Obstacle sensor system and autonomous device using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous devices, such as robotic cleaners, face challenges in efficiently detecting obstacles and differentiating between reflected light from obstacles and optical signals from external devices, which can complicate navigation and increase device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical pattern generator that emits light around the device and an optical receiver capable of distinguishing between reflected light from obstacles and optical signals from external devices, allowing the device to alter its movement behavior based on detected light patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensor systems are used for obstacle detection and external signal recognition, then detection reliability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting reflected light from obstacles and recognizing optical signals from external devices. By making the sensor system universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor systems, thereby reducing device size and cost while maintaining detection reliability through software-based signal differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines obstacle detection and external signal recognition into a single integrated sensor system. The optical receiver processes both types of signals by analyzing temporal patterns and characteristics, merging previously separate functions into one unified system that reduces hardware complexity
2Device complexity
If the optical receiver detects both reflected light and optical signals, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by modulating the optical signal from external devices at specific frequencies and detecting these periodic patterns in the received light. The controller identifies optical signals by their characteristic periodic modulation, while reflected light from obstacles lacks this periodic pattern, enabling precise differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously analyzes the temporal characteristics and intensity patterns of received light signals. By comparing detected patterns against known characteristics of optical signals versus reflected light, the system achieves accurate differentiation and maintains measurement precision
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
This solution enables autonomous devices to effectively navigate around obstacles while reducing size and cost by using a single sensor system for obstacle detection and external signal recognition, enhancing their ability to differentiate between obstacle reflections and external signals.
Implementation Method 1
Light defining the optical pattern is incident on obstacles within the surrounding environment. At least a portion of the incident light is reflected back towards the robotic cleaner such that the reflected light is incident on the optical receiver
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver configured to detect light
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic cleaner may include a body, an optical receiver, the optical receiver being configured to detect an optical signal generated by an external device, and an optical pattern generator configured to emit light according to an optical pattern that extends at least partially around the body, wherein, when the optical pattern intersects an obstacle, at least a portion of the light incident on the obstacle is reflected towards the optical receiver, the optical receiver being configured to detect the reflected light.