Vacuum Robot Multi-Sensor Theft Detection to Reduce False Alarms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum robots in public or commercial spaces are at risk of theft, and existing theft detection systems often trigger false alarms or fail to deter theft effectively due to their reliance on single event detection rather than cumulative data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum robot equipped with a control device that processes data from wheel deflection, rotation, and environmental sensors to emit an acoustic alarm and activate a locking mechanism only when multiple irregularities are detected, thereby minimizing false alarms and ensuring the robot is rendered unusable if theft is confirmed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single event detection system is used for theft detection, then the system is simple and responds quickly, but it triggers false alarms frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection means (wheel rebound detection, rotation detection, wrapping state detection) that each monitor specific parameters. This segmentation allows the system to break down the complex theft detection task into simpler sub-tasks while maintaining high reliability through cumulative evidence collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection actions by continuously monitoring multiple parameters before triggering an alarm. Data acquisition means collect evidence in advance (wheel position, rotation state, wrapping status) and the control device evaluates cumulative irregularities before activating the alarm device, preventing premature or false alarms.
2Reliability
If multiple data acquisition means are used to reduce false alarms, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it processes data from various detection means, evaluates cumulative irregularities, determines when theft has occurred, and activates the alarm device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, managing complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection functions (wheel rebound detection, rotation detection, wrapping state detection) are merged into a unified detection system where the control device integrates data from all sources. This combining approach allows the system to leverage multiple data streams for improved reliability without requiring completely separate independent systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot is locked after theft detection to prevent further use, then theft deterrence is maximized, but the robot becomes unusable even for authorized purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is activated as a preliminary anti-action to prevent further theft attempts or unauthorized use after theft has been detected. The system proactively locks the robot to neutralize potential harm before it can occur, while the alarm device provides advance warning that may deter the thief before locking engages.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm device serves as an intermediary between theft detection and locking activation. It provides a warning that gives authorized users an opportunity to intervene or clarify the situation before the locking device renders the robot completely unusable, thus balancing security with operational flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a robotic vacuum cleaner for autonomous cleaning of floor surfaces of a room, comprising at least one means for recording data relating to the rebound of the robotic vacuum cleaner's wheels and/or to the interruption of a connection with charging contacts, and at least one means for recording data relating to the rotation of the robotic vacuum cleaner about a horizontally oriented axis of rotation and/or to a translational movement of the robotic vacuum cleaner in a perpendicular direction with respect to its direction of movement during vacuuming operation and/or to an enclosing state of the robotic vacuum cleaner by means of a container, and at least one control device by means of which the recorded data are processed.To provide a robotic vacuum cleaner where the risk of theft is minimized, the invention proposes that the control unit, based on the acquired data, detects an attempted theft and activates an alarm device to emit an acoustic signal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for detecting an attempted theft of a robotic vacuum cleaner designed for the autonomous cleaning of floor surfaces in a room.