Pool Cleaning Path Planning Using Image-Based 3D Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaning robots require users to measure pool sizes and shapes using laser range finders, leading to tedious procedures, low efficiency, and high costs due to the complexity of varying pool geometries.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a terminal device to collect environmental data, including images and laser point cloud data, to create a three-dimensional model of the pool, which is then used to plan an efficient cleaning path for an unmanned cleaning device, reducing the need for manual measurement and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laser range finder measurement methods are used to determine pool parameters, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser range finder measurement system with an image processing-based measurement system. The terminal device captures images of the pool environment, and the processor automatically extracts pool parameters (length, width, depth, shape) through image analysis algorithms, eliminating the need for manual laser measurement operations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service measurement by automatically analyzing pool parameters from captured images without requiring user intervention in the measurement process. The processor autonomously identifies pool boundaries, calculates dimensions, and determines cleaning paths based on the analyzed parameters, making the entire process self-service oriented.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual measurement and path planning procedures are used, then cleaning path accuracy can be ensured, but cleaning efficiency decreases due to tedious procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-planning the cleaning path based on automatically analyzed pool parameters before the actual cleaning operation begins. The processor generates the optimal cleaning path in advance using the pool dimensions and shape information extracted from images, so that when cleaning starts, the path is already determined and ready for execution, improving efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual path planning with automated computer-based path generation. The processor uses algorithmic methods to calculate the optimal cleaning path based on the pool's geometric parameters, replacing tedious manual planning procedures while ensuring accurate and efficient cleaning path determination.
3Measurement precision
If professional measurement equipment is required for pool cleaning setup, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by capturing optical images of the pool environment with a standard camera and creating a digital representation of the pool geometry. Instead of using complex measurement equipment, the system copies the visual information and processes it to extract accurate pool parameters, replacing expensive professional measurement tools with common imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement equipment (laser range finders, tape measures) with an optical imaging system and computational processing. The terminal device's camera captures images, and software algorithms extract dimensional information, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with simpler optical and computational components.
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 simplifies the pool cleaning process by allowing users to collect data and plan cleaning paths through a client application, increasing efficiency and reducing costs by automating the data collection and path planning for various pool shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a plurality of groups of environmental data including images of the pool
Implementation Method 2
the processing module is configured to, based on the plurality of groups of environmental data, determine a three-dimensional model of the pool
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for cleaning a pool are provided, being applied to a client application installed in a terminal device. The method includes: modeling the pool according to information of the pool collected by the terminal device to determine a three-dimensional model of the pool; receiving a cleaning result on the pool sent by an unmanned cleaning device coupled with the terminal device, and displaying the cleaning result in the client application, wherein a cleaning route of the unmanned cleaning device is determined by the terminal device according to the three-dimensional model; and receiving feedback on the cleaning result, and adjusting a path planning of the unmanned cleaning device based on the feedback.