KR20200035391A - A plurality of autonomous cleaner and a controlling method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to multiple autonomous cleaners. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first cleaner of the multiple autonomous cleaners includes: a driving unit which moves a main body; a communication unit that communicates with a second cleaner; and a control unit which determines the position of the second cleaner by using an ultra-wideband signal output from the communication unit, and sets information on an area to be cleaned by the first cleaner and the second cleaner based on the positions of the first cleaner and the second cleaner. The control unit controls the second cleaner based on information on a second area to be cleaned by the second cleaner.

Description

A PLURALITY OF AUTONOMOUS CLEANER AND A CONTROLLING METHOD FOR THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners.

A vacuum cleaner is a device that performs a cleaning function by inhaling dust and foreign substances or mopping. In general, the cleaner performs a cleaning function for the floor, and the cleaner includes a wheel for movement. In general, the wheel is rolled by an external force applied to the cleaner body to move the cleaner body relative to the floor.

However, in recent years, research on autonomous driving cleaners such as a robot vacuum cleaner that performs cleaning while driving by itself without a user's manipulation and a vacuum cleaner that moves by itself along a nozzle moved by the user's manipulation has been actively conducted.

As robot cleaners that perform cleaning while driving on their own without user manipulation have been developed, there is a need for development to clean a plurality of robot cleaners while collaborating with each other without user interaction.

An object of the present invention is to provide a robot cleaner and a control method thereof, in which a plurality of robot cleaners can perform cleaning in an optimized manner without user intervention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a robot cleaner and a control method thereof that can perform cleaning in an optimized manner by collaborating an area where a plurality of robot cleaners are divided.

Another object of the present invention, a plurality of robot cleaners do not share a map corresponding to a place where cleaning is performed, and a plurality of robot cleaners collaborate to perform cleaning of different areas in an optimized manner. It is possible to provide a possible robot cleaner and its control method.

As a first cleaner among a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving unit for moving the main body, a communication unit communicating with the second cleaner, and an ultra-wideband signal output from the communication unit are used for the second cleaner. And a controller configured to determine a location and set area information to be cleaned by the first and second cleaners based on the positions of the first cleaner and the second cleaner, wherein the second cleaner cleans the second cleaner. And controlling the second cleaner based on the second area information to be performed.

In an embodiment, the control unit performs cleaning in an area corresponding to the first area information to be cleaned by the first cleaner, and the second cleaner runs cleaning in an area corresponding to the second area information. It characterized in that to control the communication unit.

In an embodiment, the controller may perform cleaning of the first cleaner in an area corresponding to the first area information so that a distance between the first cleaner and the second cleaner is maintained within a preset distance. It is characterized by.

In an embodiment, the controller receives information related to cleaning performed by the second cleaner using the ultra-wideband signal, and updates the area information based on the received information.

In an embodiment, the control unit senses the driving path of the second cleaner using the ultra-wideband signal and reflects the sensed driving path of the second cleaner in the second area information.

In an embodiment, when the second cleaner completes cleaning the area corresponding to the second area information based on the sensed travel path of the second cleaner, the control unit cleans the second cleaner from the second cleaner. It characterized in that it receives information on whether or not to proceed through the communication unit.

In an embodiment, when receiving information from the second cleaner that cleaning can continue, the control unit changes the area information and, based on the changed area information, continues cleaning the second cleaner. It is characterized by.

In an embodiment, when the second cleaner receives information indicating that cleaning cannot be continued from the second cleaner after the second cleaner completes cleaning the area corresponding to the second area information, the control unit of the first cleaner It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the cleaning of the area corresponding to the first area information is completed.

In an embodiment, when the first cleaner is in the process of cleaning an area corresponding to the first area information, the control unit may wait for the second cleaner.

In an embodiment, when the first cleaner completes cleaning of an area corresponding to the first area information, and the second cleaner completes cleaning of an area corresponding to the second area information, It is characterized by setting new area information so as not to overlap with the existing area information.

According to the present invention, when cleaning a divided area using a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners, the first cleaner may control and clean the second cleaner even without sharing a map. Even if the specifications are not the same, collaborative cleaning using multiple autonomous cleaners is possible.

According to the present invention, the relative position of the second cleaner and the cleaning state of the second cleaner in the first cleaner among the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners are updated to update the map information (or area information to be cleaned by each cleaner), and By controlling the second cleaner by using, it is possible to perform optimized cooperative cleaning using a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners even if the map is not shared.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of an autonomous driving cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the autonomous driving cleaner shown in FIG. 1.
3 is a side view of the autonomous driving cleaner shown in FIG. 1.
4 is a block diagram showing exemplary components of an autonomous driving cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5A is a conceptual diagram illustrating network communication between a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5B and 5C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of network communication of FIG. 5A.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a representative control method of the present invention.
7 and 8 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the control method shown in FIG. 6.

Hereinafter, an autonomous driving cleaner according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical terms used in the present specification are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the spirit of the technology disclosed herein. It should be noted.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of an autonomous driving cleaner 100 according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the autonomous driving cleaner 100 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an autonomous driving cleaner shown in FIG. 1 It is a side view of 100.

In this specification, a mobile robot, an autonomous driving cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner performing autonomous driving may be used in the same sense. In addition, in the present specification, the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners may include at least some of the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 below.

1 to 3, the autonomous driving cleaner 100 performs a function of cleaning the floor while driving a certain area by itself. Cleaning of the floor referred to here includes inhaling the floor dust (including foreign matter) or mopping the floor.

The autonomous driving cleaner 100 may include a cleaner body 110, a cleaning unit 120, a sensing unit 130, and a dust container 140.

Various parts including a control unit (not shown) for controlling the autonomous driving cleaner 100 are installed or mounted on the cleaner body 110. In addition, the cleaner body 110 is provided with a wheel unit 111 for driving of the autonomous driving cleaner 100. By the wheel unit 111, the autonomous driving cleaner 100 may be moved or rotated back and forth, left and right.

Referring to FIG. 3, the wheel unit 111 includes a main wheel 111a and a sub wheel 111b.

The main wheel 111a is provided on both sides of the cleaner body 110, and is configured to be rotatable in one direction or the other according to a control signal of the control unit. Each main wheel 111a may be configured to be driven independently of each other. For example, each main wheel 111a may be driven by different motors. Alternatively, it may be driven by a plurality of different axes provided in one motor.

The sub-wheel 111b supports the cleaner body 110 together with the main wheel 111a, and is configured to assist driving of the autonomous driving cleaner 100 by the main wheel 111a. The sub-wheel 111b may also be provided in the cleaning unit 120 described later.

By controlling the driving of the wheel unit 111, the autonomous driving cleaner 100 is made to autonomously drive on the floor.

Meanwhile, a battery (not shown) for supplying power to the autonomous vehicle cleaner 100 is mounted on the cleaner body 110. The battery is configured to be rechargeable, and may be configured to be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the cleaner body 110.

In FIG. 1, the cleaning unit 120 is disposed in a form protruding from one side of the cleaner body 110 to suck or mop air containing dust. The one side may be the side in which the cleaner body 110 travels in the forward direction F, that is, the front side of the cleaner body 110.

In this figure, it is shown that the cleaning unit 120 has a shape protruding from both sides of the cleaner body 110 to the front and left and right sides. Specifically, the front end portions of the cleaning unit 120 are disposed at positions spaced forward from one side of the cleaner body 110, and both right and left ends of the cleaning unit 120 are spaced from the one side of the cleaner body 110 to the left and right sides, respectively. Is placed in the wrong position.

