Robot Boundary Detection Using a Single Ultrasonic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving robots require multiple sensors to detect obstacles and boundaries, increasing development time, cost, and size due to the need for separate algorithms and manufacturing of each sensor type.
Innovation Solution
A moving robot utilizing a single ultrasonic sensor module with filters to extract obstacle and noise signals from sound waves, allowing for accurate detection of boundaries and obstacles without additional sensors, by analyzing sound wave signals to determine distances and frequencies related to boundary wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (ultrasonic sensor for obstacles and magnetic field sensor for boundaries) are used to detect obstacles and boundaries separately, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity, manufacturing cost, and robot size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting both obstacles and boundary wires. By analyzing the reflected ultrasonic signals, the system can identify obstacles through their acoustic properties and detect boundary wires through their characteristic reflection patterns, eliminating the need for separate magnetic field sensors while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the obstacle detection function and boundary detection function into a single ultrasonic sensor system. The controller integrates the processing of ultrasonic signals to simultaneously identify both obstacles and boundary wires, merging what were previously separate detection systems into one unified sensor approach
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and separate algorithms are used for obstacle and boundary detection, then detection reliability is improved, but development time and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single ultrasonic sensor system is designed to reliably perform both obstacle detection and boundary wire detection through unified signal processing algorithms, reducing development time by eliminating the need to develop, test, and integrate separate detection systems while maintaining reliable performance for both functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are installed on the robot, then detection capability is improved, but robot size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor system is designed to provide versatile detection capability for both obstacles and boundaries using a single sensor unit, significantly reducing the space required in the robot's sensor array while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities through intelligent signal analysis
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
This approach reduces computational burden, manufacturing costs, and robot size by enabling correct boundary recognition and obstacle detection using a single sensor, eliminating the need for additional sensors and simplifying control systems.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor unit which emits the sound wave and receives the sound wave which hits a target and is returned to output a sound wave signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A moving robot includes a body, a traveler which moves the body, an ultrasound sensor module which detects a boundary of a cleaning area using a sound wave, and a controller which controls the traveler based on the boundary of the cleaning area detected by the ultrasonic sensor module, in which the ultrasound sensor module includes an ultrasonic sensor unit which emits the sound wave and receives the sound wave which hits a target and is returned to output a sound wave signal, and a boundary detector which analyzes the sound wave signal output from the ultrasonic unit to detect the boundary of the cleaning area.