Pool Cleaner Imaging Control for Targeted Debris Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool cleaners operate randomly or with inefficient control algorithms, leading to suboptimal cleaning efficiency in aquatic environments.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaner system equipped with an imaging device and controller that analyzes images to identify debris and determine an optimal cleaning pathway, using path scoring to navigate efficiently and collect debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional random algorithms are used for pool cleaner navigation, then the system is simple to operate, but cleaning efficiency and productivity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pool cleaner captures images of the pool environment before cleaning operations begin, storing them in memory for subsequent analysis. This preliminary action allows the cleaner to plan its navigation path in advance based on detected debris locations, rather than moving randomly and reacting to debris as it encounters them, thereby improving cleaning efficiency without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between image capture and navigation control. The controller analyzes stored images to identify debris locations and calculates optimal pathways, acting as an intermediary that translates visual information into efficient cleaning routes. This intermediary step enables systematic debris targeting while maintaining relatively simple hardware and control architecture
2Productivity
If deliberate control algorithms are used to navigate pool cleaners, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the algorithms do not function much better than random algorithms in terms of actual cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation approaches (random movement or simple predetermined patterns) with an optical-based system. The pool cleaner uses an imaging device to detect debris visually, then uses image analysis algorithms to determine optimal paths to debris locations. This substitution of optical detection and computational analysis for mechanical random navigation significantly improves cleaning performance by enabling targeted debris collection while maintaining algorithmic simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously capturing images of the pool environment, analyzing debris locations, and adjusting the navigation path based on this information. The controller stores images in memory and uses them to calculate pathways to debris, creating a feedback loop where cleaning decisions are based on actual environmental conditions rather than random or predetermined patterns, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cleaner is provided. The pool cleaner includes a housing and an imaging device mounted to the housing. The imaging device is configured to acquire at least one image of an aquatic environment. The pool cleaner also includes a controller in communication with the imaging device. The controller identifies candidate debris from the at least one image, determines an optimal cleaning pathway, and navigates the pool cleaner to the candidate debris along the optimal cleaning pathway. The pool cleaner further includes a scrub brush disposed on the housing and configured to move the candidate debris, and a removable filter canister configured to collect the candidate debris.