As the cleaner body 110 is formed in a circular shape, and both sides of the rear end of the cleaning unit 120 protrude from the cleaner body 110 to the left and right sides, respectively, between the cleaner body 110 and the cleaning unit 120 is empty. Spaces, ie gaps, can be formed. The empty space is a space between the left and right ends of the cleaner body 110 and the left and right ends of the cleaning unit 120, and has a shape recessed inside the autonomous driving cleaner 100.

When an obstacle is pinched in the empty space, a problem that the autonomous driving cleaner 100 cannot be moved due to an obstacle may be caused. To prevent this, a cover member 129 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the empty space.

The cover member 129 may be provided in the cleaner body 110 or the cleaning unit 120. In the present embodiment, it is shown that the cover members 129 are protruded on both sides of the rear end of the cleaning unit 120 to be disposed to cover the outer circumferential surface of the cleaner body 110.

The cover member 129 is disposed to fill at least a portion of the empty space, that is, the empty space between the cleaner body 110 and the cleaning unit 120. Therefore, an obstacle can be prevented from being caught in the empty space, or a structure that can be easily separated from the obstacle can be implemented even if an obstacle is stuck in the empty space.

The cover member 129 protruding from the cleaning unit 120 may be supported on the outer circumferential surface of the cleaner body 110.

If the cover member 129 protrudes from the cleaner body 110, the cover member 129 may be supported on the rear portion of the cleaning unit 120. According to the above structure, when the cleaning unit 120 hits an obstacle and receives an impact, a part of the impact is transmitted to the cleaner body 110 so that the impact can be distributed.

The cleaning unit 120 may be detachably coupled to the cleaner body 110. When the cleaning unit 120 is separated into the cleaner body 110, a mop module (not shown) may be detachably coupled to the cleaner body 110 by replacing the separated cleaning unit 120.

Accordingly, the user may install the cleaning unit 120 on the cleaner body 110 when removing dust on the floor, and a mop module on the cleaner body 110 when cleaning the floor.

When the cleaning unit 120 is mounted on the cleaner body 110, the mounting may be guided by the above-described cover member 129. That is, since the cover member 129 is disposed to cover the outer circumferential surface of the cleaner body 110, the relative position of the cleaning unit 120 with respect to the cleaner body 110 may be determined.

The cleaning unit 120 may be provided with a caster (castor, 123). The caster 123 assists the driving of the autonomous driving cleaner 100 and is also configured to support the autonomous driving cleaner 100.

A sensing unit 130 is disposed on the cleaner body 110. As illustrated, the sensing unit 130 may be disposed on one side of the cleaner body 110 in which the cleaning unit 120 is located, that is, in front of the cleaner body 110.

The sensing unit 130 may be disposed to overlap with the cleaning unit 120 in the vertical direction of the cleaner body 110. The sensing unit 130 is disposed on the upper portion of the cleaning unit 120 so that the cleaning unit 120 positioned at the front of the autonomous driving cleaner 100 does not collide with an obstacle to detect an obstacle or terrain feature in the front. .

The sensing unit 130 may be configured to additionally perform a sensing function other than the sensing function.

As an example, the sensing unit 130 may include a camera 131 for acquiring surrounding images. The camera 131 may include a lens and an image sensor. In addition, the camera 131 converts an image around the cleaner body 110 into an electrical signal that can be processed by the controller, and for example, can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the upper image to the controller. The electrical signal corresponding to the upward image may be used by the controller to detect the position of the cleaner body 110.

In addition, the sensing unit 130 may detect obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cliffs on the driving surface or the driving path of the autonomous driving cleaner 100. In addition, the sensing unit 130 may detect the presence of a docking device that performs battery charging. In addition, the sensing unit 130 may detect ceiling information and map a driving area or a cleaning area of the autonomous driving cleaner 100.

A dust container 140 for separating and collecting dust in the inhaled air is detachably coupled to the cleaner body 110.

In addition, the dust container 140 is provided with a dust container cover 150 covering the dust container 140. In one embodiment, the dust container cover 150 may be configured to be hinged to the cleaner body 110 and rotated. The dust container cover 150 is fixed to the dust container 140 or the cleaner body 110 to maintain the state of covering the upper surface of the dust container 140. When the dust container cover 150 is disposed to cover the upper surface of the dust container 140, the dust container 140 may be prevented from being separated from the cleaner body 110 by the dust container cover 150.

A part of the dust container 140 is accommodated in the dust container receiving portion 113, and the other part of the dust container 140 protrudes toward the rear of the cleaner body 110 (that is, the reverse direction R opposite to the forward direction F). Can be formed.

In the dust container 140, an inlet through which air containing dust is introduced and an outlet through which dust-separated air is discharged are formed, and when the dust container 140 is mounted on the cleaner body 110, the inlet and outlet are the main body 110. It is configured to communicate through the opening 155 formed in the inner wall of the. Accordingly, an intake flow path and an exhaust flow path inside the cleaner body 110 may be formed.

According to this connection relationship, air containing dust introduced through the cleaning unit 120 passes through the intake passage inside the cleaner body 110, enters the dust container 140, and filters or cyclones of the dust container 140. Air and dust are separated from each other. The dust is collected in the dust container 140, and the air is discharged from the dust container 140 and then discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 112 through the exhaust passage inside the cleaner body 110.

4, an embodiment related to the components of the autonomous driving cleaner 100 is described.

The autonomous driving cleaner 100 or the mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 1100, an input unit 1200, a driving unit 1300, a sensing unit 1400, an output unit 1500, and a power unit 1600 ), At least one of the memory 1700, the control unit 1800, and the cleaning unit 1900, or a combination thereof.

At this time, the components shown in FIG. 4 are not essential, so it is needless to say that an autonomous driving cleaner having more or fewer components may be implemented. In addition, as described above, the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners described in the present invention may include only the same components among some of the components described below. That is, a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners may be formed of different components.

Hereinafter, each component will be described.

First, the power supply unit 1600 is provided with a battery that can be charged by an external commercial power supply to supply power to the mobile robot. The power supply unit 1600 may supply driving power to each of the components included in the mobile robot, thereby supplying operating power required for the mobile robot to travel or perform a specific function.

At this time, the control unit 1800 detects the remaining power of the battery, and when the remaining power is insufficient, controls the controller to move to a charging station connected to an external commercial power source to charge the battery by receiving a charging current from the charging station. The battery is connected to the battery detection unit so that the battery level and charge state can be transmitted to the control unit 1800. The output unit 1500 may display the remaining battery amount on the output unit 1500 by the control unit.

The battery may be located at the bottom of the center of the autonomous driving cleaner, or may be located on either the left or right side. In the latter case, the mobile robot may further include a counterweight in order to relieve the weight bias of the battery.

The controller 1800 performs a role of processing information based on artificial intelligence technology, and includes one or more modules that perform at least one of information learning, information reasoning, information perception, and natural language processing. You can.

The controller 1800 learns a large amount of information (big data, big data), such as information stored in a vacuum cleaner, environment information around a mobile terminal, and information stored in an external storage capable of communication, using machine running technology, At least one of inference and processing can be performed. In addition, the controller 1800 predicts (or infers) an action of at least one executable cleaner using information learned using the machine learning technique, and has the highest feasibility among the at least one predicted actions. The cleaner can be controlled so that the operation is executed.

