JP2006146376A - Autonomous moving robot and detecting method for unmovable area - Google Patents

Autonomous moving robot and detecting method for unmovable area Download PDF

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JP2006146376A
JP2006146376A JP2004332561A JP2004332561A JP2006146376A JP 2006146376 A JP2006146376 A JP 2006146376A JP 2004332561 A JP2004332561 A JP 2004332561A JP 2004332561 A JP2004332561 A JP 2004332561A JP 2006146376 A JP2006146376 A JP 2006146376A
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distance
moving
floor surface
moving body
measured
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Hiroyuki Kanazawa
宏幸 金澤
Shin Asano
伸 浅野
Ryota Hiura
亮太 日浦
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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep travelling by determining that it is possible to travel across a low step or a groove with a narrow width without having to stop longer than necessity by recognizing the height and width of the step and a degree of an inclination when an autonomous moving robot detects the step or inclination ahead of a travelling lane. <P>SOLUTION: The robot is configured to have a distance sensor 4 measuring a distance between a front floor surface 6 of a moving bogie 1 and a moving main body; and a moving amount measurement means 9 on the bogie 1, to measure a moving distance by the measurement means 9 after exceeding a reference amount when a deflection between the measured distance between the front floor surface 6 and the bogie 1 and a set value exceeds the reference value continuously, to determine that the bogie 1 is disabled for traveling and stop it when the moving distance exceeds a reference moving amount. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、自律移動しながら所定の作業領域で作業を行う自律移動ロボットにおいて、前方の床面に段差あるいは傾斜を検知した場合、即座に停止あるいは回避するのではなく、検知後一定距離だけ計測を続けた後走行可能かどうかを判断できるようにした自律移動ロボット、及び同自律移動ロボットによる移動不能領域検出方法に関する。   The present invention, in an autonomous mobile robot that performs work in a predetermined work area while autonomously moving, does not stop or avoid immediately but detects a certain distance after detection when a step or inclination is detected on the front floor surface. The present invention relates to an autonomous mobile robot that can determine whether or not the vehicle can run after continuing, and a non-movable area detection method by the autonomous mobile robot.

従来この種のロボットは、自律移動しながら清掃作業を行うロボット等が知られている。その作業領域内に段差あるいは傾斜等が存在する場合には、その段差等による衝突、落下などを防止する必要がある。
特許文献1(特開昭62−162112号公報)には、作業領域内に段差が存在する場合に、移動ロボットの上部前面から前方移動面までの距離を斜めに測定し、その測定距離により事前に段差を検出して、安全に段差の手前で停止することにより、段差への衝突あるいは落下を防止する手法が開示されている。
Conventionally, this type of robot is known as a robot that performs a cleaning operation while autonomously moving. If there is a step or inclination in the work area, it is necessary to prevent a collision or a drop due to the step.
In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-162112), when there is a step in the work area, the distance from the upper front surface of the mobile robot to the front moving surface is measured obliquely, and the measured distance is used in advance. A method is disclosed in which a step is detected and a stop is safely stopped before the step to prevent a collision or a drop on the step.

また特許文献2(特開2004−139264号公報)には、移動装置本体に前方床面に向けて光ビームを斜めに照射する照射手段と、床面からの反射光を受光する受光手段とを設け、この受光手段で受光した反射光に基づいて得られる床面と移動装置本体との距離と予め設定された床面と本体との距離とから床面の段差を検出し、この検出した段差に沿って移動装置本体を走行させるようにすることにより、段差への衝突あるいは落下を回避する自律移動ロボットが開示されている。   Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-139264) includes an irradiating unit that irradiates a light beam obliquely toward the front floor surface of the mobile device body, and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the floor surface. The step of the floor surface is detected from the distance between the floor surface obtained based on the reflected light received by the light receiving means and the mobile device main body, and the preset distance between the floor surface and the main body, and the detected step An autonomous mobile robot that avoids a collision with a step or a fall is disclosed.

