Robot Charging Base Localization Using Infrared Grid Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for self-moving robots to locate charging bases are either inaccurate or require additional sensors, increasing costs and hindering user experience and product adoption.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing infrared signal emitters and receivers, where the self-moving robot constructs a charging base locating area based on received infrared signals, updates statistical values of locating grids, and determines the charging base position through a preset mapping relation, without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors such as Laser Radar (LDS) device are used to locate the charging base, then the locating accuracy is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses infrared signals as a simplified copy or alternative to complex laser radar systems. Instead of employing expensive LDS devices, the system creates an infrared-based virtual model of the charging base location, achieving adequate locating accuracy through a lower-cost optical signal approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex sensors with inexpensive infrared signal emitters and receivers. These infrared components are significantly cheaper than Laser Radar devices while providing sufficient functionality for charging base location, making the system more economically viable
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are used to assist in locating the charging base, then the locating accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared signal emitters on the charging base serve multiple functions: they mark the charging base location and provide directional guidance information to the robot. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining locating accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The charging base itself generates the infrared signals for location detection, making the system self-describing. The charging base actively provides its own location information through infrared emission, eliminating the need for the robot to carry complex active sensing equipment
3Device complexity
If existing locating methods are used without additional sensors, then the cost is reduced, but the locating accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the infrared signal emission into multiple directional segments using multiple infrared signal emitters positioned at different locations and angles on the charging base. This segmentation creates a spatial pattern that the robot can decode to determine precise location and orientation, improving accuracy without adding complex sensors to the robot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement to two-dimensional angular and positional encoding by arranging infrared emitters in specific spatial configurations. The robot detects the angular distribution of infrared signals to determine its position relative to the charging base, adding a dimensional aspect to the location information
4Device complexity
If existing locating methods are used without additional sensors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locating accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging base is pre-configured with multiple infrared signal emitters arranged in specific patterns before operation. This preliminary setup creates a built-in location encoding system that passively provides accurate location information to the robot, eliminating the need for complex active sensing while improving locating 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 approach improves the accuracy and efficiency of charging base location, reducing costs and enhancing user experience by allowing real-time positioning and efficient base returning without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
the charging base including infrared signal emitters which are configured to emit infrared signals to form signal areas; and the self-moving robot including: a driving unit configured to drive the self-moving robot to move, infrared signal receivers configured to receive the infrared signals emitted by the infrared signal emitters
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system for locating a charging base of a self-moving robot and method for locating a charging base of a self-moving robot. A position of the charging base can estimated according to a charging base locating area constructed when the self-moving robot receives infrared signals of the charging base, meanwhile, the position of the charging base which is estimated can be continuously adjusted according to a relationship between the charging base locating area and infrared signal receivers when the infrared signals are received in the subsequent motion process of the self-moving robot.