Machine learning technology is a technology that collects and learns a large amount of information based on at least one algorithm, and judges and predicts information based on the learned information. Learning information is an operation of grasping characteristics, rules, and judgment criteria of information, quantifying the relationship between information and information, and predicting new data using the quantified pattern.

The algorithm used by machine learning technology may be an algorithm based on statistics, for example, a decision tree using a tree structure type as a predictive model, and an artificial neural network that mimics the structure and function of a neural network of an organism. (neural network), genetic programming based on the evolution algorithm of organisms, clustering to distribute the observed examples into a subset called clusters, and Monte Carlo method to calculate function values with probability through randomized random numbers (Monter carlo method).

As a field of machine learning technology, deep learning technology is a technology that performs at least one of learning, determining, and processing information using an artificial neural network (DNN) algorithm. The artificial neural network (DNN) may have a structure that connects layers and layers and transfers data between layers. This deep learning technology can learn a vast amount of information through an artificial neural network (DNN) using a graphic processing unit (GPU) optimized for parallel computation.

The control unit 1800 may use an external server or training data stored in a memory, and may be equipped with a learning engine that detects a feature for recognizing a predetermined object. At this time, features for recognizing an object may include the size, shape, and shadow of the object.

Specifically, when the controller 1800 inputs some of the images obtained through the camera provided in the cleaner to the learning engine, the learning engine may recognize at least one object or life included in the input image.

As described above, when the learning engine is applied to the driving of the cleaner, the controller 1800 can recognize whether an obstacle such as a chair leg, an electric fan, or a certain type of balcony gap that interferes with the driving of the cleaner exists around the cleaner. , It can increase the efficiency and reliability of driving the cleaner.

Meanwhile, the learning engine as described above may be mounted on the control unit 1800 or may be mounted on an external server. When the learning engine is mounted on the external server, the control unit 1800 may control the communication unit 1100 to transmit at least one image that is an analysis target to the external server.

The external server may recognize at least one object or living thing included in the corresponding image by inputting the image transmitted from the cleaner to the learning engine. In addition, the external server may transmit information related to the recognition result back to the cleaner. At this time, the information related to the recognition result may include the number of objects included in the image to be analyzed, and information related to the name of each object.

On the other hand, the driving unit 1300 is provided with a motor, and by driving the motor, the left and right main wheels can be rotated in both directions to rotate or move the main body. At this time, the left and right main wheels can move independently. The driving unit 1300 may move the main body of the mobile robot to the front, rear, left, right, left, right, or curved, or rotate it in place.

Meanwhile, the input unit 1200 receives various control commands for the autonomous driving cleaner from the user. The input unit 1200 may include one or more buttons, and for example, the input unit 1200 may include a confirmation button, a setting button, and the like. The confirmation button is a button for receiving a command for confirming detection information, obstacle information, location information, and map information from a user, and the setting button is a button for receiving a command for setting the information from the user.

In addition, the input unit 1200 cancels the previous user input and inputs a reset button for receiving user input again, a delete button for deleting a preset user input, a button for setting or changing an operation mode, and a command for returning to the charging station. And an input button.

In addition, the input unit 1200 may be installed on the top of the mobile robot using a hard key, soft key, touch pad, or the like. In addition, the input unit 1200 may have a form of a touch screen together with the output unit 1500.

Meanwhile, the output unit 1500 may be installed on the upper portion of the mobile robot. Of course, the installation location or the type of installation may be different. For example, the output unit 1500 may display a battery state or a driving method on the screen.

Also, the output unit 1500 may output status information of the mobile robot detected by the sensing unit 1400, for example, the current status of each component included in the mobile robot. In addition, the output unit 1500 may display external state information, obstacle information, location information, map information, etc. detected by the sensing unit 1400 on the screen. The output unit 1500 is any one of a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED). It can be formed of a device.

The output unit 1500 may further include sound output means for aurally outputting an operation process or an operation result of the mobile robot performed by the control unit 1800. For example, the output unit 1500 may output a warning sound to the outside according to the warning signal generated by the control unit 1800.

In this case, the sound output means (not shown) may be a means for outputting sound such as a beeper, a speaker, and the output unit 1500 is audio data or message data having a predetermined pattern stored in the memory 1700, etc. It can be output to the outside through the sound output means.

Accordingly, the mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present invention may output environmental information on the driving area on the screen or output sound through the output unit 1500. According to another embodiment, the mobile robot may transmit map information or environmental information to the terminal device through the communication unit 1100 so that the terminal device outputs a screen or sound to be output through the output unit 1500.

The memory 1700 stores a control program for controlling or driving the autonomous driving cleaner and data corresponding thereto. The memory 1700 may store audio information, image information, obstacle information, location information, map information, and the like. Also, the memory 1700 may store information related to the driving pattern.

The memory 1700 mainly uses a nonvolatile memory. Here, the non-volatile memory (Non-Volatile Memory, NVM, NVRAM) is a storage device that can keep the stored information even when the power is not supplied, for example, ROM (ROM), flash memory (Flash Memory), magnetic computer Storage devices (eg, hard disks, diskette drives, magnetic tapes), optical disk drives, magnetic RAMs, PRAMs, and the like.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 1400 may include at least one of an external signal detection sensor, a front detection sensor, a cliff detection sensor, a 2D camera sensor, and a 3D camera sensor.

The external signal detection sensor can detect the external signal of the mobile robot. The external signal detection sensor may be, for example, an infrared ray sensor, an ultra-sonic sensor, or a radio frequency sensor.

The mobile robot can receive the guide signal generated by the charging stand using an external signal detection sensor to check the position and direction of the charging stand. At this time, the charging base may transmit a guide signal indicating the direction and distance so that the mobile robot can return. That is, the mobile robot can receive the signal transmitted from the charging base to determine the current location and set the moving direction to return to the charging base.

On the other hand, the front sensor may be installed at regular intervals along the outer circumferential surface of the front of the mobile robot, specifically, the mobile robot. The forward detection sensor is located on at least one side of the mobile robot to detect an obstacle in the front, and the front detection sensor detects an object in the moving direction of the mobile robot, in particular, an obstacle, and transmits the detection information to the control unit 1800. Can deliver. That is, the front detection sensor may detect a projecting object, furniture in the house, furniture, a wall surface, a wall edge, and the like, which exist on the moving path of the mobile robot, and transmit the information to the control unit 1800.

The front detection sensor may be, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an RF sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, etc., and the mobile robot may use one type of sensor as a front detection sensor or two or more types of sensors together as necessary. have.

As an example, an ultrasonic sensor may be mainly used to detect a long distance obstacle. The ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, and the controller 1800 determines whether an obstacle is present, whether ultrasonic waves emitted through the transmitter are reflected by an obstacle, and is received, and determines ultrasonic radiation time and ultrasonic reception time. Can be used to calculate the distance from the obstacle.

In addition, the control unit 1800 may compare the ultrasound waves emitted from the transmitter and the ultrasound waves received at the receiver to detect information related to the size of the obstacle. For example, the control unit 1800 may determine that the more ultrasonic waves are received in the reception unit, the larger the obstacle size.

In one embodiment, a plurality (eg, 5) of ultrasonic sensors may be installed along the outer circumferential surface on the front side of the mobile robot. At this time, preferably, the ultrasonic sensor may be installed on the front surface of the mobile robot alternately with the transmitter and receiver.

