Vision-Guided Device Charging Using Service Point Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack the ability to efficiently and autonomously service and charge electronic devices installed in hard-to-reach locations, such as those found in shopping malls, universities, and airports, as they require manual intervention or specialized tools for maintenance and charging.
Innovation Solution
A service rendering system equipped with an image sensor controller that captures a service label image to determine the location and type of service required, allowing the system to autonomously navigate and render services, including charging, at the designated service point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention or specialized tools are used to service electronic devices in hard-to-reach locations, then the devices can be serviced, but the process requires human technicians and specialized tools, reducing efficiency and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous self-service by equipping the service robot with image sensors to capture service label images, automatically recognize service points through image processing, and navigate to locations without human intervention. The service robot independently completes device servicing tasks including charging, eliminating the need for human technicians to physically access hard-to-reach locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical servicing with an automated vision-based system. The image sensor controller captures and processes service label images to automatically determine service point locations, substituting human visual inspection and manual navigation with optical detection and automated control systems.
2Reliability
If human technicians are deployed to service devices in hard-to-reach locations, then devices receive maintenance, but the process is time-consuming and requires scheduling special services
Solution Approach 1:
The service robot autonomously performs servicing operations by capturing service label images, processing them to identify service points, and executing charging or maintenance tasks without requiring human technician deployment. This enables continuous availability for servicing devices in hard-to-reach locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Service labels are pre-placed at or near the service points on devices, containing encoded location information. The system performs preliminary recognition by capturing these pre-positioned labels, enabling rapid identification and navigation to service points without time-consuming manual searching or positioning.
3Extent of automation
If stationary robotic arms are used for servicing objects, then automated service can be provided, but the robotic arms cannot move to service objects in wider or open areas
Solution Approach 1:
The service robot transitions from stationary robotic arms to a mobile autonomous platform that can dynamically navigate to service points throughout the facility. The system uses image-based service point recognition to adapt its movement and servicing operations to various locations, enabling both automation and versatility across wide or open areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile service robot provides universal servicing capability across diverse locations and device types. By combining autonomous navigation with image-based service point recognition, a single mobile platform can service multiple devices in various hard-to-reach locations, replacing the need for multiple stationary robotic systems.
4Reliability
If service points are located in hard-to-reach places or high locations, then devices can be installed in secure or optimized positions, but manual servicing becomes difficult and requires special accessing tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual physical access with vision-based detection and automated navigation. The image sensor controller captures service label images from hard-to-reach locations, processes them to determine service point positions, and guides the mobile robot to these locations, eliminating the need for human technicians to physically access difficult positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Service labels act as intermediaries between the service robot and the service points on devices. The labels are placed at or near service points in hard-to-reach locations, serving as detectable markers that enable the robot to identify and navigate to service points without requiring direct visual or physical access to the devices themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for charging an electric device by a service rendering system, a controller of the service rendering system receives an image that includes a label corresponding to the electric device, captured by an image sensor. The controller obtains a service point location included in the label and calculates a service point position of an electric charging input of the electric device using the service point location. The controller renders an electric charging service at the service point position of the electric charging input.