Adaptive sensor array system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic cleaners face challenges in maintaining accurate object detection over time due to debris accumulation on sensor arrays and bumpers, leading to false trigger conditions and reduced cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive sensor array system with a controller that adjusts object detection threshold values based on calculated signal values during calibration periods, determining whether the robotic cleaner is moving along a predetermined path, and adjusting thresholds to prevent false triggers by increasing sensitivity when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the robotic cleaner uses fixed object detection threshold values, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to debris accumulation causing false triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of object detection threshold values by the sensor array controller based on environmental conditions and sensor performance degradation. The controller continuously adapts thresholds to maintain detection accuracy despite debris accumulation, transforming fixed parameters into dynamic ones that respond to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the sensor array controller monitors detection signals and adjusts threshold values based on detected patterns indicating debris accumulation. This closed-loop feedback ensures measurement precision is maintained by automatically compensating for sensor degradation without requiring manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If the robotic cleaner increases sensor sensitivity to detect small obstacles, then measurement precision improves, but false trigger conditions increase due to debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes detection threshold parameters based on environmental conditions and sensor performance. By adjusting threshold values rather than maintaining fixed high sensitivity, the system achieves both high obstacle detection capability and reduced false triggers from debris, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array controller implements dynamic threshold adjustment that adapts sensitivity levels in real-time. When debris accumulation is detected, the controller modifies threshold parameters to distinguish between actual obstacles and debris-induced signals, maintaining both sensitivity and reliability through continuous adaptation.
3Measurement precision
If the robotic cleaner uses a large sensor array to improve detection coverage, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor array controller multi-functional by enabling it to perform both signal processing and adaptive threshold adjustment. This single controller handles multiple functions including data acquisition, signal analysis, threshold adaptation, and decision-making, reducing the need for additional specialized components while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the threshold adjustment functionality into the existing sensor array controller rather than adding separate control systems. By combining multiple functions in a single controller unit, the patent achieves enhanced detection precision without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive sensor array system and method includes receiving one or more signals from a sensor array and compare the received signals to one or more object detection threshold values, determining if the robotic cleaner was moving along a travel path for a predetermined period of time, window W, in response to a determination that the robotic cleaner was operating in straight-line motion during the window W, calculating a value of the received detected signals from the sensor array during one or more calibration periods C of the window W, and adjusting one or more of the object detection threshold values based on the calculated value during the window W. A sum of all the calibration periods C during window W is less than a length of the window W. One of the calibration periods C may start at a beginning of the window W.