That is, the transmitter may be arranged to be spaced apart from the front center of the main body to the left and right, and one or more transmitters may be disposed between the receivers to form a reception area of the ultrasonic signal reflected from an obstacle or the like. With this arrangement, the reception area can be expanded while reducing the number of sensors. The transmission angle of ultrasonic waves may maintain an angle within a range that does not affect different signals to prevent a crosstalk phenomenon. Also, the reception sensitivity of the reception units may be set differently.

In addition, the ultrasonic sensor may be installed upward by a predetermined angle so that ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor are output upward, and at this time, may further include a predetermined blocking member to prevent ultrasonic waves from radiating downward.

Meanwhile, as described above, as described above, two or more types of sensors may be used together, and accordingly, the front sensing sensor may use any one type of sensor, such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an RF sensor. .

As an example, the front detection sensor may include an infrared sensor as another type of sensor in addition to the ultrasonic sensor.

* The infrared sensor can be installed on the outer peripheral surface of the mobile robot together with the ultrasonic sensor. The infrared sensor may also detect obstacles present in the front or side, and transmit obstacle information to the controller 1800. That is, the infrared sensor detects a protrusion, an object in the house, furniture, a wall surface, a wall edge, and the like that exist on the movement path of the mobile robot and transmits the information to the control unit 1800. Therefore, the mobile robot can move the body within a specific area without colliding with an obstacle.

On the other hand, the cliff detection sensor (or Cliff Sensor), mainly using various types of optical sensors, can detect an obstacle on the floor supporting the body of the mobile robot.

That is, the cliff detection sensor is installed on the rear surface of the mobile robot on the floor, and of course, it can be installed at a different location depending on the type of the mobile robot. The cliff detection sensor is located on the back of the mobile robot to detect obstacles on the floor, and the cliff detection sensor is an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an RF sensor, and a PSD (Position) equipped with a light emitting part and a light receiving part as the obstacle detection sensor. Sensitive Detector) sensor.

As an example, any one of the cliff sensing sensors may be installed in front of the mobile robot, and the other two cliff sensing sensors may be installed relatively in the back.

For example, the cliff detection sensor may be a PSD sensor, but may also be composed of a plurality of different types of sensors.

The PSD sensor detects the short and long distance position of the incident light by one p-n junction using the semiconductor surface resistance. The PSD sensor includes a one-dimensional PSD sensor that detects light in only one axis and a two-dimensional PSD sensor that can detect a light position on a plane, and can all have a pin photodiode structure. The PSD sensor is a type of infrared sensor, and uses infrared rays to measure the distance by transmitting the infrared rays and measuring the angle of infrared rays reflected from an obstacle. That is, the PSD sensor calculates the distance from the obstacle using a triangulation method.

The PSD sensor includes a light emitting unit that emits infrared rays on the obstacle and a light receiving unit that receives infrared rays reflected from the obstacle and returns, and is generally configured in a module form. When an obstacle is detected using a PSD sensor, a stable measurement value can be obtained regardless of a difference in reflectivity and color of the obstacle.

The controller 1800 may measure the infrared angle between the emission signal of the infrared light emitted by the cliff detection sensor toward the ground and the reflected signal reflected by the obstacle, and analyze the depth of the cliff.

Meanwhile, the control unit 1800 may determine whether to pass the cliff according to the ground state of the cliff detected using the cliff detection sensor, and may determine whether to pass the cliff according to the determination result. For example, the control unit 1800 determines whether a cliff exists or not and the depth of the cliff through a cliff detection sensor, and then passes the cliff only when a reflection signal is detected through the cliff detection sensor.

As another example, the control unit 1800 may determine the lifting phenomenon of the mobile robot using a cliff detection sensor.

Meanwhile, the two-dimensional camera sensor is provided on one surface of the mobile robot to acquire image information related to the periphery of the main body during movement.

The optical flow sensor converts a downward image input from an image sensor provided in the sensor to generate image data in a predetermined format. The generated image data may be stored in the memory 1700.

Also, one or more light sources may be installed adjacent to the optical flow sensor. At least one light source irradiates light to a predetermined area of the bottom surface photographed by the image sensor. That is, when the mobile robot moves a specific area along the bottom surface, if the bottom surface is flat, a certain distance is maintained between the image sensor and the bottom surface. On the other hand, when the mobile robot moves the bottom surface of the non-uniform surface, it is more than a certain distance away due to irregularities and obstacles on the bottom surface. At this time, one or more light sources may be controlled by the control unit 1800 to adjust the amount of light to be irradiated. The light source may be a light emitting device capable of adjusting the amount of light, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

Using the optical flow sensor, the controller 1800 can detect the position of the mobile robot regardless of the sliding of the mobile robot. The control unit 1800 may compare and analyze image data captured by the optical flow sensor over time to calculate a moving distance and a moving direction, and based on this, calculate a position of the mobile robot. By using the image information on the lower side of the mobile robot using the optical flow sensor, the control unit 1800 can correct the sliding robustly with respect to the position of the mobile robot calculated by other means.

The 3D camera sensor may be attached to one surface or a part of the main body of the mobile robot to generate 3D coordinate information related to the surroundings of the main body.

That is, the 3D camera sensor may be a 3D depth camera that calculates a perspective distance between a mobile robot and an object to be photographed.

Specifically, the 3D camera sensor may photograph a 2D image related to the periphery of the main body, and generate a plurality of 3D coordinate information corresponding to the 2D image.

In one embodiment, the 3D camera sensor includes two or more cameras for acquiring existing 2D images, and combines 2 or more images obtained from the 2 or more cameras to generate 3D coordinate information. Can be formed in a manner.

Specifically, the three-dimensional camera sensor according to the embodiment is a first pattern irradiation unit for irradiating the light of the first pattern downward toward the front of the main body, and irradiating the light of the second pattern upward toward the front of the main body It may include a second pattern irradiation unit and an image acquisition unit that acquires an image in front of the main body. Accordingly, the image acquisition unit may acquire an image of a region in which light of the first pattern and light of the second pattern are incident.

In another embodiment, the 3D camera sensor includes an infrared pattern emitting unit that irradiates an infrared pattern with a single camera, and captures a shape in which the infrared pattern irradiated from the infrared pattern emitting unit is projected on an object to be photographed. The distance between the sensor and the object to be photographed can be measured. The 3D camera sensor may be an IR (Infra Red) 3D camera sensor.

In another embodiment, the 3D camera sensor includes a light emitting unit that emits light together with a single camera, receives a portion of the laser emitted from the light emitting unit, and is reflected from the object to be photographed, and analyzes the received laser to perform 3D The distance between the camera sensor and the object to be photographed can be measured. The 3D camera sensor may be a TOF (Time of Flight) 3D camera sensor.

Specifically, the laser of the 3D camera sensor as described above is configured to irradiate a laser extending in at least one direction. In one example, the 3D camera sensor may include first and second lasers, the first laser irradiating lasers having a straight line intersecting each other, and the second laser irradiating a single linear laser. can do. According to this, the lowermost laser is used to detect obstacles in the bottom part, the uppermost laser is used to detect obstacles in the upper part, and the intermediate laser between the lowermost laser and the uppermost laser is used to detect obstacles in the middle part. It is used for.

Meanwhile, the communication unit 1100 connects a terminal device and / or another device located in a specific area (to be used interchangeably with the term “home appliance” in this specification) and one of wired, wireless, and satellite communication methods. It transmits and receives signals and data.

