Robotic Vacuum Map Editing for User-Defined Zone Cleaning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning appliances lack user flexibility in adjusting cleaning operations and parameters, as they automatically adjust without allowing individual user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method where users can manually edit a map with positional information to define surface zones, assign cleaning tasks, and specify cleaning intensity and frequency based on contamination levels, allowing active user control over the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaning appliance automatically adjusts cleaning operations based on detected contamination levels, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but user flexibility and individual control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic and manual control modes. The cleaning appliance can operate in automatic mode where it adjusts cleaning operations based on detected contamination levels, or switch to manual mode where users can individually configure cleaning parameters for specific zones. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for efficiency when appropriate while preserving user control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where contamination detection results are communicated to the user, who can then review and adjust cleaning parameters accordingly. The user receives information about detected contamination levels and can provide feedback to modify the cleaning plan, creating a closed-loop system that balances automatic optimization with user oversight and flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning appliance automatically adjusts cleaning parameters without user intervention, then operational simplicity is improved, but user control and customization options are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between automatic operation with full user control and fully manual configuration modes. Users can choose to review and adjust cleaning parameters for specific zones based on detected contamination, or let the system operate automatically. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different user preferences and situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service capabilities where the cleaning appliance automatically detects contamination and prepares cleaning plans, but simultaneously offers users the ability to review and modify these plans. The user can access zone-specific information and adjust parameters without needing to manually inspect every area, combining automatic assistance with selective user control.
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning appliance processes all surface zones with uniform intensity, then operational simplicity is improved, but risk of damage to sensitive areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cleaning area into multiple zones and allows different cleaning parameters to be assigned to each zone. Sensitive areas can be identified and configured with reduced cleaning intensity or special protection settings, while other areas receive standard or intensified cleaning as needed. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by enabling zone-specific optimization that protects sensitive areas while maintaining operational simplicity through automated zone management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the operation of a cleaning appliance automatically moving within an environment, wherein the cleaning appliance cleans a surface in accordance with a predetermined work schedule, wherein at least one level of contamination of the surface is determined, and a cleaning task is controlled as a function of the level of contamination. In order to make the cleaning operation more flexible and individual, the level of contamination is entered on a map associated with positional information of the environment, wherein a user undertakes editing of the map, that is to say, defines on the map surface zones of the surface and manually assigns a cleaning task of the cleaning appliance to at least one surface zone.