Pet Robot Laser Pointer Control With Camera-Motor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet companion robots lack efficient methods for controlling laser pointers to interact with pets in a precise and dynamic manner, especially when used in remote-controlled or autonomous modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a laser pointer projection on a pet companion robot, which includes determining camera parameters, calculating angular differences, and rotating horizontal and vertical steering motors to accurately position the laser pointer based on user input from a touch screen remote-control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser pointer with steering motors is added to the pet companion robot, then the interaction capability with pets is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser pointer, horizontal steering motor, vertical steering motor, and camera into an integrated assembly mounted on the robot chassis. The control unit coordinates all components (laser pointer, motors, camera) to work together as a unified interaction system, resolving the complexity issue by merging related components into a coordinated subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser pointer system serves multiple functions: it can be controlled via remote control device for direct user interaction, operate in autonomous mode using camera feedback and deep learning algorithms, and adapt to different interaction scenarios. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile pet interaction capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If remote control with touch screen is implemented, then user ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information increases due to coordinate transformation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives touch coordinates from the remote device, transforms them to motor rotation angles using the established geometric model, and sends commands to the steering motors. The system continuously monitors the laser pointer position through camera feedback and adjusts the transformation parameters to maintain accuracy, creating a closed-loop control system that minimizes information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-establishes the geometric relationship model between the camera, laser pointer, and steering motors during system initialization. This preliminary calibration stores the transformation parameters (focal length, height difference, viewing angles) that are used during operation to accurately convert touch screen coordinates to motor control commands, reducing information loss during coordinate transformation.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous mode with deep learning is enabled, then the robot's independence is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous mode operates by periodically capturing images through the camera, processing them through deep learning algorithms to detect pet location and behavior, and adjusting the laser pointer position accordingly. The system uses periodic action rather than continuous operation, enabling autonomous functionality while managing energy consumption through intermittent processing cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a laser pointer projection of a pet companion robot device to interact with a pet includes the steps of: determining a focal length 1 of the camera; determining a height difference Δy between the at least one laser pointer steering motors of the laser pointer and the camera; determining a horizontal viewing angle α of the camera, a corresponding horizontal viewing range is (−α/2, α/2); determining a vertical viewing angle β of the camera, a corresponding vertical viewing range is (−β/2, β/2); determining whether the touch screen of the wireless remote-control device is touched; when the touch screen of the wireless remote-control device is touched, determining the corresponding coordinates (i, j); calculating an angular difference Δθ between the camera and the at least one laser pointer steering motors; and calculating a horizontal steering motor rotation angle θx; calculating a vertical steering motor rotation angle θy.