The communication unit 1100 may transmit and receive data with other devices located in a specific area. At this time, the other device may be any device that can connect to a network and transmit and receive data. For example, it may be a device such as an air conditioning device, a heating device, an air purification device, a light fixture, a TV, or an automobile. Further, the other device may be a device that controls a door, a window, a water valve, a gas valve, or the like. Further, the other device may be a sensor that detects temperature, humidity, air pressure, gas, or the like.

In addition, the communication unit 1100 may communicate with other autonomous driving cleaners 100 located within a specific area or a predetermined range.

5A and 5B, the first autonomous vehicle cleaner 100a and the second autonomous vehicle cleaner 100b may exchange data with each other through the network communication 50. In addition, the first autonomous driving cleaner 100a and / or the second autonomous driving cleaner 100b performs a cleaning-related operation by a control command received from the terminal 300 through a network communication 50 or other communication, or Corresponding operations can be performed.

That is, although not illustrated, a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners 100a and 100b may communicate with the terminal 300 through the first network communication and communicate with each other through the second network communication. have.

Here, the network communication 50 is WLAN (Wireless LAN), WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), Zigbee, Z-wave, Blue-Tooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IRDA), Ultrawide-Band (UWB), Wireless USB It may mean short-range communication using at least one of wireless communication technologies such as (Wireless Universal Serial Bus).

The illustrated network communication 50 may vary depending on what communication methods of the autonomous vehicle cleaners that are intended to communicate with each other.

In FIG. 5A, the first autonomous vehicle cleaner 100a and / or the second autonomous vehicle cleaner 100b may provide information sensed through each sensing unit to the terminal 300 through the network communication 50. have. Also, the terminal 300 may transmit a control command generated based on the received information to the first autonomous vehicle cleaner 100a and / or the second autonomous vehicle cleaner 100b through the network communication 50.

In addition, in FIG. 5A, the communication unit of the first autonomous driving cleaner 100a and the communication unit of the second autonomous driving cleaner 100b directly communicate wirelessly or indirectly wirelessly communicate through another router (not shown), to obtain a driving state. Information about each other and location information of each other can be grasped.

In one example, the second autonomous driving cleaner 100b may perform a driving operation and a cleaning operation according to a control command received from the first autonomous driving cleaner 100a. In this case, it can be said that the first autonomous driving cleaner 100a operates as a master cleaner, and the second autonomous driving cleaner 100b operates as a slave cleaner. Alternatively, it can be said that the second autonomous driving cleaner 100b follows the first autonomous driving cleaner 100a. Alternatively, in some cases, the first autonomous vehicle cleaner 100a and the second autonomous vehicle cleaner 100b may be said to cooperate with each other.

Hereinafter, a system including a plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b performing autonomous driving according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5B.

Referring to Figure 5b, the cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of cleaners (100a, 100b), the network 50, the server 500, and a plurality of terminals (300a, 300b) to perform autonomous driving ).

Among them, a plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b, a network 50, and at least one terminal 300a are disposed in the building 10, and other terminals 300b and the server 500 may be located outside. have.

The plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b are self-driving cleaners capable of autonomous driving and autonomous cleaning. The plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b may include a communication unit 1100 therein, in addition to the driving function and the cleaning function.

In addition, the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b, the server 500, and the plurality of terminals 300a and 300b may be connected to each other through the network 50 to exchange data with each other. To this end, although not shown, a wireless router such as an access point (AP) device may be further included. In this case, the terminal 300a located in the internal network 10 may be connected to at least one of the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b through the AP device to perform monitoring, remote control, and the like for the cleaner. In addition, the terminal 300b located in the external network can also be connected to at least one of the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b through the AP device to perform monitoring and remote control of the cleaner.

The server 500 may be wirelessly connected directly through the mobile terminal 300b. Alternatively, the server 500 may be connected to at least one of the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b without going through the mobile terminal 300b.

The server 500 may include a programmable processor, and may include various algorithms. As an example, the server 500 may include algorithms related to performing machine learning and / or data mining. As another example, the server 500 may include a speech recognition algorithm. In this case, upon receiving the voice data, the received voice data can be converted into text data and output.

The server 500 may store firmware information and driving information (course information, etc.) for the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b and register product information for the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b. For example, the server 500 may be a server operated by a cleaner manufacturer or a server operated by a published application store operator.

In another example, the server 500 may be a home server that is provided in the internal network 10 to store status information about home devices or to store content shared by the home devices. When the server 500 is a home server, information related to a foreign material, for example, a foreign material image, may be stored.

Meanwhile, the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b may be directly wirelessly connected through Zigbee, Z-wave, Bluetooth-Bluetooth, and ultra-wide band. . In this case, the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b may exchange location information and driving information with each other.

In this case, one of the plurality of cleaners 100a and 100b may be the master cleaner 100a, and the other may be the slave cleaner 100b.

In this case, the first cleaner 100a can control the running and cleaning of the second cleaner 100b. In addition, the second cleaner 100b may follow the first cleaner 100a and perform driving and cleaning. Here, that the second cleaner 100b follows the first cleaner 100a means that the second cleaner 100b travels and follows the first cleaner 100a while maintaining an appropriate distance from the first cleaner 100a. Means to perform cleaning.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the first cleaner 100a controls the second cleaner 100b so that the second cleaner 100b follows the first cleaner 100a.

To this end, the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b are present in a specific area capable of mutual communication, and the second cleaner 100b needs to grasp at least the relative positions of the first cleaner 100a.

For example, the communication unit of the first cleaner 100a and the communication unit of the second cleaner 100b exchange IR signals, ultrasonic signals, carrier frequencies, and impulse signals with each other, and analyze them through triangulation to analyze the first cleaner ( By calculating the displacement of the 100a) and the second cleaner 100b, it is possible to grasp the relative positions of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b. However, the present invention is not limited to this method, and the relative positions of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b may be determined through triangulation using one of the various wireless communication technologies described above.

When the relative position between the second cleaners 100b is recognized by the first cleaner 100a, the second cleaner 100b may be controlled based on map information stored in the first cleaner 100a or map information stored in a server or a terminal. You can. Also, the second cleaner 100b may share obstacle information sensed by the first cleaner 100a. In addition, the second cleaner 100b may perform an operation by a control command (eg, a control command related to driving such as a driving direction, driving speed, stop, etc.) received from the first cleaner 100a.

Specifically, the second cleaner 100b performs cleaning while driving along the travel path of the first cleaner 100a. However, the directions of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b do not always coincide. For example, when the first cleaner 100a moves or rotates up / down / left / right, the second cleaner 100b moves or rotates up / down / left / right after a predetermined time, so that the current direction of travel is It can be different.

Also, the travel speed Va of the first cleaner 100a and the travel speed Vb of the second cleaner 100b may be different from each other.

The first cleaner 100a may be controlled to vary the traveling speed Vb of the second cleaner 100b in consideration of the communication possible distance between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b. For example, when the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b are separated by a predetermined distance or more, the first cleaner 100a may control the driving speed Vb of the second cleaner 100b to be faster than before. You can. In addition, when the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b are closer than a certain distance, the driving speed Vb of the second cleaner 100b may be controlled to be slower than before, or controlled to stop for a predetermined time. . Through this, the second cleaner 100b can continuously follow the first cleaner 100a and perform cleaning.

