Robot cleaner system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners lack precise measurement of relative position between users and devices, leading to inconvenient and imprecise operation, especially when used wirelessly without direct line of sight, limiting their functionality and user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner system that includes a remote control device with a camera to generate mapping information between actual and virtual regions, allowing for precise location-based services and wireless control without direct user observation, using recognizable marks and LED lighting for external design preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot cleaner is operated wirelessly without direct line of sight, then user convenience is improved, but operation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces recognition marks as intermediary elements that mediate between the camera and the robot cleaner for position measurement. These marks serve as intermediate reference points that enable precise relative position measurement even when direct line of sight to the robot cleaner is blocked, thus resolving the contradiction between wireless operation convenience and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct robot cleaner imaging to recognition mark imaging. By measuring the position and orientation of recognition marks (which are easier to detect reliably) and converting these measurements to robot cleaner position information, the system achieves precise measurement without requiring direct line of sight to the robot cleaner itself
2Measurement precision
If recognition marks are provided on the robot cleaner for position measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but external design is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making recognition marks selectively visible only when needed. The marks are positioned on specific local areas of the robot cleaner (such as the upper surface) and can be made visible through localized lighting or activation, allowing the rest of the external design to remain undisturbed and aesthetically pleasing while still providing measurement functionality where required
3Measurement precision
If LED lighting is activated for recognition mark visibility, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating LED lighting only during specific periods when recognition is needed (such as when the robot cleaner is being controlled or when position measurement is required). The lighting is turned off during other periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while ensuring sufficient visibility for measurement when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The robot cleaner's lighting system serves itself by automatically activating only when position measurement and control operations are being performed. The system detects when recognition marks need to be visible and activates lighting accordingly, eliminating the need for continuous operation and reducing energy waste
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 intuitive and elaborate control of robot cleaners, enhancing user satisfaction and convenience by providing precise location-based services and allowing wireless operation without damaging the external design.
Implementation Method 1
generates mapping information between an actual region and a virtual region based on image information generated by a camera on the robot cleaner
Implementation Method 2
using recognizable marks and LED lighting for external design preservation
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a robot cleaner system comprising a robot cleaner configured to perform cleaning, while driving automatically; a recharging base for the robot cleaner; and a remote control device configured to perform remote-control of the robot cleaner, wherein the remote control device generates mapping information between an actual region and a virtual region based on image information generated by a camera on the robot cleaner and a region near the robot cleaner or image information generated by a camera on the recharging base and a region near the recharging base.