Mobile Robot Light Signaling for Travel Abnormality Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomously movable mobile robots lack effective means to clearly notify their surroundings of traveling abnormalities, such as contact with a wall, which can lead to unforeseen situations and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a light-emitting unit capable of emitting different light patterns based on the determination of a traveling abnormality, using sensors to detect contact with objects and communicate via wireless communication, allowing the robot to stop movement and notify the surroundings of the abnormal state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the mobile robot uses conventional notification methods, then the robot can indicate its presence, but it cannot clearly notify the surroundings of traveling abnormality states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using different light emission colors (e.g., red, yellow, green) to represent different traveling states. When an abnormality is detected, the light-emitting unit changes its emission color to clearly notify the surroundings of the abnormal state, making the notification intuitive and easily distinguishable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light in different patterns (e.g., continuous, intermittent, blinking) depending on the traveling state. This periodic variation in light emission creates distinct visual signals that clearly communicate different states to the surroundings.
2Productivity
If the mobile robot continues movement after detecting an abnormality, then the robot maintains productivity, but potential damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the sensor continuously monitor the traveling environment and feed this information back to the control system. When an abnormality is detected, the control system receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the robot's movement, stopping or modifying it to prevent damage while maintaining overall productivity through proper abnormality management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting abnormalities before they can cause significant damage. The sensor system proactively identifies potential issues (such as obstacles or environmental hazards), and the control system takes preventive action by adjusting movement in advance, thereby preventing harmful effects before they occur.
3Loss of information
If the mobile robot uses simple light emission patterns, then the notification system is simple, but it cannot clearly distinguish different traveling states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light emission control into distinct segments or modes, each corresponding to a specific traveling state. The control system selects and activates the appropriate light emission pattern segment based on the current state, providing clear visual distinction without requiring complex simultaneous control of multiple patterns.
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 clear notification of traveling abnormalities and prevents further issues by stopping the robot when an abnormality is detected, ensuring safety and preventing potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
The mobile robot includes a light-emitting unit. The control system is configured to control the light-emitting unit to emit light in different light emission patterns depending at least on whether a determination result indicates that there is an abnormality or there is no abnormality.
Implementation Method 2
The mobile robot may include a sensor configured to detect contact of an object with an outer periphery of the mobile robot. The control system may be configured to determine that there is the abnormality in the traveling state when the sensor detects that an object is in contact with the mobile robot.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system controls a system including an autonomously movable mobile robot. The mobile robot includes a light-emitting unit. The mobile robot is configured to determine the traveling state of the mobile robot associated with a traveling environment of the mobile robot, and to control the light-emitting unit to emit light in different light emission patterns depending at least on whether the determination result indicates that there is an abnormality or there is no abnormality.