiation with reduced technical complexity and equipment expenditure, facilitating efficient surface processing by accurately distinguishing between different surface types and adjusting processing parameters accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted by the light source hits a reflection point on the surface at an angle of incidence, and is then reflected to the first light sensor at a corresponding angle of reflection
Implementation Method 2
the second light sensor measures a diffusely scattered light component
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning robot has an optical measuring device for determining the type of surface to be cleaned. The optical measuring device has a light source and at least two light sensors. Light emitted by the light source hits a reflection point of the surface at an angle of incidence (α), and is reflected to the first light sensor at a corresponding angle of reflection (β). The light source, reflection point and first light sensor span a plane of incidence. A secondary plane that intersects the reflection point and has a second light sensor spans perpendicular to the surface, and exhibits an angle (δ) of between 80° and 100° relative to the plane of incidence. A straight line running through the reflection point and second light sensor has an angle (γ) relative to the surface that is essentially as large as the angle of incidence (α) or angle of reflection (β).