Robot Vacuum Video Navigation for Edge-Following Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robotic devices face challenges in location detection and navigation, particularly in determining their position relative to edges and surfaces, which affects their ability to efficiently clean environments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a video camera system that provides information on edge detection, slope, intercept, and error values to the robotic device, allowing it to adjust its position and navigate along paths parallel to edges or maintain a specific distance from reference points, using this data to optimize cleaning routes based on environmental characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mobile robotic devices use traditional location detection methods, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to accurately detect edges and surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a video camera as an intermediary device to detect edges and surfaces. The camera captures visual information and provides data about edges, slopes, and intercepts, which the robotic device uses to determine its position and navigate without requiring complex built-in sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical location detection systems with a video-based optical system. Instead of using complex mechanical sensors and actuators for position detection, the system uses video camera footage and image processing to achieve accurate edge and surface detection
2Measurement precision
If mobile robotic devices use video camera for location detection, then the edge detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the video camera continuously provides information about edges and surfaces, the system processes this data to determine position, and then adjusts navigation based on this feedback. This closed-loop system improves position determination accuracy while keeping the control logic manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device uses its own video camera to detect and identify its position relative to edges and surfaces in its environment. The system serves itself by using onboard visual sensors to navigate without requiring external positioning infrastructure or complex pre-programmed maps
3Productivity
If mobile robotic devices navigate without accurate location detection, then the device complexity remains low, but the cleaning efficiency and effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The video camera acts as an intermediary that enables efficient cleaning by providing accurate location information. The camera data allows the device to navigate effectively along edges and surfaces, improving cleaning productivity without requiring the entire navigation system to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary edge detection and position determination using the video camera before executing cleaning operations. By detecting edges and determining position in advance, the device can plan its cleaning path efficiently, improving overall productivity while managing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.