Robot Cleaner Remote Control Using Camera-Based Position Mapping
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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 intuitive touch input control, enabling wireless operation without direct observation, and maintaining an unaltered external design through the use of LED lighting as recognition means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot cleaner provides wireless remote control functionality, then user convenience is improved, but the ability to precisely measure relative position between user and robot is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of recognition marks on the robot cleaner. These images are then processed to calculate the robot's position and orientation relative to the user. This intermediary imaging system enables precise position measurement while maintaining wireless remote control capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or sensor-based position measurement systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using complex mechanical encoders or direct communication sensors, the system uses a camera to capture visual information of recognition marks, then computationally determines position. This substitution enables precise measurement without compromising wireless operation convenience.
2Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner uses recognition marks on its external surface, then position measurement is improved, but the external design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies recognition marks with specific local characteristics (distinctive patterns, colors, or shapes) at specific locations on the robot cleaner's exterior. These localized features are designed to be visually distinct for accurate camera detection while minimizing impact on the overall aesthetic design. The recognition marks serve their measurement function without requiring a complete redesign of the external appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot cleaner allows remote control without direct line of sight, then user flexibility is improved, but operational precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures images of the robot cleaner, and the system processes these images to determine the robot's real-time position and orientation. This feedback information is used to adjust remote control commands, enabling precise operational control even when the user is not in direct line of sight. The feedback loop maintains operational precision while allowing greater user flexibility.
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.