Robot Cleaner Sound Source Detection for Ambient Noise Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot cleaners lack the ability to accurately detect the direction and position of sound sources and recognize specific event sounds amidst ambient noise, limiting their effectiveness in monitoring situations and responding to abnormal events.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner equipped with a sound input unit using multiple microphones to differentiate between event and environmental sounds, a control unit to determine the sound source's direction and position, and a communication unit to transmit information, allowing for precise sound recognition and automated response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to detect sound source direction and position, then sound recognition precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound detection function into multiple independent microphones positioned at different locations. Each microphone independently captures sound signals, and the control unit processes signals from multiple microphones to determine sound source direction and position through signal comparison and time difference analysis, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex detection device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple microphones and their signal processing functions into an integrated sound recognition system. The control unit merges signals from multiple microphones, performs correlation analysis, and determines sound source characteristics, achieving improved precision while managing system complexity through unified control
2Reliability
If sound recognition function is updated using ambient sound, then sound recognition reliability is improved, but loss of time for updating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary sound recognition function updates by collecting and analyzing ambient sounds during normal operation periods. The control unit accumulates sound data and updates recognition models in advance, so that when actual sound detection is needed, the system already has refined recognition capabilities, reducing the time loss associated with updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous sound recognition function updates by continuously collecting ambient sound data during robot operation. The control unit continuously refines the sound recognition model based on accumulated data, making the update process ongoing rather than periodic, thereby maintaining reliability improvement without significant time interruption to the robot's useful functions
3Loss of information
If robot cleaner moves to detected sound source position, then monitoring capability is improved, but productivity for cleaning tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial movement to sound source positions rather than complete relocation. When a sound source is detected, the robot cleaner moves partially toward the sound source to capture image information or verify the situation, then returns to its cleaning task. This partial action provides sufficient monitoring capability while minimizing disruption to cleaning productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic sound detection and selective movement rather than continuous movement. The control unit periodically checks for sound sources during cleaning operations and only triggers movement when abnormal sounds are detected. This periodic approach maintains monitoring capability while ensuring that cleaning tasks proceed uninterrupted during normal periods
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
Enables robust and precise sound recognition, enabling the robot cleaner to move towards detected sound sources, capture image information, and provide alerts via a communication network, enhancing monitoring capabilities and preventing blind spots, with potential applications in security and safety services.
Implementation Method 1
a sound input unit having one or more microphones, and configured to receive an ambient sound
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a robot cleaner, and a method for controlling the same. Firstly, a sound source direction and a sound source position may be detected by one or more microphones, e,g., three microphones, and a specific event sound may be recognized. Then, the recognized specific event sound may be output to a cleaner body in the form of a message, or may be provided via a communication network. This can allow the circumstances to be easily monitored. Secondly, a sound recognition function may be updated using an ambient sound, for sound recognition from background noise and environmental noise, in a robust and precise manner. This can enhance a sound recognition rate, and improve stability and efficiency. Thirdly, the robot cleaner may be moved to a detected direction or position of a sound source with respect to an event sound. Then, image information may be detected, or whether an abnormal situation has occurred or not may be determined. Such information may be provided via a communication network.