特開昭62−162112号公報JP-A-62-162112 特開2004−139264号公報JP 2004-139264 A

しかしながら特許文献1及び2に開示された手法では、移動本体が段差前に達した際に、段差の幅を検知して停止するアルゴリズムとなっていなかったため、段差の幅としては通過可能であっても直前で移動本体が停止することになる。
このため例えば、自律移動ロボットの使用場所として家庭内を想定した場合、家庭内では床面の凹凸や色変化(絨毯など)、日照の境目などに誤動作して、頻繁に停止動作を繰り返し、実用的な移動を行うことに支障をきたすという問題があった。
However, in the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the moving body reaches the level difference, the algorithm does not detect and stop the level of the level difference. However, the moving body stops immediately before.
For this reason, for example, if the home is assumed to be used as an autonomous mobile robot, it may malfunction due to irregularities in the floor, color changes (such as carpets), and sunshine boundaries. There was a problem that it interfered with the movement.

本発明は、かかる従来技術の課題に鑑み、走行経路の前方に段差や傾斜を検知した場合に、段差の高さや幅又は傾斜の程度を認識することで必要以上の停止をすることがない自律移動ロボットを提供することを目的とする。
即ち移動本体が走行できる例えば10mm程度の高さの段差や10〜20mm程度の幅の溝を走行可能と判断して走行を継続することができるようにし、また検出値の変化を瞬時に判断する手法を排することにより、誤検出による停止を回避できる自律移動ロボットを提供することを目的とする。
In view of such a problem of the conventional technology, the present invention is an autonomous system that does not stop more than necessary by recognizing the height, width, or degree of inclination of a step when a step or inclination is detected in front of a travel route. An object is to provide a mobile robot.
That is, for example, it can be determined that the movable body can travel through a step having a height of about 10 mm or a groove having a width of about 10 to 20 mm so that the traveling can be continued, and a change in the detected value is instantaneously determined. An object of the present invention is to provide an autonomous mobile robot that can avoid a stop due to erroneous detection by eliminating the technique.

本発明装置の第1の構成は、かかる目的を達成するもので、走行車輪を備えた移動本体に、移動本体前方の床面と移動本体との距離を測定する距離センサを設け、同距離センサで測定した前方床面と移動本体との距離と、予め設定された床面と移動本体との距離とを比較して前方床面の段差又は傾斜を検出する検出手段を備えた自律移動ロボットにおいて、前記移動本体に移動量測定手段を設け、前記検出手段を、前記測定距離と前記設定距離との偏差が継続して基準量を超えた場合に、前記移動量測定手段によって同基準量を超えた後の移動距離を測定し、当該移動距離が基準移動量を超えた時に走行不能と判定して移動本体を停止させるように構成したことを特徴とする。   The first configuration of the device according to the present invention achieves such an object. A distance sensor for measuring a distance between a floor surface in front of the moving body and the moving body is provided on the moving body provided with traveling wheels, and the distance sensor In an autonomous mobile robot provided with a detecting means for detecting a step or inclination of the front floor surface by comparing the distance between the front floor surface and the mobile main body measured in step 1 and a preset distance between the floor surface and the mobile main body. The moving body is provided with a moving amount measuring means, and when the deviation between the measuring distance and the set distance continuously exceeds the reference amount, the detecting means exceeds the reference amount by the moving amount measuring means. In this case, the travel distance is measured, and when the travel distance exceeds the reference travel distance, it is determined that the travel is impossible, and the movable body is stopped.

前記第1の構成においては、移動本体と床面との距離を予め測定し設定距離とする。その後移動本体と床面との距離を移動毎に順次測定し、前記設定距離と比較してその変化量(偏差)が許容される範囲以上になった場合に段差があることを検出する。この段差を検出すると、検出時点からさらに進んで、その進んだ距離が、移動本体と段差との距離(基準移動量)dに対して、大きくなった時に移動本体を停止させるようにする。
これによって検出値を瞬時に判断させることによる誤動作をなくすようにしたものである。
なお本明細書で、「ロボット」とは人間の代わりの働きをする機械、機器類の総称という意味で用いている。
In the first configuration, the distance between the movable body and the floor is measured in advance and set as the set distance. Thereafter, the distance between the moving main body and the floor surface is sequentially measured for each movement, and it is detected that there is a step when the amount of change (deviation) exceeds an allowable range compared to the set distance. When this level difference is detected, the process proceeds further from the time of detection, and the moving body is stopped when the distance traveled becomes larger than the distance (reference movement amount) d between the movement body and the level difference.
This eliminates malfunctions caused by instantaneously determining the detected value.
In this specification, the term “robot” is used to mean a general term for machines and devices that function in place of humans.

