Robot Route Driving Using Braille Blocks for Reliable SLAM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomously driving robots face challenges in accurately determining their position and surrounding geographic features, leading to SLAM errors when there are no visible features in their environment, which can result in unsafe navigation.
Innovation Solution
The use of braille blocks as stable geographic features that can be easily recognized by detection sensors, allowing the robot to perform SLAM and navigate safely without requiring expensive equipment, by driving along or bypassing these blocks based on their arrangement and pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual sensing means photographs in front, rear, left, right, and upward directions to perform SLAM, then the robot can generate a map and estimate location, but SLAM errors occur when no geographic features are visible in these directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces braille blocks as intermediary objects that serve as reliable geographic features for SLAM. These blocks are placed on the ground and detected by the robot's sensors, acting as a mediator between the robot's visual sensing system and the environment, enabling accurate localization even when other geographic features are absent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses braille blocks as simplified copies of geographic features that can be easily detected and processed. Instead of requiring complex natural geographic features, the system uses standardized braille block patterns that can be reliably recognized and used for SLAM operations
2Measurement precision
If the robot drives along braille blocks to perform SLAM, then positioning accuracy improves, but the robot may collide with or damage the braille blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining safe driving paths relative to braille blocks. The robot identifies braille block positions in advance and plans its trajectory to maintain an appropriate distance, preventing collision before it occurs. The system also pre-identifies braille blocks that can be stepped over when necessary to reach the target
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating virtual safety zones around braille blocks in the robot's navigation system. These cushioning zones prevent the robot from driving too close to or onto braille blocks, protecting them from damage while still allowing the robot to use them for SLAM positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses conventional visual sensing for SLAM, then it can navigate in environments with visible geographic features, but it fails to accurately determine position in environments without such features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making braille blocks serve multiple functions: they act as both accessibility aids for visually impaired pedestrians and as geographic features for robot SLAM operations. This multi-functionality allows the robot to use the same environmental objects for navigation in diverse settings, improving both adaptability and positioning accuracy
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
This method enables accurate and cost-effective SLAM, reduces the risk of robot damage and ensures safety by using recognizable braille blocks to determine the robot's position and navigate through environments with minimal impact.
Implementation Method 1
The detection sensor may be provided as a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a driving method of a robot including setting a driving route based on a map held by the robot, driving the robot along a set driving path, checking, by the robot, whether braille blocks for a visually impaired person are around the driving route using the detection sensor while the robot is driving, and driving, by the robot, along the braille blocks when the braille blocks are around the driving route. The robot may transmit and receive radio signals on a mobile communication network established according to 5G communication.