Robot Cleaner Pattern Replication Using Manual Cleaning Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot cleaners do not adapt their cleaning patterns to reflect user preferences or manual cleaning methods, leading to inefficiencies and unsatisfactory cleaning experiences.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a UWB module to record and store user cleaning patterns with a manual cleaner, allowing a robot cleaner to replicate these patterns by storing coordinates, suction force levels, and dust sensor data, enabling the robot cleaner to mimic the user's cleaning path and method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a robot cleaner performs cleaning automatically without user intervention, then productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because it cannot reflect user cleaning patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidadaptation to user cleaning patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the user manually clean the space first with a handheld cleaner, during which the cleaning pattern (coordinates, suction force, dust sensor data) is recorded and stored. This preliminary manual cleaning creates a template that the robot cleaner subsequently follows, allowing the robot to adapt to user preferences without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The robot cleaner copies the user's cleaning pattern by storing the coordinates, suction force levels, and dust sensor data generated during manual cleaning, then reproducing this exact pattern during automated cleaning operations. This copying approach allows the robot to mimic user behavior precisely, solving the adaptability problem while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the robot cleaner uses basic cleaning modes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as it cannot replicate user-specific cleaning methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-specific cleaning pattern replicationVSAvoidcleaning control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing complex adaptive algorithms, the system uses a simple copying mechanism where the robot cleaner stores and reproduces the exact cleaning pattern (coordinates, suction force, dust sensor data) from manual cleaning. This approach achieves high adaptability with minimal device complexity by literally copying user behavior rather than attempting to understand or replicate it through complex processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the user's own cleaning actions to generate the programming data. The user inadvertently programs the robot by performing manual cleaning, and the system automatically stores this pattern for future replication, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures or user training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the robot cleaner stores detailed cleaning pattern information, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to data storage requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning pattern information storageVSAvoiddata storage capacity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential cleaning pattern information needed for replication: coordinates, suction force levels, and dust sensor data. By taking out only these specific parameters rather than storing all possible cleaning data, the system achieves high adaptability while minimizing data storage requirements and avoiding information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4026468B1Robot cleaner and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4026468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026468B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026468B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a robot cleaner control method comprising: a first step of storing information related to cleaning during which a manual cleaner cleans while being moved by a user; a second step in which the information, stored in the first step, is transmitted to a robot cleaner; and a third step in which the robot cleaner cleans according to the information.