本発明装置の第2の構成は、走行車輪を備えた移動本体に、移動本体前方の床面と移動本体との距離を測定する距離センサを設け、同距離センサで測定した前方床面と移動本体との距離と、予め設定された床面と移動本体との距離とを比較して前方床面の傾斜を検出する検出手段を備えた自律移動ロボットにおいて、前記移動本体に移動量測定手段を設け、前記検出手段を、前記測定距離と前記設定距離との偏差が継続して基準量を超えた場合に、前記移動量測定手段によって同基準量を超えた後の移動距離を測定し、当該移動距離が基準移動量を超えた時に前記偏差と前記移動距離とから傾斜角度を算出し、同算出値に基づいて移動本体を停止させるか又は走行を継続させるように構成したことを特徴とする。   The second configuration of the device according to the present invention is such that a distance sensor that measures the distance between the floor surface in front of the moving body and the moving body is provided on the moving body provided with traveling wheels, and the front floor surface measured by the distance sensor is moved. In an autonomous mobile robot provided with a detecting means for detecting the inclination of the front floor surface by comparing the distance between the main body and a preset distance between the floor surface and the moving main body, a moving amount measuring means is provided on the moving main body. Provided, when the deviation between the measurement distance and the set distance continues to exceed a reference amount, the detection means measures the movement distance after the reference amount is exceeded by the movement amount measurement unit, An inclination angle is calculated from the deviation and the moving distance when the moving distance exceeds a reference moving amount, and the moving main body is stopped based on the calculated value, or the traveling is continued. .

前記第2の構成においては、前方床面が傾斜面である場合に、床面と移動本体との距離の変化量と、前方床面及び移動本体間の距離に係る前記測定距離と前記設定距離との偏差が継続して基準量を超えた後の移動本体の移動量とから傾斜角度を算出し、同算出値に基づいて移動本体を停止させるか又は走行を継続させるように構成している。このため算出した傾斜角度に応じて移動本体を停止させるか、あるいは走行を継続させるか選択できる。なおこの第2の構成では、傾斜検知の観点から、前方床面及び移動本体間の距離の変化を認識する前記偏差の値を小さく取る必要がある。   In the second configuration, when the front floor surface is an inclined surface, the amount of change in the distance between the floor surface and the moving body, and the measurement distance and the set distance relating to the distance between the front floor surface and the moving body. The inclination angle is calculated from the amount of movement of the moving body after the deviation from the reference amount has continuously exceeded the reference amount, and the moving body is stopped based on the calculated value or the traveling is continued. . For this reason, it is possible to select whether to stop the moving main body or to continue traveling according to the calculated inclination angle. In the second configuration, the deviation value for recognizing a change in the distance between the front floor surface and the moving body needs to be small from the viewpoint of inclination detection.

また本発明装置の第1又は第2の構成において、好ましくは、前方床面及び移動本体間の前記設定距離において、当該設定距離とその後に測定された測定距離との偏差が前記基準量を超えなければ同測定距離を新たな設定距離とする。
即ち移動本体と床面との距離につき予め測定した距離を設定距離として定めておかずに、最初の移動本体を床面に設置したときに測定したデータ(最初の測定値)を基にし、次に移動して測定したデータ(2番目の測定値)と最初の測定値を比較して、その変化量が許容される範囲の変化量であれば最初の測定値を2番目の測定値に置き換えて次の移動した測定値(3番目の測定値)との比較データとする。
In the first or second configuration of the device of the present invention, preferably, in the set distance between the front floor surface and the moving body, a deviation between the set distance and a measured distance measured thereafter exceeds the reference amount. If not, the measurement distance is set as a new set distance.
That is, based on the data (first measured value) measured when the first moving body was installed on the floor without setting the distance measured in advance for the distance between the moving body and the floor, Compare the measured data (second measured value) with the first measured value. If the variation is within the allowable range, replace the first measured value with the second measured value. The comparison data with the next measured value (the third measured value) is used.

