Robot Vacuum Obstacle Detection Using Adaptive Infrared Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners face challenges in accurately recognizing obstacles due to varying floor materials and environmental conditions, leading to potential collisions and increased cleaning time.
Innovation Solution
A self-driving cleaner equipped with a pattern irradiation unit, camera, and controller that adjusts reference brightness based on floor material and light pattern characteristics to optimize obstacle detection and avoidance, using a laser sensor to detect floor material information and adjust settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light pattern is used for obstacle detection, then the robot cleaner can detect obstacles in general conditions, but it fails to recognize the light pattern when the floor absorbs light or direct sunlight is strong
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength by using infrared light instead of visible light for pattern irradiation. Infrared light is not affected by floor absorption characteristics or strong sunlight conditions, allowing reliable obstacle detection across various environmental conditions. The infrared camera specifically detects infrared light patterns, creating a dedicated detection channel that avoids interference from ambient visible light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (infrared light) that mediates between the light source and the camera system. This intermediary enables detection in conditions where visible light fails, as infrared light has different interaction properties with floor materials and is not contaminated by sunlight. The infrared camera acts as a specialized receiver for this intermediary, creating a robust detection system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot cleaner uses fixed reference brightness for obstacle detection, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different floor materials and lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera detects the actual light pattern brightness, compares it with the reference brightness, and the controller adjusts the reference brightness accordingly. This closed-loop system automatically adapts to different floor materials and lighting conditions without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple sensors, achieving adaptability through simple comparative feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by using its own detection capability to set its own reference parameters. The camera detects the light pattern, the controller calculates appropriate reference brightness based on the detected values, and this self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external calibration or complex adaptive algorithms, maintaining system simplicity while achieving versatility.
3Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner reduces moving speed when brightness is low, then obstacle detection accuracy improves, but cleaning productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light brightness to infrared light pattern detection. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high obstacle detection accuracy without requiring speed reduction, because infrared detection is not affected by ambient lighting conditions. The system can operate at full speed while accurately detecting obstacles through infrared light patterns that are independent of sunlight or floor absorption characteristics.
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
Enhances obstacle recognition accuracy, reduces erroneous detections, and prevents collisions, thereby shortening cleaning time and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pattern irradiation unit, disposed on a front surface of the main body, for irradiating light in a predetermined pattern toward a lower front side of the main body
Implementation Method 2
a camera, disposed on the front surface of the main body, for photographing the front of the main body
Implementation Method 3
a laser sensor configured to detect information related to a material of the floor, and the controller may variably set the reference brightness based on an output of the laser sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A self-driving vacuum cleaner may include: a main body; a drive unit; a pattern irradiation unit, disposed on a front surface of the main body, for irradiating light; a camera, disposed on the front surface of the main body; and a controller for detecting a light pattern formed by the pattern irradiation unit using an image photographed by the camera, determining whether an obstacle exists in front of the main body on the basis of the brightness of the detected light pattern, and controlling the drive unit to pass or avoid the obstacle on the basis of the determination result.