Robot cleaner and robot cleaner control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners lack the ability to determine whether obstacles on the ground can be climbed over or entered, due to the placement of lidar sensors, which limits their efficiency and convenience in navigation and cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner equipped with a first and second light source and an optical sensor that computes the height or overhang height of obstacles by emitting and sensing light data, allowing the machine to adjust its operation based on the detected height, enabling it to climb over or pass by obstacles effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lidar is placed on a higher position of the robot cleaner, then the robot cleaner can detect large obstacles such as sofa or wall, but the robot cleaner cannot detect small obstacles on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple light sources positioned at different heights. The first light source detects large obstacles while the second light source detects small obstacles on the ground. This segmentation allows each light source to specialize in detecting specific types of obstacles, resolving the contradiction between detecting large obstacles from a high position and detecting small obstacles on the ground.
2Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner uses a single light source for obstacle detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the robot cleaner cannot compute height or overhang height of obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the detection system by placing light sources at different heights. The first light source is positioned at a higher location to detect large obstacles, while the second light source is positioned lower to detect small obstacles on the ground. This dimensional arrangement enables the system to compute both height and overhang height of obstacles, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner continuously computes obstacle height, then the cleaning accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the first light source to operate only when the processing circuit determines an obstacle exists in the predetermined region. The second light source operates continuously or periodically to detect obstacle presence. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to compute obstacle height accurately when needed, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy consumption.
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
Enhances the convenience and accuracy of cleaning operations by allowing the robot cleaner to accurately assess and navigate around obstacles, improving its cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor, configured to sense first optical data generated according to the first light
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner comprises a first light source, an optical sensor, a processing circuit and a second light source. The first light source emits first light. The optical sensor senses first optical data generated according to the first light. The processing circuit computes a height or an overhang height of an obstacle based on the first optical data. The second light source emits second light. The optical sensor senses second optical data generated according to the second light. The processing circuit determines whether the obstacle exists in the predetermined region or not based on the second optical data.