Robot Cleaner Camera Illumination Control for Multi-Mode Traveling

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robot cleaners require multiple cameras for different traveling modes, increasing manufacturing costs and limiting functionality with fixed camera settings unable to capture the necessary images for various modes using a single camera.

Innovation Solution

A robot cleaner equipped with a single camera that adjusts its illumination settings dynamically to capture images suitable for multiple traveling modes, including SLAM and monitoring, by alternately changing between first and second illumination values to classify and execute different traveling modes based on detected illumination requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple cameras are provided for different traveling modes, then image quality for various functions is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single camera to perform multiple functions that previously required separate cameras. The camera captures images for both SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and monitoring purposes by dynamically adjusting illumination settings, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cameras and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the camera's illumination settings adjustable and changeable based on the required function. The controller dynamically modifies illumination parameters such as exposure time, gain, or intensity to capture suitable images for different traveling modes, transforming a static single-camera system into a dynamic multi-functional system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed camera set values are used for different traveling modes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various traveling modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera configurationVSAvoidtraveling mode compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the camera's illumination settings adjustable and changeable based on the required function. The controller dynamically modifies illumination parameters such as exposure time, gain, or intensity to capture suitable images for different traveling modes, transforming a static single-camera system into a dynamic multi-functional system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying illumination-related parameters (exposure time, gain, intensity) of the camera to adapt to different traveling modes. This allows a single camera to capture images with different characteristics suitable for SLAM, monitoring, and other functions without requiring multiple fixed-configuration cameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single camera is used with fixed illumination settings, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture images for multiple traveling modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera systemVSAvoidimage capture capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the camera's illumination settings adjustable and changeable based on the required function. The controller dynamically modifies illumination parameters such as exposure time, gain, or intensity to capture suitable images for different traveling modes, transforming a static single-camera system into a dynamic multi-functional system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying illumination-related parameters (exposure time, gain, intensity) of the camera to adapt to different traveling modes. This allows a single camera to capture images with different characteristics suitable for SLAM, monitoring, and other functions without requiring multiple fixed-configuration cameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11759075B2Cleaner and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A cleaner performing autonomous traveling includes a main body, a driving unit moving the main body, a camera capturing an image around the main body at every preset period, and a controller selecting at least one of a plurality of traveling modes and controlling the driving unit and the camera to perform the selected traveling mode, wherein the controller changes a set value related to illumination of the camera while the camera is continuously capturing images.