The first autonomous driving cleaner 100a of the present invention may be referred to as a first robot cleaner or a first cleaner 100a, and the second autonomous driving cleaner 100b may be referred to as a second robot cleaner second cleaner 100b.

In the present specification, the first autonomous driving cleaner 100a is referred to as a first cleaner 100a and the second autonomous driving cleaner 100b is referred to as a second cleaner 100b.

In the present invention, the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b may perform driving and cleaning while mutually following or mutually collaborating without user intervention.

To this end, it is necessary for the first cleaner 100a to grasp the position of the second cleaner 100b, or the second cleaner 100b to grasp the position of the first cleaner 100a. This may mean grasping the relative positions of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b.

The present invention can grasp the relative positions of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b using various methods.

For example, in the present invention, the communication unit of the first cleaner 100a and the communication unit of the second cleaner 100b exchange IR signals, ultrasonic signals, carrier frequencies, impulse signals, and the like, and use the exchanged signals to triangulate. Through the measurement method, the relative positions of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b can be grasped.

In addition, the present invention, one of the various wireless communication technologies described above (eg, Zigbee (Zigbee), Z-wave (Z-wave), Bluetooth (Blue-Tooth) and ultra-wideband wireless technology (Ultra-wide Band) It can be used to determine the relative position of the first cleaner (100a) and the second cleaner (100b) through triangulation.

Since the triangulation method of obtaining the relative positions of the two devices is a general technique, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

The plurality of autonomous driving cleaners according to an embodiment of the present invention may determine (recognize) the relative positions of the first cleaner and the second cleaner using the UWB module.

As described above, the UWB module (or UWB sensor) may be included in the communication unit 1100 of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b. In addition, from the viewpoint that the UWB module is used to sense the relative positions of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b, the UWB module senses the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b. It may be included in the unit 1400.

The first cleaner 100a may include a UWB module 700a for transmission to transmit an ultra-wideband signal. The outgoing UWB module may be referred to as a second type of outgoing sensor or UWB tag.

In addition, the second cleaner 100b may include a UWB module 700b for reception that receives an ultra-wideband signal output from the UWB module 700a for transmission provided in the first cleaner 100a. The receiving UWB module may be referred to as a second type of receiving sensor or UWB anchor.

The ultra-wideband signals (or UWB signals) transmitted and received between UWB modules can be smoothly transmitted and received within a specific space.

Accordingly, even if an obstacle exists between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b, if the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b exist within a specific space, transmission and reception of the ultra-wideband signal is possible. It is possible. This may mean that the accuracy is increased.

The first cleaner and the second cleaner of the present invention can grasp the distance (distance) between the first cleaner and the second cleaner by measuring the time of the signal transmitted and received between the UWB tag and the UWB anchor.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the control unit 1800 of the second cleaner 100b may output a first message (Radio message 1) from the UWB anchor of the second cleaner.

The first signal may be received in the UWB tag of the first cleaner 100a.

The control unit 1800 of the first cleaner 100a may output a second signal (Radio message 2) in response to the reception of the first signal.

The control unit 1800 of the second cleaner 100b may receive the second signal through the UWB anchor 700b.

The second signal may include delay time (t_replay) information calculated based on a time at which the first signal is received by the first cleaner 100a and a time at which the second signal is transmitted.

The control unit of the second cleaner 100b uses a time t1 outputting the first signal, a time t2 receiving the second signal, and a delay time (t-replay) included in the second signal. Thus, a signal transmission time TOF (Time of Flight) between the first cleaner and the second cleaner may be calculated.

In addition, the control unit 1800 of the second cleaner 100b includes a time t1 at which the first signal is output, a time t2 at which the second signal is received, and a delay time t included in the second signal. By using -replay, the distance between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b (exactly, the distance between the UWB tag and the UWB anchor) can be calculated. Here, c in FIG. 7B means the speed of light.

Specifically, the first cleaner 100a calculates a first value obtained by subtracting the time at which the second signal is received and subtracting the delay time included in the second signal from the time at which the first signal is output.

Thereafter, the first cleaner 100a may calculate the distance between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b by dividing the first value by 2 and multiplying the speed c of light.

Meanwhile, the present invention can perform cooperative cleaning using a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners. Here, the cooperative cleaning may mean that a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners respectively cover different areas, and each of the responsible areas is cleaned.

At this time, the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners may simultaneously perform cleaning on the area in charge or may be performed with a certain time difference.

Conventionally, a plurality of autonomous vehicle cleaners share a map information in order to perform collaborative cleaning.

Here, using the method of sharing map information to perform collaborative cleaning, a plurality of autonomous vehicle cleaners share one map information, and each cleaner cleans the area where the cleaning is performed to the map information, and the updated map By sharing information, it means that a plurality of self-driving cleaners decide areas to be cleaned and perform collaborative cleaning.

As described above, in order to use a method in which a plurality of autonomous vehicle cleaners share map information, a plurality of autonomous vehicle cleaners are vacuum cleaners having the same specifications or need to have the same obstacle detection and location recognition sensors, which increases the cost. have.

On the other hand, the present invention is a plurality of autonomous driving that the first cleaner grasps the relative position of the second cleaner using radio waves, and can perform cooperative cleaning (or split cleaning) without sharing the map based on the determined relative position. A vacuum cleaner can be provided.

Hereinafter, a control method for performing a cooperative cleaning without sharing a map will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining a representative control method of the present invention, and is a conceptual diagram for explaining the control method shown in FIGS.

First, the present invention includes a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners, and the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners may include a first cleaner 100a and a second cleaner 100b.

In this specification, it will be described that the information for collaborative cleaning is generated / updated only in the first cleaner 100a, and the second cleaner 100b is controlled by the first cleaner 100a.

Among the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners of the present invention, the first cleaner 100a may include a driving unit that moves the main body and a communication unit that communicates with the second cleaner 100b. The second cleaner 100b may also include a driving unit that moves the main body and a communication unit that communicates with the first cleaner 100b.

The first cleaner 100a of the present invention can determine the relative position of the second cleaner 100b using radio waves.

For example, the radio wave may be an ultra-wideband signal (UWB signal) or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal that can be output from the communication unit (or sensing unit).

In this specification, it will be described as an example that the radio wave is an ultra-wideband signal (UWB signal).

The first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b may include a UWB module, as described above. For example, a UWB tag may be provided in the first cleaner 100a, and a UWB anchor may be provided in the second cleaner 100b.

Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may grasp (determine) the position of the second cleaner using an ultra-wideband signal (S610). The method in which the first cleaner 100a grasps the relative position of the second cleaner 100b using the ultra-wideband signal will be replaced with the above-described contents.

Thereafter, the controller of the first cleaner 100a may set region information to be cleaned by each cleaner based on the positions of the first cleaner and the second cleaner (S620).

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may be positioned between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b (or between the first cleaner and the second cleaner). Region information 700 to be cleaned by each cleaner.

The area information 700 may be referred to as sector or sector information.

The area information 700 may be divided into area information to be cleaned by the first cleaner 100a and area information to be cleaned by the second cleaner 100b.

That is, the area information 700 includes first area information 700a to be cleaned by the first cleaner 100a and second area information 700b to be cleaned by the second cleaner 100b. can do.

The region information 700 may be generated, for example, based on the first cleaner 100a grasping the position of the second cleaner 100b. That is, the controller of the first cleaner 100a determines the position of the second cleaner and determines the position of the second cleaner based on the transmission and reception of the ultra-wideband signal with the second cleaner 100b through the communication unit. Based on this, the area information 700 may be generated.

