Pool Cleaning Robot Navigation Using Floating Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool cleaning robots face challenges in efficiently covering and cleaning the entire surface of a swimming pool, particularly due to difficulties in controlling their movements to maximize the cleaned area over time.
Innovation Solution
A swimming pool cleaning system that includes a submerged cleaning device equipped with an image acquisition means, such as a video camera, attached to a float via a flexible tie. This system allows for the detection of unclean areas and modification of the cleaning device's trajectory based on acquired images, optimizing movement and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaning robot moves autonomously without image guidance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning coverage efficiency and area maximization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of external image capture devices (cameras) and a control unit that processes images to generate navigation commands. This intermediary acts as a mediator between the cleaning robot and the environment, enabling intelligent navigation without requiring complex sensors or processors within the robot itself. The control unit receives images, identifies cleaning areas, and sends trajectory commands to the robot, thus improving cleaning efficiency while keeping the robot's internal complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation systems (which rely on physical sensors, bump sensors, and complex onboard processing) with an optical-based image capture and processing system. Instead of using mechanical means to detect and navigate to cleaning areas, the system uses cameras to capture images and a control unit to process these images and determine optimal trajectories, substituting mechanical complexity with optical and computational approaches.
2Area of stationary object
If the cleaning device operates for extended periods to cover more area, then the cleaning coverage increases, but the wear and tear on the device increases, reducing its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where image capture devices continuously monitor the cleaning area and provide real-time information to the control unit. The control unit processes these images to determine which areas have been cleaned and which remain, then adjusts the robot's trajectory accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize cleaning paths, avoid redundant movements in already-cleaned areas, and minimize unnecessary operation time, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining high cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by using image capture devices to identify and map cleaning areas before the robot begins cleaning. The control unit analyzes images to pre-determine optimal trajectories and cleaning sequences, allowing the robot to efficiently navigate to the most needed areas first. This preliminary planning reduces unnecessary movements and operation time, extending device lifespan while maximizing cleaned area.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cleaning robots are used without image capture, then the device complexity is lower, but the ability to detect and respond to unclean areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture devices as intermediary tools to enhance detection accuracy without requiring complex sensors or processing units within the cleaning robot itself. The cameras capture visual information about the cleaning area, and the external control unit processes these images to identify unclean areas with high precision. This approach achieves superior detection accuracy while keeping the robot's internal complexity low, as the heavy processing burden is transferred to the external control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming pool cleaning system includes a pool cleaning robot, a floating device, a control unit, and a camera. The floating device is separated from the pool cleaning robot and includes an onboard power source for providing power to the pool cleaning robot. The camera is separated from the pool cleaning robot and is adapted to provide video data and/or image data to the control unit. The control unit may identify a location in a pool based on the video data and/or image data from the camera and generate moving instructions for controlling movement of the pool cleaning robot based on the identified location.