Floating Camera Guidance for Pool Cleaner Coverage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool cleaning robots face challenges in maximizing the cleaned area efficiently due to difficulties in controlling their movements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A swimming pool cleaning system equipped with an image acquisition means, such as a video camera secured to a float via a flexible tie, which allows for image transfer and trajectory modification of the cleaning device based on acquired images to cover the entire submerged surface efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaning robot operates autonomously without image guidance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaned area coverage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An external control apparatus acts as an intermediary between the cleaning robot and the image capture device. The control apparatus receives images from the capture device, processes them to identify uncleaned areas, and sends trajectory adjustment commands to the robot. This separates the complex image processing functions from the robot itself, maintaining simplicity while enabling intelligent navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where images of the pool bottom are continuously captured, processed to detect uncleaned areas, and used to adjust the robot's trajectory in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures the robot adapts to actual cleaning needs, maximizing coverage efficiency without requiring complex onboard processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning robot uses fixed trajectory patterns, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning thoroughness deteriorates due to missed areas
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time image capture and processing provide feedback on actual cleaning coverage, allowing the system to detect and navigate to uncleaned areas. This dynamic adjustment ensures complete coverage without requiring pre-programmed complex trajectories, achieving high precision through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own image capture capability to identify areas needing cleaning and autonomously adjusts its trajectory to address them. The robot essentially guides itself based on visual feedback about its cleaning progress, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex preset patterns.
3Area of stationary object
If the cleaning robot operates for extended periods to cover all areas, then the cleaned area increases, but the device reliability deteriorates due to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
By continuously monitoring cleaning progress through image capture and processing, the system identifies and prioritizes uncleaned areas, enabling targeted navigation that completes the cleaning task faster. This reduces total operation time and associated wear, extending device lifespan while ensuring complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively identifies uncleaned areas through image analysis and adjusts the trajectory in advance to address them efficiently. This prevents unnecessary movements and extends operation time beyond what would be needed with fixed patterns, reducing total runtime and wear.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus to be immersed in the pool, the system further comprising at least one moving image acquisition means secured to a float via a flexible tie.