Touch Sensor Multi-Press Command Input for Autonomous Cleaning Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous cleaning devices lack a simple and intuitive way for users to issue spontaneous commands, leading to disruptive interactions and potential mapping errors due to collision detection misinterpretation.
Innovation Solution
Equipping cleaning devices with a touch sensor that triggers user commands upon multiple, rapid presses, distinguishing between collision detection and intentional user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch sensor is used for collision detection only, then the device can reliably detect obstacles, but the user cannot easily issue spontaneous commands without additional technology
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is designed to serve dual functions: collision detection and user command input. By detecting multiple rapid presses (n≥2) within a predetermined time period, the sensor distinguishes between accidental collisions and intentional user commands, enabling spontaneous control without requiring additional control devices or interfaces
2Ease of operation
If the robot interprets all touch sensor signals as collision detection, then obstacle avoidance is maintained, but user commands cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The system distinguishes between collision signals and user commands by changing the parameter of press frequency. When the touch sensor is pressed n times (n≥2) within a predetermined time period, it is interpreted as a user command rather than a collision, allowing reliable differentiation between the two types of inputs
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user kicks the robot to signal it to leave the room, then the user can express displeasure, but the robot misinterprets it as an obstacle and creates mapping errors
Solution Approach 1:
By requiring multiple rapid presses (n≥2) within a predetermined time period, the system can distinguish between a user kick (single or slow press) and an intentional command to leave the room (multiple rapid presses). This prevents misinterpretation of kicks as obstacles while still allowing users to express their intent to discontinue cleaning in the current area
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
AI summary
A method for operating a mobile, self-driving device (10), in particular a floor cleaning device, such as a vacuuming and/or sweeping and/or mopping robot, is described, wherein the mobile self-driving device (10) has at least one touch sensor (3) which is provided for detecting collisions of the mobile, self-driving device (10) with obstacles, and which, in addition to detecting collisions, triggers at least one user command when a user presses against the touch sensor (3) n times in a predetermined time period, where n>1.