Robot Cleaner Obstacle Detection Using Dual Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners face difficulties in detecting and avoiding obstacles that are spaced apart from the floor, such as steps, leading to potential collisions and inefficiencies in cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-driving cleaner equipped with a first and second pattern irradiation unit for projecting light patterns and a camera for image capture, allowing the control unit to detect obstacles above the floor and adjust the cleaner's movement accordingly, including speed reduction, rotation, and distance maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general obstacle detection technology is used for avoiding obstacles on the floor, then the robot cleaner can avoid obstacles placed on the floor, but it cannot detect or avoid obstacles spaced apart from the floor (such as steps or kitchen sink structures)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends obstacle detection from the traditional two-dimensional floor plane to a three-dimensional space by adding vertical detection capability. The sensing unit is configured to detect obstacles not only on the floor but also at elevated positions, enabling the robot to perceive obstacles in the vertical dimension and avoid collisions with structures like steps and kitchen sinks.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit is divided into multiple sensing elements or zones that can detect obstacles at different heights and positions. This segmentation allows the system to independently detect and process information about obstacles on the floor versus obstacles spaced apart from the floor, improving both detection reliability and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner uses traditional floor-level obstacle sensors, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision for obstacles above the floor is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting obstacles on the floor, detecting obstacles spaced apart from the floor, and providing positional information for navigation. This multi-functional sensing system improves measurement precision for various obstacle types without requiring entirely separate detection systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing mechanism that receives signals from the sensing unit and determines whether detected objects are obstacles on the floor or obstacles spaced apart from the floor. This intermediary layer enables precise classification and measurement of different obstacle types while managing system complexity through centralized processing.
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 solution enables precise navigation and thorough cleaning, reducing uncleaned areas and enhancing user satisfaction by effectively avoiding obstacles above the floor level.
Implementation Method 1
a first pattern irradiation unit arranged on a front surface of the main body, for radiating light in a predetermined pattern towards a front lower side of the main body, a second pattern irradiation unit arranged on the front surface of the main body, for radiating light in a predetermined pattern towards a front upper side of the main body
Implementation Method 2
a camera arranged on the front surface of the main body, for capturing, at a preset interval, an image comprising a first light pattern formed by the first pattern irradiation unit and a second light pattern formed by the second pattern irradiation unit
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to achieve the objective of the present invention, the present invention presents a self-driving cleaner comprising: a main body for driving in a cleaning area and sucking a foreign material on the floor in the cleaning area; a driving unit for moving the main body within the cleaning area; a first pattern irradiation unit arranged on the front surface of the main body, for radiating light in a preset pattern towards the front lower side of the main body; a second pattern irradiation unit arranged on the front surface of the main body, for radiating light in a preset pattern towards the front upper side of the main body; a camera arranged on the front surface of the main body, for capturing, at a preset interval, an image comprising a first light pattern formed by the first pattern irradiation unit and a second light pattern formed by the second pattern irradiation unit; and a control unit for determining whether a first obstacle exists at a location upwardly spaced apart from the floor, by using the image captured by the camera.