Robot Vacuum Optical Sensing for Cliff and Floor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto clean machines lack mechanisms to determine the existence of cliffs and surface types, requiring manual user input for operation, which is inefficient and not adaptable to varying environments.
Innovation Solution
An auto clean machine equipped with a first and second light source and an optical sensor, where the control circuit analyzes optical data to automatically determine the presence of cliffs and surface types by activating and de-activating the light sources based on variation thresholds, allowing for adaptive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user input is used for surface type determination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The auto clean machine automatically determines surface types and detects cliffs using onboard sensors (optical sensors, light sources) and control circuits, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system serves itself by autonomously gathering environmental data and making operational decisions based on detected surface characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods with optical sensing systems. Light sources emit light that reflects off surfaces, and optical sensors detect the reflected light patterns to automatically determine surface types and cliff presence, substituting human operation with optical-mechanical detection.
2Reliability
If manual user input is required for cliff determination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously detects cliffs by analyzing optical data from sensors without requiring user intervention. The control circuit automatically processes sensor inputs to identify cliff edges and height differences, ensuring reliable operation in varying environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensors continuously monitor the environment and provide feedback to the control circuit. When cliff-like structures are detected through optical pattern analysis, the system receives immediate feedback and adjusts its operation accordingly, improving reliability through continuous environmental monitoring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic surface type determination is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system serves multiple functions: it determines surface types (carpet, hard floor, etc.), detects cliff edges, and provides environmental information for navigation. This multi-functional approach enables the machine to adapt to various surfaces and conditions using a single integrated sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different surfaces by analyzing changes in optical parameters such as light reflection intensity, pattern, and characteristics. The control circuit processes these parameter variations to automatically adjust operational settings suitable for each surface type detected.
4Productivity
If optical sensors and light sources are added for automatic detection, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light sources and optical sensors into an integrated detection system that works together with the control circuit. This merged system simultaneously performs surface type determination and cliff detection, improving productivity through automated environmental assessment without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 automatic detection of cliffs and surface types, eliminating the need for manual user input and ensuring optimal operation based on the environment, thereby improving the machine's functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source, configured to emit first light; a second light source, configured to emit second light
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor, configured to sense optical data generated according to reflected light of the second light or according to reflected light of the first light
Data Source
AI summary
An auto clean machine, comprising: a chassis; a first light source, configured to emit first light; a second light source, configured to emit second light; an optical sensor, configured to sense optical data generated according to reflected light of the second light or according to reflected light of the first light; and a control circuit, configured to analyze optical information of the optical data; wherein if the first light source is activated, the second light source is de-activated and the control circuit determines variation of the optical information is larger than a variation threshold, the control circuit changes the first light source to be non-activated and the second light source to be activated.