Adaptive sensor array system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic cleaners face issues with debris accumulation on sensors and bumpers leading to false object detection triggers, affecting navigation efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive sensor array system with an algorithm that adjusts object detection thresholds based on signal strength analysis during predetermined travel paths, using calibration periods to account for debris accumulation and ensure accurate navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the robotic cleaner uses fixed object detection thresholds, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to debris accumulation on sensors causing false triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of object detection thresholds through calibration periods. During these periods, the sensor array controller adjusts thresholds based on current signal values from sensors, allowing the system to adapt to debris accumulation on sensors and bumpers. This dynamic adjustment maintains detection accuracy without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array controller performs self-calibration by automatically adjusting detection thresholds based on signals received during calibration periods. The system monitors its own sensor performance and autonomously compensates for debris accumulation, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex manual calibration while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the robotic cleaner frequently adjusts detection thresholds, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to calibration periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic calibration periods at predetermined intervals during the robotic cleaner's operation. This periodic adjustment maintains detection accuracy without requiring continuous calibration, balancing measurement precision with operational efficiency. The calibration periods are scheduled in advance and do not interrupt the overall cleaning task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration during designated calibration periods before normal operation resumes. By preparing the detection thresholds in advance during these scheduled periods, the system ensures accurate detection during cleaning operations without time loss during actual cleaning tasks.
3Reliability
If the robotic cleaner operates without adaptive threshold adjustment, then productivity is high with continuous cleaning, but reliability deteriorates due to false object detection triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration during scheduled calibration periods to adjust detection thresholds before normal cleaning operations resume. This preliminary adjustment ensures reliable navigation and accurate obstacle detection during cleaning tasks, preventing false triggers that would interrupt productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array controller uses feedback from sensor signals during calibration periods to adjust detection thresholds. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains accurate detection capabilities and reliable navigation by continuously adapting to sensor conditions without significantly interrupting cleaning operations.
Data Source
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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.