Robot Interaction Detection via Multi-Axis Acceleration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots lack the ability to accurately distinguish between being picked up and hugged by a user, limiting their expressive capabilities and interaction with users, particularly in scenarios where arms or legs would impede rotation.
Innovation Solution
A robot with a spherical housing equipped with drive wheels, a counterweight mechanism, and an acceleration sensor that determines its state by analyzing acceleration values in three axis directions, allowing it to differentiate between being picked up and hugged by a user through specific threshold and variation criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the robot uses simple acceleration threshold detection, then the detection system is simple, but the robot cannot accurately distinguish between being picked up and hugged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional threshold detection to multi-dimensional analysis by examining acceleration values across three axes (X, Y, Z) and analyzing temporal patterns. The control circuit evaluates acceleration variations over time periods and compares patterns across different axes, adding temporal and spatial dimensions to the detection process to distinguish between pickup and hug states.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors acceleration sensor output and adjusts its determination of interaction states based on ongoing analysis of acceleration patterns. The system uses feedback from the acceleration values and their variations over time to refine its detection of whether the robot is being picked up or hugged, enabling accurate distinction between these states.
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
Enables the robot to react appropriately to user interactions, enhancing its expressiveness and user engagement by accurately sensing when it is being hugged, thereby improving its emotional expression and interaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor that senses acceleration in three axis directions, an up-and-down axis direction, a front-and-back axis direction, and a left-and-right axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
In a robot, after a first value indicating acceleration in the up-and-down axis direction output from an acceleration sensor exceeds a certain threshold value, when any of the first value indicating the acceleration in the up-and-down axis direction, a second value indicating the acceleration in the front-and-back axis direction, and a third value indicating the acceleration in the left-and-right axis direction is determined to exhibit variation exceeding a certain width for a fixed period, the robot determines that a housing of the robot is being held by a user.