Robot Virtual Boundary Detection Using Surface Indentation Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for confining robotic devices, such as physical barriers, navigation systems, and cables, are inefficient, impractical, and require substantial setup or memory, making them unsuitable for consumer use in various locations.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device equipped with a line laser diode and image sensor detects predefined surface indentation patterns to generate virtual boundaries, allowing it to confine its movement within an environment without the need for physical barriers or extensive reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical barriers are used to confine robotic devices, then the robot is blocked from entering restricted areas, but the barriers encumber routine movement and require substantial setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical barriers with a virtual boundary system detected by optical sensors. The robot uses an image sensor to detect boundary components (such as colored tapes or markers) and receives signals from a base unit to determine virtual boundaries, eliminating the need for physical walls or barriers while maintaining confinement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces boundary components (visual markers or tapes) as intermediaries between the robot and the restricted area. These components serve as detectable signals that define the virtual boundary without physically blocking the robot's path, allowing the robot to navigate freely while still being confined to authorized areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If navigation systems with stored maps are used, then the robot can travel along predetermined paths, but large amounts of memory are required and reprogramming is needed for each location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the robot to autonomously detect and identify boundary components in its environment using an image sensor, rather than relying on pre-stored maps or external programming. The robot self-determines its location and boundaries by processing visual information from the environment, making the system adaptable to any location without requiring memory storage or reprogramming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the memory-based navigation system with an optical detection system. Instead of storing map data in memory and comparing current position against stored information, the robot uses an image sensor to directly detect boundary components and receive signals from a base unit, eliminating the need for large memory capacity and complex map management.
3Measurement precision
If cables or wires are installed to define boundaries, then the area boundary is clearly marked, but installation is difficult and they pose tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cables or wires with visual boundary components that can be detected by the robot's image sensor. These boundary components (such as colored tapes, markers, or painted lines) provide clear visual definition of the boundary without requiring complex installation procedures or posing tripping hazards, as they are detected optically rather than physically.
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 efficient and flexible confinement of robotic devices by using existing environmental features as boundaries, reducing setup complexity and memory requirements, and allowing adaptive operation in different locations.
Implementation Method 1
A robotic device equipped with a line laser diode and image sensor detects predefined surface indentation patterns
Implementation Method 2
capturing, with a sensor disposed on the robot, sensor data of objects within an environment of the robot
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects include a method for operating a robot, including: capturing, with a sensor disposed on the robot, sensor data of objects within an environment of the robot as the robot moves within the environment; identifying, with a processor, at least a first object among a plurality of objects within the environment based on the sensor data; generating, with the processor, a virtual boundary adjacent to a location of the at least the first object; and actuating the robot to avoid crossing locations within the environment corresponding with the virtual boundary.