The area information 700 may have any form, and the form of the area information 700 may be predetermined when a product is created. Also, the area information 700 may be changed by a user setting.

The first area information 700a and the second area information 700b included in the area information 700 may be determined based on location information between the first cleaner and the second cleaner, or when a product is generated. It may have been decided.

The control unit of the first cleaner 100a may control the second cleaner based on the second area information 700b to be cleaned by the second cleaner 100b (S630).

Specifically, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a is based on the location of the second cleaner 100b being determined, the first area information 700a and the second cleaner to be cleaned by the first cleaner 100a. The (100b) determines the second area information 700b to be cleaned, and the second cleaner 100b controls a control command to clean the area corresponding to the second area information 700b through the communication unit. It can be transmitted to the second cleaner (100b).

The second cleaner 100b may perform cleaning in an area corresponding to the second area information 700b based on the control command. In other words, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may control the communication unit so that the second cleaner 100b performs cleaning in an area corresponding to the second area information 700b.

Also, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may perform cleaning in an area corresponding to the first area information 700a to which the first cleaner 100a will perform cleaning.

On the other hand, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a, the first cleaner 100a so that the distance between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b is maintained within a predetermined distance (for example, 20 m). Cleaning may be performed in an area corresponding to the first area information 700a.

The preset distance may be, for example, an available distance through which the first cleaner 100a can grasp the position of the second cleaner 100b using an ultra-wideband signal.

The predetermined distance may be determined based on the specifications of the communication unit (specifically, the specifications of the UWB module) provided in the first and second cleaners 100a and 100b, and may be varied by user settings.

The controller of the first cleaner 100a may determine the position of the second cleaner 100b using an ultra-wideband signal in real time. To this end, the first cleaner 100a is configured so that the distance between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b is maintained within a predetermined distance in order to transmit and receive an ultra-wideband signal to and from the second cleaner 100b. 1 can run the cleaner 100a.

In addition, the first cleaner 100a, when the distance between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b exceeds a preset distance, the first cleaner 100a communicates a control command to determine the driving of the second cleaner 100b. It can be transmitted to the second cleaner (100b).

In this case, the second cleaner 100b may stop driving based on the control command, and when the first cleaner 100a and the ultra-wideband signal are transmitted and received again, the driving for cleaning may be resumed.

Meanwhile, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may receive information related to cleaning performed by the second cleaner using an ultra-wideband signal, and update the area information 700 based on the received information. (S640).

Specifically, the controller of the first cleaner 100a may determine (acquire) information related to cleaning performed by the second cleaner 100b using an ultra-wideband signal.

The information related to the cleaning performed by the second cleaner 100b includes a driving path in which the second cleaner 100b performs cleaning, obstacle information detected by the second cleaner 100b, and the second cleaner 100b cleaning It may include information on whether or not to continue.

The information related to cleaning performed by the second cleaner 100b may be transmitted from the second cleaner 100b to the first cleaner 100a through a communication unit, rather than an ultra-wideband signal.

For example, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a, as shown in FIG. 7, displays in real time the relative position of the second cleaner 100b in the area 700 corresponding to the second area information 700b ( Alternatively, the driving path 710b of the second cleaner 100b may be grasped (determined) by grasping at predetermined time intervals).

The controller of the first cleaner 100a senses the driving path 710b of the second cleaner 100b using the ultra-wideband signal, and the second region of the sensed driving path 710b of the second cleaner 100b. It can be reflected in the information 700b.

The control unit of the first cleaner 100a completes cleaning of the area corresponding to the second area information 700b by the second cleaner 100b based on the travel path 710b of the sensed second cleaner 100b. In one case, information on whether cleaning can be continued from the second cleaner 100b may be received through the communication unit.

The control unit of the first cleaner 100a determines whether it is possible to continue cleaning with the second cleaner 100b when all of the traveling paths 710b of the second cleaner correspond to the second area information 700b. Inquiry can be sent.

In this case, the second cleaner 100b may determine (sensing) whether additional driving is possible except for the previously traveled path using the sensing unit.

When additional driving is possible, the second cleaner 100b may transmit information that the cleaning can continue to the first cleaner 100a through the communication unit.

In case additional driving is impossible, the second cleaner 100b may transmit information indicating that cleaning cannot be continued to the first cleaner 100a through the communication unit.

The control unit of the first cleaner 100a may change the initially set area information 700 when receiving information from the second cleaner 100b that cleaning can continue.

Thereafter, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may continue to clean the second cleaner 100b based on the changed area information.

For example, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 8, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a reflects the driving path of the second cleaner 100b to the second area information 700b, and the second cleaner ( It is possible to determine whether 100b) has finished cleaning the area corresponding to the second area information 700b.

At this time, the first cleaner 100a is the second cleaner 100b, except that the second cleaner 100b has no place to proceed except for returning the previously traveled driving path from the second area information 700b. It may transmit information to the second cleaner (100b) to inquire whether it is possible to continue cleaning with.

When the second cleaner 100b receives information indicating that cleaning can continue, the cleaning of the second cleaner 100b has not been completed.

If the controller of the first cleaner 100 removes the second cleaner 100b from returning to the previously traveled driving route in the second area information 700b, there is no place to proceed, and the second cleaner 100 from the second cleaner When it is received that the cleaning cannot continue, it may be determined that cleaning of the second cleaner 100b is completed.

Meanwhile, the controller of the first cleaner 100a may determine an area 720b in which the second cleaner 100b has not traveled from the second area information 700b.

The first cleaner 100a is cleaned with the second cleaner 100b when there is no place to proceed except that the second cleaner 100b returns from the second area information 700b to the previously traveled driving route. Requesting related information, and based on the cleaning-related information, it may be determined whether cleaning of the area 720b is possible.

For example, in the information related to the cleaning, the second cleaner 100b enters the area 720b by the sensing unit and the control unit of the second cleaner 100b, and the wall 730 (or obstacle). It may contain information that it is impossible.

When the information related to the cleaning includes information that the second cleaner 100b cannot clean the area 720b, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a sets the area 720b to the first cleaner It can be changed to the first area information to be cleaned (100a). In this case, the first area information to be cleaned by the first cleaner may be enlarged.

Meanwhile, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may change to enlarge the second area information 700b when receiving information indicating that cleaning can continue from the second cleaner.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a changes to enlarge the second area information 700b, and based on the changed area information 700b, the second cleaner 100b ) Can continue cleaning.

Similarly, when the first area information is changed, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may control the driving unit so that the first cleaner 100a cleans the area corresponding to the changed first area information 800a.

On the other hand, the control unit of the first cleaner (100a), as shown in Figure 8 (b), after the second cleaner (100b) completes the cleaning of the area corresponding to the second area information (700b or 800b) When information indicating that cleaning cannot be continued is received from the second cleaner 100b, it may be determined whether cleaning of the area corresponding to the first area information 700a or 800a of the first cleaner 100a is completed.

Likewise, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a senses (determines) the travel path (the travel path of the first cleaner) through which the main body moves through the travel unit, and reflects the travel path of the first cleaner in the first area information. You can.

The control unit of the first cleaner 100a may include the first area information 700a when there is no place to proceed except that the first cleaner 100a returns from the first area information 700a to the previously traveled driving route. , 800a).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the control unit of the first cleaner 100a can continue to perform cleaning through the sensing unit, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a changes the area information 700 so that the first area information 700a is enlarged. (Reset).

