Pet-Like Robot Control Using Viewing Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robots that interact with humans lack the ability to autonomously determine the viewing direction of a target and adapt their operations accordingly, limiting their ability to create a more endearing and natural interaction experience.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with a viewing direction determiner that detects the viewing direction of a target and controls its operations based on this determination, using a combination of image recognition and sensor data to execute interacting or solo operations, thereby simulating a real pet's behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses basic interaction operations without viewing direction determination, then the device complexity is low, but the endearing quality and naturalness of interaction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interaction operations are segmented into two distinct types: basic interaction operations and viewing direction-based interaction operations. The viewing direction determiner separately determines whether the viewing direction is toward the robot, and the operation controller selectively executes appropriate operations based on this determination. This segmentation allows the system to enhance endearing quality through context-aware operations while maintaining simplicity through clear functional separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot determines viewing direction and adapts operations accordingly, then the endearing quality improves, but the measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing direction determiner is designed with multi-functionality to detect various indicators of viewing direction including gaze direction, head orientation, and body posture. By universally detecting multiple types of directional cues simultaneously, the system accurately determines whether the target is looking at the robot without requiring complex specialized sensors for each type of detection, thus improving endearing quality while managing detection complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A more endearing robot includes an operation unit that causes the robot to operate, a viewing direction determiner that determines whether a viewing direction of a predetermined target is toward the robot or not, and an operation controller that controls the operation unit based on a result of determination by the viewing direction determiner.