この操作を順次行い、移動が進み、測定値(n番目の測定値)が比較値(n−1番目の測定値)と比較して許容範囲を超えて変化した場合(凹みの段差があれば測定値が比較値より長くなる)段差のあることを認識し、比較値としてn−1番目の測定値を記憶したままで、次に移動し測定した値(n+1番目の測定値)が、n−1番目の測定値と比較して許容範囲を超えていた場合、段差が続いているとの認識で移動を進める。この動作を進めていき、所定の移動を進み移動本体と段差との距離(基準量:移動本体が超えられる段差幅の限界距離)dに対して、大きくなった時に移動本体を停止させるようにする。   When this operation is sequentially performed, the movement proceeds and the measured value (n-th measured value) changes beyond the allowable range in comparison with the comparative value (n-1th measured value) (if there is a step in the dent) Recognizing that there is a difference in level (measured value is longer than the comparison value), the measured value (n + 1 first measured value) is moved and measured while the (n-1) th measured value is stored as the comparative value. In the case where the allowable range is exceeded as compared with the (n−1) th measurement value, the movement is advanced by recognizing that the level difference continues. Continue this operation, proceed with a predetermined movement, and stop the moving body when the distance between the moving body and the step (reference amount: the limit distance of the step width that the moving body can exceed) d becomes larger To do.

また本発明装置の第1又は第2の構成において、好ましくは、距離センサを移動本体に対して測定方向を可動可能に取り付ければ、段差又は傾斜を検知した場合には、距離センサの測定方向をさらに前方まで延ばして、段差又は傾斜が継続して存在しているかどうかを確認して、停止か走行継続かの判断を行うことができる。   In the first or second configuration of the device of the present invention, preferably, if the distance sensor is attached to the movable body so that the measurement direction can be moved, the measurement direction of the distance sensor can be changed when a step or inclination is detected. Further, it can be extended to the front, and it can be determined whether or not there is a step or an inclination, and it can be determined whether to stop or continue running.

また好ましくは、前記距離センサを複数個並設し、前方床面の設定領域を同時測定可能とする。また傾斜面が連続して続いておりその傾斜角度が変化するような場合においては、好ましくは、移動本体に同移動本体の傾斜度を測定するセンサを搭載し、同傾斜センサで測定した移動本体の傾斜角度と前記検出手段によって算出した前方床面の傾斜角度とを積算した傾斜角度に基づいて移動本体を停止させるか又は走行を継続させるように構成する。   Preferably, a plurality of the distance sensors are arranged in parallel so that the set area of the front floor surface can be measured simultaneously. Further, in the case where the inclined surface continues continuously and the inclination angle changes, preferably, the moving main body is equipped with a sensor for measuring the inclination of the moving main body, and the moving main body measured by the same inclination sensor. The moving main body is stopped or the running is continued based on the inclination angle obtained by integrating the inclination angle and the inclination angle of the front floor calculated by the detection means.

また第3の本発明は、前記第1又は第2の構成を有する自律移動ロボットにおいて、前記距離センサとして赤外線センサを用い、移動不能領域の境界を赤外線センサで識別可能な色で表示し、同赤外線センサで前記色を検知することにより移動不能領域を検知することを特徴とする移動不能領域検出方法を提案する。
本発明方法では、赤外線センサの検出特性を活かし、例えば赤外線センサで識別可能な色のテープを移動不能領域の境界に貼ることで、移動本体に識別可能領域の境界を簡単に認識させることができる。
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the autonomous mobile robot having the first or second configuration, an infrared sensor is used as the distance sensor, and the boundary of the immovable region is displayed in a color that can be identified by the infrared sensor. An immovable area detecting method is proposed, which detects an immovable area by detecting the color with an infrared sensor.
In the method of the present invention, the moving main body can easily recognize the boundary of the identifiable area by applying the color tape identifiable by the infrared sensor to the boundary of the immovable area by utilizing the detection characteristics of the infrared sensor. .