Returning again, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a continues to clean from the second cleaner 100b after the second cleaner 100b finishes cleaning the area corresponding to the second area information 700b or 800b. When it is received that information cannot be obtained, it may be determined whether cleaning of the area corresponding to the first area information 700a or 800a of the first cleaner 100a is completed.

The control unit of the first cleaner 100a controls the communication unit to wait for the second cleaner 100b when the first cleaner 100a is cleaning the area corresponding to the first area information 700a or 800a. can do.

On the other hand, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a, the first cleaner 100a, the cleaning of the area corresponding to the first area information 700a or 800a is completed, and the second cleaner 100b is the second area When cleaning of an area corresponding to the information 700b or 800b is completed, new area information 900 may be set so as not to overlap with the existing area information 700 or 800 (S650).

Thereafter, the controller of the first cleaner 100a communicates a control command to move the second cleaner 100b to an area (space) corresponding to the second area information 900b included in the new area information 900. It can be transmitted to the second cleaner (100b).

In addition, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a controls the first cleaner 100b as an area (space) corresponding to the first area information 900a in which the first cleaner 100a is included in the new area information 900. The driving unit can be controlled to move.

When the first cleaner is located in the new first area information 900a and the second cleaner is located in the new second area information 900b, the above-described method can be applied similarly or similarly to perform collaborative cleaning.

In addition, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may generate map information for a space to be cleaned by using the driving route of the first cleaner and the driving route of the second cleaner.

Thereafter, when there is a separate map information request from the second cleaner 100b, the controller of the first cleaner may transmit the map information generated through the communication unit to the second cleaner 100b.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a state in which the first cleaner and the second cleaner do not share map information with each other, the first cleaner grasps the relative position of the second cleaner under the control of the first cleaner, and based on this, Collaborative cleaning of the first cleaner and the second cleaner is possible by setting / changing the first and second area information (or sector).

On the other hand, when the first cleaner and the second cleaner are not placed within a distance capable of transmitting and receiving an ultra-wideband signal, there is a problem that the first cleaner cannot determine the relative position of the second cleaner.

To solve this, when the first cleaner and the second cleaner are not located within a predetermined distance capable of transmitting and receiving an ultra-wideband signal, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a cleans the second cleaner 100b through the communication unit. It can send a control command to start. In this case, the second cleaner 100b may move while performing cleaning.

In addition, the control unit of the first cleaner 100a may control the driving unit to transmit the ultra-wideband signal at regular intervals while moving the first cleaner 100a.

When the distance between the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b is within the predetermined distance due to the movement of the first cleaner 100a and the second cleaner 100b, the first cleaner 100a and The second cleaner 100b may transmit and receive an ultra-wideband signal.

In this case, the first cleaner 100a may receive the ultra-wideband signal transmitted from the second cleaner 100b in response to the transmitted ultra-wideband signal. In this case, the first cleaner 100a may determine that the first cleaner and the second cleaner are placed within the predetermined distance. Also, the position of the second cleaner can be determined.

The control unit of the first cleaner 100a may perform cooperative cleaning through the control methods described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 based on receiving the ultra-wideband signal.

According to the present invention, when cleaning a divided area using a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners, the first cleaner may control and clean the second cleaner even without sharing a map. Even if the specifications are not the same, collaborative cleaning using multiple autonomous cleaners is possible.

According to the present invention, the relative position of the second cleaner and the cleaning state of the second cleaner in the first cleaner among the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners are updated to update the map information (or area information to be cleaned by each cleaner), and By controlling the second cleaner by using, it is possible to perform optimized cooperative cleaning using a plurality of autonomous driving cleaners even if the map is not shared.

The above-described present invention can be embodied as computer readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes any kind of recording device in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device. This includes, and is also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (eg, transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include a control unit 1800. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

As a first of the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners,
A driving unit for moving the main body;
A communication unit communicating with the second cleaner; And
The location of the second cleaner is determined using the ultra-wideband signal output from the communication unit, and the area information to be cleaned by the first and second cleaners is set based on the positions of the first and second cleaners. It includes a control unit,
The control unit,
The second cleaner controls the second cleaner based on second area information to be cleaned,
When receiving information from the second cleaner that cleaning can be continued after the cleaning is completed, the autonomous driving cleaner characterized in that the second area information is changed. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
Autonomous driving cleaner characterized in that the cleaning of the second cleaner is continuously performed based on the changed second area information. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
If the second cleaner receives information indicating that cleaning cannot be continued from the second cleaner after completing the cleaning of the area corresponding to the second area information, the area of the area corresponding to the first area information of the first cleaner is received. An autonomous driving cleaner characterized by determining whether cleaning is completed. As a first of the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners,
A driving unit for moving the main body;
A communication unit communicating with the second cleaner; And
The location of the second cleaner is determined using the ultra-wideband signal output from the communication unit, and the area information to be cleaned by the first and second cleaners is set based on the positions of the first and second cleaners. It includes a control unit,
The control unit,
The second cleaner controls the second cleaner based on second area information to be cleaned,
When the cleaning of the second cleaner is completed and the first cleaner is cleaning the area corresponding to the first area information, the autonomous driving cleaner is characterized in that the second cleaner is on standby. As a first of the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners,
A driving unit for moving the main body;
A communication unit communicating with the second cleaner; And
The location of the second cleaner is determined using the ultra-wideband signal output from the communication unit, and the area information to be cleaned by the first and second cleaners is set based on the positions of the first and second cleaners. It includes a control unit,
The control unit,
The second cleaner controls the second cleaner based on second area information to be cleaned,
When the first cleaner completes cleaning of an area corresponding to the first area information, and the second cleaner completes cleaning of an area corresponding to the second area information, a new area so as not to overlap with the existing area information An autonomous driving cleaner characterized by setting information. As a second cleaner among the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners,
A driving unit for moving the main body;
A communication unit communicating with the first cleaner; And
Based on the ultra-wideband signal output through the communication unit, and includes a control unit for determining the position of the first cleaner,
The control unit,
The second cleaner receives second area information to be cleaned from the first cleaner,
Based on the second area information, cleaning is performed,
After the cleaning is completed, it is determined whether or not cleaning can be continued, and information on whether or not the cleaning can be continued is transmitted to the first cleaner through the communication unit. As a second cleaner among the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners,
A driving unit for moving the main body;
A communication unit communicating with the first cleaner; And
Based on the ultra-wideband signal output through the communication unit, and includes a control unit for determining the position of the first cleaner,
The control unit,
The second cleaner receives second area information to be cleaned from the first cleaner,
Based on the second area information, cleaning is performed,
After receiving the changed second area information from the first cleaner after the cleaning is completed, an autonomous driving cleaner characterized in that cleaning is performed based on the changed second area information. As a second cleaner among the plurality of autonomous driving cleaners,
A driving unit for moving the main body;
A communication unit communicating with the first cleaner; And
Based on the ultra-wideband signal output through the communication unit, and includes a control unit for determining the position of the first cleaner,
The control unit,
The second cleaner receives second area information to be cleaned from the first cleaner,
Based on the second area information, cleaning is performed,
If it is determined that cleaning cannot be continued after the cleaning of the second area information is completed, the autonomous driving cleaner is characterized in that it waits until the cleaning of the first cleaner is completed.

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