Robot and robot control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning robots face challenges in navigating complex environments due to the lack of clear boundaries, leading to potential damage or incorrect navigation when virtual walls are not accurately identified, resulting in user interventions and incomplete automation.
Innovation Solution
A robot system that detects virtual walls using multiple detection components and adjusts signal thresholds to accurately identify and navigate around virtual walls, ensuring the driving wheel remains outside the restricted area by setting two different signal thresholds and adjusting the traveling path based on the virtual wall signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single signal threshold is used to identify virtual walls, then the navigation system is simple, but the robot may incorrectly identify virtual walls or fail to recognize them accurately in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single signal threshold into multiple thresholds (first signal threshold and second signal threshold) to segment the identification process. The first threshold is used for initial virtual wall identification, while the second threshold is used for confirming the driving wheel's position relative to the virtual wall. This segmentation improves identification accuracy by reducing false positives and enabling more nuanced decision-making in complex environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses a fixed traveling path, then the control system is simple, but the robot cannot adapt to virtual walls discovered during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic path adjustment mechanism where the robot's traveling path is modified in real-time based on virtual wall detection. When a virtual wall is identified during operation, the controller dynamically generates a new traveling path that avoids the detected virtual wall. This dynamic adaptation enables the robot to handle unexpected obstacles while maintaining relatively simple control logic through predefined path modification rules.
3Extent of automation
If the robot operates with basic navigation, then the system is simple, but user interventions are required when virtual walls are not accurately identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robot continuously detects virtual wall signals during operation and uses this information to adjust its traveling path. The detection component provides real-time feedback about virtual wall presence, and the controller processes this feedback to make autonomous navigation decisions. This closed-loop feedback system significantly improves automation reliability by enabling the robot to self-correct its path when virtual walls are detected, eliminating the need for user intervention in most cases.
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 system effectively prevents the robot from entering undesired regions by accurately identifying virtual walls and adjusting its path, reducing user interventions and enabling automated cleaning in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
detect a virtual wall signal via a detection component
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a controller configured to: detect a virtual wall signal; identify a virtual wall according to a signal threshold and the virtual wall signal; and when the virtual wall is identified, adjust the signal threshold, and control the robot to travel along an outer side of the virtual wall according to an adjusted signal threshold and the virtual wall signal, such that a driving wheel of the robot is located at the outer side of the virtual wall when the robot is traveling along the outer side of the virtual wall; wherein the outer side of the virtual wall is a side of the virtual wall within an active region of the robot.