Robot Cleaner Camera Illumination Switching for Multi-Mode Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners require multiple cameras for different traveling modes, increasing manufacturing costs and limiting functionality, as they struggle to obtain the necessary images for various modes using a single camera with fixed settings.
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, allowing it to perform both SLAM and monitoring traveling effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are used for different traveling modes, then image quality for various modes is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
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 its illumination settings between first and second values, eliminating the need for separate ceiling and front cameras while maintaining the reliability of image quality for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the illumination settings of the camera between first and second values based on the current traveling mode. The controller switches the camera's illumination parameter from a first value optimized for SLAM to a second value optimized for monitoring, allowing a single camera to adapt to different functional requirements and achieve the performance of multiple specialized cameras
2Ease of manufacture
If a single camera with fixed settings is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but functionality for multiple traveling modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the camera's illumination settings dynamic rather than fixed. The controller continuously monitors the current traveling mode and adjusts the camera's illumination value in real-time - using a first illumination value for SLAM mode and a second illumination value for monitoring mode. This dynamic adaptation enables a single camera to maintain versatility across multiple traveling modes while keeping the system simple and cost-effective
3Device complexity
If camera illumination is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to obtain required images for various modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated control system that autonomously adjusts the camera's illumination settings based on the current traveling mode. The controller automatically selects the appropriate illumination value (first or second) according to whether the cleaner is performing SLAM or monitoring functions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and enabling the single camera to self-adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining low device complexity
Data Source
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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.