Robot Cleaner 3D Obstacle Sensing With Rotating Elevation Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners face inaccuracies in obstacle detection due to indirect distance measurement methods, particularly when the floor is uneven, and struggle to recognize three-dimensionally disposed obstacles like thresholds and furniture with space underneath.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner equipped with a rotatable and vertically movable location sensor that emits light, uses a triangulation method to accurately measure distances by emitting a laser beam and capturing reflections with an image sensor, allowing for three-dimensional mapping and obstacle recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect distance measurement using sensors to observe ceiling or floor is used, then the robot cleaner can measure traveling distance, but distance error from obstacles occurs due to uneven floor or scattering of infrared rays/ultrasonic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical/optical measurement methods (infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors that measure distance by observing ceiling or floor) with direct visual observation using an image sensor. This substitution eliminates the intermediate measurement steps that cause errors due to floor unevenness or wave scattering, achieving more reliable and accurate obstacle distance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image sensor as an intermediary device that directly captures visual information of obstacles. Instead of using the ceiling or floor as an intermediary reference point (which causes errors on uneven surfaces), the image sensor provides a direct visual pathway to obstacles, eliminating the problematic intermediary measurement approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If typical robot cleaners use simple sensor-based distance measurement, then the device complexity is low, but they cannot recognize three-dimensionally disposed obstacles such as thresholds and furniture with space underneath
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional sensor measurements (distance from ceiling or floor) to three-dimensional visual mapping using an image sensor. By capturing images and processing them to create depth information and spatial relationships, the system can recognize obstacles in three dimensions, including thresholds and furniture with space underneath, which were invisible to simple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the obstacle detection task into multiple image capture phases (approach phase, retreat phase, and intermediate phases) and processes images to identify different types of obstacles. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex three-dimensional obstacle scenarios by breaking down the detection process into manageable visual analysis steps.
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 precise obstacle detection and three-dimensional mapping, enabling the robot cleaner to accurately navigate and avoid obstacles, including those with complex geometries, by controlling its movement based on detailed spatial information.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that senses the light emitted from the light transmitting unit and reflected or scattered by an obstacle
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that senses the light emitted from the light transmitting unit and reflected or scattered by an obstacle
Implementation Method 3
uses a triangulation method to accurately measure distances by emitting a laser beam and capturing reflections with an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes a main body, a light transmitting unit, an image sensor, a base, a rotation drive unit, and an elevation drive unit. The light transmitting unit emits light. The light reflected or scattered by an obstacle is sensed by the image sensor. The base supports the light transmitting unit and the image sensor and is rotatably and vertically movably disposed in the main body. The rotation drive unit rotates the base. The elevation drive unit allows the base to retract or protract from the main body.