Robot Cleaner Liquid Detection Using Dynamic IR Sensing Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners struggle to accurately detect liquid on the floor, leading to potential contamination spread and damage, as they lack effective methods for precise liquid detection.
Innovation Solution
The robot cleaner employs an IR light source, IR receiver, and processors to control the detection of liquid using two modes: a first mode with a fixed period and a second mode with a variable period based on distance from the liquid, adjusting the detection frequency as it approaches the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner uses a fixed period for liquid detection (first mode), then the detection process is simple and energy-consuming less, but the detection precision and responsiveness deteriorate when approaching liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic detection period adjustment by switching between two detection modes. In the first mode, a fixed detection period is used for normal operation. When liquid is detected, the system transitions to the second mode where the detection period is dynamically adjusted based on the distance to the liquid, increasing detection frequency as the robot approaches the liquid. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple fixed-period detection during normal operation while enabling precision-focused variable-period detection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection period parameter based on operational conditions. In the first mode, a standard detection period is used. Upon detecting liquid, the system switches to the second mode where the detection period is modified according to the distance between the robot cleaner and the liquid, creating a shorter period when closer to enhance detection precision. This parameter change strategy allows the system to adapt detection characteristics to operational needs without permanent system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner increases detection frequency when approaching liquid (second mode), then the liquid detection precision improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic detection actions with varying periods based on operational context. The first mode uses a standard detection period for routine operation, conserving energy during normal cleaning tasks. When liquid is detected, the system transitions to the second mode with adjusted periodic detection frequency based on distance to liquid, increasing detection rate only when necessary. This selective periodic action maintains energy efficiency while providing enhanced detection precision when approaching liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection frequency is dynamically adjusted rather than maintained at a constant high level. The system operates in a low-frequency first mode during normal operation, consuming less energy. Upon liquid detection, it dynamically switches to a second mode where detection frequency increases progressively as the robot approaches the liquid, based on real-time distance measurements. This dynamic adjustment ensures high detection precision only when needed, optimizing the balance between precision and energy consumption.
3Speed
If the robot cleaner uses a fixed detection period, then the system operation is simple, but the responsiveness to liquid changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary liquid detection using the first mode with fixed detection period during normal operation. When liquid is preliminarily detected, the system then switches to the second mode for more precise distance-based detection. This preliminary action in the first mode enables early warning of liquid presence, allowing the system to prepare for faster response without maintaining high detection frequency continuously, thus balancing responsiveness with time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system dynamically adapts its responsiveness based on operational context. The first mode provides baseline detection with fixed period for general operation. Upon detecting liquid, the system dynamically transitions to the second mode where detection period is adjusted according to distance, increasing responsiveness as the robot approaches the liquid. This dynamic behavior ensures high detection responsiveness when needed while avoiding excessive time loss during normal operation.
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 method enhances the robot cleaner's ability to accurately and efficiently detect and respond to liquid, minimizing contamination spread and potential damage by dynamically adjusting detection frequency based on proximity.
Implementation Method 1
output IR light using the IR light source... based on the IR light that is reflected by an object and received by the IR receiver
Implementation Method 2
based on the IR light that is reflected by an object and received by the IR receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes: an IR light source; an IR receiver; a driver; and one or more processors configured to: control the driver to move the robot cleaner through a space, output IR light using the IR light source while the robot cleaner moves through the space, and perform an operation of detecting liquid on a floor around the robot cleaner based on the reflected IR light received by the IR receiver, and to: perform the operation of detecting liquid in a first mode, based on the liquid being detected, change the robot cleaner to a second mode, and perform the operation of detecting liquid in the second mode. In the first mode, the operation of detecting liquid is performed based on a specific period. In the second mode, a period of the operation of detecting liquid is changed based on a distance between the robot cleaner and the liquid.