Robot cleaner and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaner technologies lack detailed control mechanisms for anterior and posterior robot cleaners to accurately recognize and align their positions at the beginning of cleaning, leading to potential collisions and inefficient cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A method where robot cleaners use cameras to recognize each other's positions by comparing feature points in captured images, and adjust their travel distances based on horizontal direction travel distances to prevent interference while cleaning together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robot cleaners start cleaning without accurate position recognition, then cleaning can begin immediately, but collisions may occur between cleaners
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary position recognition and alignment actions before cleaning starts. The controller executes a position recognition process that captures images, identifies feature points, and calculates relative positions between cleaners before the cleaning operation begins, ensuring safe initial positioning without delaying the overall cleaning start
2Reliability
If detailed position recognition and alignment control is implemented, then collision prevention improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an optical recognition system. The controller uses image capture devices to detect feature points in the environment and calculates relative positions between cleaners through image processing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms while achieving accurate position recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the environment through image capture and uses this copied information for position recognition. By capturing images and identifying feature points in the captured images, the system determines relative positions without requiring direct physical measurement or complex mechanical interaction between cleaners
3Productivity
If multiple robot cleaners clean in the same space, then cleaning coverage increases, but interference between cleaners occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality into the cleaning system by enabling multiple cleaners to operate simultaneously in the same space. Through position recognition and alignment control based on captured images and feature points, the system manages the spatial relationships between cleaners, allowing them to navigate and clean different areas of the same environment without interference
Data Source
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Figure 5(a)~5(c)
AI summary
Provided is a method for controlling a robot cleaner including a map sharing operation of sharing map information transmitted from a further cleaner to the robot cleaner, an image transmitting operation of transmitting an image captured by the further cleaner to the robot cleaner, a determining operation of identifying, by the robot cleaner, position information of the further cleaner by comparing the image transmitted from the further cleaner with an image captured by the robot cleaner, and a travel operation of performing, by the robot cleaner, cleaning while traveling along the further cleaner.