Robotic Vacuum Gesture Control Using IMU for Intuitive Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern robotic vacuum cleaners have limited user input capabilities and small user interfaces, making it cumbersome for users to provide instructions, which can be non-intuitive and difficult to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an inertia measurement unit (IMU) to sense user-induced displacements, allowing the robotic cleaning device to determine characteristics of the displacement and set operational modes, such as 'reset' or 'wireless setup', without requiring operation of the user interface, using existing IMU hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional user interface (UI) is used for inputting instructions, then the device can receive user commands, but the UI size is small making it cumbersome to operate and the input data types are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic user interface system with a motion-based control system. The IMU sensor detects physical movements (shaking, lifting, rotating) of the device, and these mechanical actions are translated into digital commands. This substitution eliminates the need for a complex small-screen UI while maintaining command input capability, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the UI is made larger to improve operability, then user input becomes easier, but the device size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the visual-mechanical interaction of a large physical UI with a motion-detection system. The IMU-based motion recognition allows users to input commands through body movements (shaking, lifting, rotating) rather than manipulating a large physical interface. This maintains device compactness while dramatically improving ease of operation, resolving the contradiction between UI operability and device size.
3Ease of operation
If motion sensing is implemented to enable gesture-based control, then user interaction becomes more intuitive, but the requirement for additional sensors increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IMU sensor multi-functional by using it for both its original navigation/positioning functions and the new motion-based user interface function. The same sensor that tracks the device's location and orientation during cleaning operations is also used to detect user gestures for command input. This eliminates the need for separate gesture-sensing hardware, maintaining intuitiveness while avoiding additional device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the robotic device is lifted off the floor to provide input, then gesture-based control is enabled, but this may be confused with the device attempting to move autonomously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnitude and characteristics of acceleration detected by the IMU to distinguish between user-induced gestures and autonomous movement attempts. User gestures (lifting, shaking, rotating) produce specific acceleration patterns that differ from normal cleaning operations. By analyzing the excessive acceleration magnitude and pattern, the system can reliably differentiate user input from autonomous navigation commands, resolving the contradiction between gesture-based input and operational reliability.
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
Facilitates easier user interaction by allowing instructions to be provided through physical gestures, such as shaking or rotating the device, enabling intuitive operation and wireless setup without the need for complex UI interaction, enhancing user convenience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a displacement of the robotic cleaning device, determining a characteristic of the displacement of the robotic cleaning device
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic cleaning device having an inertia measurement unit and a controller. The inertia measurement unit is arranged to sense a displacement of the robotic cleaning device and the controller is arranged to determine a characteristic of the displacement of the robotic cleaning device, and to set the robotic cleaning device in an operational mode being associated with the determined characteristic of the displacement.