Robot cleaner and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners require separate infrared transceivers for intrusion detection, making them expensive and structurally complex, with restrictive positioning and vulnerable communication systems that can be disrupted by changes in the detection unit's location.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner equipped with an image acquisition unit, a cleaner communication unit, and a controller that determines events based on acquired images, allowing it to move to a monitoring standby position and transmit images to a remote terminal, eliminating the need for separate detection units and infrared transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate detection unit and infrared transceiver are installed for intrusion detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection unit, infrared transceiver, and robot cleaner into a single integrated device. The robot cleaner itself serves as the detection platform, eliminating the need for separate detection units and infrared transceivers. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot cleaner is designed to perform multiple functions: cleaning and intrusion detection. The same device that cleans floors also serves as a mobile detection platform with camera and sensor capabilities, allowing it to detect intruders and transmit images remotely without requiring dedicated detection equipment.
2Reliability
If the robot cleaner is positioned for infrared communication with the detection unit, then communication is enabled, but positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner transitions from a static detection platform to a dynamic mobile device. It can autonomously navigate to optimal positions for both cleaning and detection, and adjust its location as needed. The wireless communication system maintains reliable connection regardless of the robot's moving position within the space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the robot cleaner and the remote terminal. This wireless intermediary enables flexible positioning by eliminating the need for fixed physical connections or specific alignment requirements, allowing the robot to move freely while maintaining communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the detection unit position is changed by external force, then adaptability is improved, but communication with the robot cleaner is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system acts as a flexible intermediary that can accommodate position changes. Unlike fixed infrared communication requiring specific alignment, the wireless system maintains connection stability even when the robot cleaner or detection points are repositioned, supporting adaptability without compromising communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a robot cleaner includes recognizing information on a monitoring standby position by a robot cleaner, moving to the monitoring standby position at a monitoring start time by the robot cleaner, acquiring an image, by an image acquisition unit of the robot cleaner, at the monitoring standby position, determining whether an event has occurred, by the robot cleaner, based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit, transmitting the image acquired by the image acquisition unit to an external remote terminal when it is determined that the event occurred.