Robot Sensor Calibration via Autonomous Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots face performance deterioration due to mechanical distortion of sensors from external impacts, leading to a decrease in service quality without effective calibration mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A robot system that autonomously moves to a predetermined point, performs calibration on sensors based on image comparisons, and stores calibration data to ensure high-quality sensing data, using a processor to identify mechanical distortions and apply calibration data to improve sensor performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the robot operates continuously without calibration, then productivity is maintained, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to mechanical distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot performs calibration in advance at predetermined points before sensor distortion significantly impacts service quality. The processor identifies when calibration is needed based on usage time or task completion, and proactively moves the robot to a predetermined calibration point to perform calibration before reliability deteriorates below acceptable thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The robot performs calibration periodically based on predetermined time intervals or after completing a predetermined number of tasks. The processor monitors operation duration and task counts, triggering calibration cycles at regular intervals to maintain sensor reliability without requiring continuous calibration that would halt productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the robot performs calibration frequently, then sensor reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to calibration interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing data qualityVSAvoidcalibration interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robot performs calibration only when necessary based on processor determination, rather than continuously or at every possible opportunity. The processor evaluates whether calibration is needed based on predetermined criteria (time intervals, task counts), performing calibration only when the threshold is met, thus avoiding unnecessary calibration interruptions while maintaining adequate reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The robot autonomously determines when calibration is needed and performs calibration independently without requiring external intervention or continuous monitoring. The processor automatically tracks usage parameters, decides when calibration thresholds are met, executes the calibration process, and returns to service, minimizing human involvement and calibration-related time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the robot moves to predetermined points for calibration, then manufacturing precision is improved through calibration, but device complexity increases due to movement control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidmovement control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The predetermined calibration points serve multiple functions: they are locations where the robot can reliably perform sensor calibration, and they can also serve as regular operational locations or charging points. By making calibration points multi-functional rather than dedicated solely to calibration, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of movement control by automatically determining when calibration is needed, controlling the robot's movement to calibration points, and coordinating the calibration process. This centralizes control logic in the processor, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring precise calibration execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4235577B1Robot, system comprising the robot and a user terminal, and control method therefore
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4235577B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4235577B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4235577B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A robot is provided. The robot includes a plurality of sensors, a memory, a driving unit, and a processor configured to, based on identifying that a predetermined event occurs, control the driving unit to move the robot to a predetermined point, based on identifying that the robot has moved to the point, obtain a plurality of images through the sensors, identify whether to perform calibration for at least one sensor based on the obtained images, based on identifying to perform the calibration for the sensor, obtain calibration data for calibrating sensing data corresponding to the sensor based on the obtained images and store the obtained calibration data in the memory, based on the sensing data being obtained from the sensor, calibrate the obtained sensing data based on the calibration data stored in the memory, and control the driving unit based on the calibrated sensing data.