Warm-Interaction Robot Control for Surface Temperature Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots designed to interact with users and provide warmth face increased power consumption when surface temperature control is constant, and intermittent temperature control disrupts user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with sensors to detect user presence and surface temperature, controlling actions to avoid interaction until the target temperature is reached, using displacement mechanisms like arm and head movements to indicate warmth status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot constantly controls surface temperature to maintain warmth, then user comfort is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot implements periodic temperature control by alternating between heating periods and non-heating periods. The control unit determines whether to execute heating control based on accumulated time in non-heating states, creating a rhythmic heating pattern that reduces overall power consumption while still providing warmth during user interaction periods
2Use of energy by moving object
If the robot turns temperature control on and off for energy saving, then power consumption is reduced, but user interaction comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot uses feedback from the temperature sensor and user presence detection to dynamically adjust heating control. When a user is detected approaching or present, the system prioritizes heating to ensure warmth during interaction. The control unit accumulates time in non-heating states and uses this feedback to determine when to resume heating, creating an adaptive response that balances energy saving with user comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs preliminary heating actions before user interaction is expected. By accumulating time data during non-heating periods and predicting when heating should resume, the system prepares the heating function in advance to ensure the robot is warm when the user arrives, rather than waiting for temperature to drop completely
3Reliability
If the robot maintains constant temperature control, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot implements partial temperature control by heating only during necessary periods rather than continuously. The control unit uses a simplified approach of accumulating time in non-heating states and comparing against a threshold, rather than implementing complex real-time temperature regulation algorithms, achieving adequate warmth with simpler control logic
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 the robot to interact with users in a warm state, reducing power consumption and maintaining user comfort by avoiding disruptive temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to detect a surface temperature of the robot
Data Source
AI summary
A technique in which a robot interacts with a user in a warm state is provided. The robot includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on presence or approach of a user and information on a surface temperature of the robot; and an action control unit configured to instruct to perform an action that temporarily avoids interaction with the user in a case where the surface temperature of the robot does not reach a target temperature when the presence or approach of the user is detected.