Robot cleaner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners are economically infeasible due to the separate use of obstacle sensors and camera units for obstacle detection and space recognition, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inaccurate position estimation.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner design that utilizes a single camera unit with a light source, reflector, and band pass filter to simultaneously detect obstacles and recognize the surrounding space, correcting its position using odometry information and images acquired by the camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate obstacle sensors and camera units are used for obstacle detection and space recognition, then detection functions are reliable, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the obstacle detection sensor and space recognition camera into a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor includes a lens, image sensor, and signal generator that work together to perform both obstacle detection and space recognition functions, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects obstacles by receiving reflected light and generates images for space recognition by capturing light from the surrounding environment. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate obstacle sensors and camera units
2Reliability
If separate obstacle sensors and camera units are used, then detection functions are reliable, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the obstacle detection and space recognition functions into a single sensor unit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability of detection functions through the coordinated operation of the lens, image sensor, and signal generator
3Ease of operation
If odometry information is used for position estimation, then navigation is simple, but position estimation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the image sensor to capture images of the surrounding environment and provides feedback to correct position estimation errors. The signal generator processes these images to determine actual position and orientation, then uses this information to correct the robot cleaner's estimated position, improving accuracy while maintaining navigation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical odometry with an optical-based position correction system. By using the image sensor to capture visual information and the signal generator to process this data for position correction, the system substitutes optical and computational methods for mechanical position tracking, significantly improving position estimation accuracy
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs by combining sensors and enhances position estimation accuracy, allowing the robot cleaner to efficiently navigate and clean environments.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source, reflected by the obstacle, and incident on a front of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a guide member configured to guide light incident on a top of the housing toward a second region of the lens different from the first region
Implementation Method 3
a band pass filter configured to limit a transmission of the light incident on the front of the housing to the image sensor to light having a predetermined wavelength
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes a housing; a light source configured to emit light toward an obstacle in front of the robot cleaner; a camera including a lens; a reflector configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source, reflected by the obstacle, and incident on a front of the housing toward a first region of the lens; and a guide member configured to guide light incident on a top of the housing toward a second region of the lens different from the first region.