本発明装置の第1の構成によれば、移動本体に移動量測定手段を設け、検出手段を、前方床面と移動本体との距離に係る測定距離と設定距離との偏差が継続して基準量を超えた場合に、前記移動量測定手段によって同基準量を超えた後の移動距離を測定し、当該移動距離が基準移動量を超えた時に走行不能と判定して移動本体を停止させるように構成したことにより、移動本体の走行経路上にある段差をその存在のみならず、段差の高さや幅をも認識することができ、これによって自律移動するロボットが走行不可能な領域へ進入することを未然に防止することで転倒や衝突による故障を回避することができるとともに、走行可能な段差や傾斜面であれば、停止することなく、そのまま走行を継続することができ、作業に支障を来たさない利点がある。
またこのように検出値の変化を瞬時に判断して次の動作を決定してしまう手法ではないので、誤動作を未然に防ぐことができる。
According to the first configuration of the device of the present invention, the moving main body is provided with the moving amount measuring means, and the detecting means is configured such that the deviation between the measurement distance and the set distance relating to the distance between the front floor surface and the moving main body continues. When the distance exceeds the reference distance, the movement distance measurement means measures the movement distance after exceeding the reference distance, and when the movement distance exceeds the reference movement distance, it is determined that traveling is impossible and the moving body is stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to recognize not only the presence of a step on the travel route of the mobile body, but also the height and width of the step, thereby allowing an autonomously moving robot to enter an area where it cannot travel By preventing this from happening, it is possible to avoid failures due to overturns and collisions, and if it is a step or slope that can be run, it can continue running without stopping, which hinders work. Not come There is.
Further, since this is not a method for determining the next operation by instantaneously determining the change in the detected value, it is possible to prevent malfunction.

また本発明装置の第2の構成によれば、移動本体に移動量測定手段を設け、検出手段を、前方床面と移動本体との距離に係る測定距離と設定距離との偏差が継続して基準量を超えた場合に、前記移動量測定手段によって同基準量を超えた後の移動距離を測定し、当該移動距離が基準移動量を超えた時に前記偏差と前記移動距離とから傾斜角度を算出し、同算出値に基づいて移動本体を停止させるか又は走行を継続させるように構成したことにより、走行経路上に傾斜を検知して即座に停止するのではなく、傾斜の程度によって登坂可能か又はそうでないかを判断し、登坂か又は停止かを選択することができる。   Further, according to the second configuration of the device of the present invention, the moving main body is provided with the moving amount measuring means, and the detecting means continues the deviation between the measurement distance and the set distance relating to the distance between the front floor surface and the moving main body. When the reference amount is exceeded, the movement distance measurement means measures the movement distance after exceeding the reference amount, and when the movement distance exceeds the reference movement amount, the inclination angle is calculated from the deviation and the movement distance. Based on the calculated value, the mobile body is stopped or it is configured to continue running, so it is possible to ascend according to the degree of inclination rather than detecting the inclination on the driving route and stopping immediately. Or not and can choose to climb or stop.

また本発明装置の第1又は第2の構成において、好ましくは、前方床面及び移動本体間の前記設定距離において、当該設定距離とその後に測定された測定距離との偏差が前記基準量を超えなければ同測定距離を新たな設定距離とすることによって、前記設定距離を常に最新情報に基づいて更新していくことにより、移動本体周囲の現状に合った設定値とすることができ、段差又は傾斜有無のより正確な判定が可能となる。   In the first or second configuration of the device of the present invention, preferably, in the set distance between the front floor surface and the moving body, a deviation between the set distance and a measured distance measured thereafter exceeds the reference amount. Otherwise, by setting the same measurement distance as a new set distance, the set distance can always be updated based on the latest information, so that a set value that matches the current situation around the moving body can be obtained. More accurate determination of the presence or absence of inclination is possible.

また本発明装置の第1又は第2の構成において、好ましくは、距離センサを移動本体に対して測定方向を可動可能に取り付けることにより、段差又は傾斜面等を検知した場合には、距離センサの測定方向をさらに前方まで延ばして、段差又は傾斜面等が継続して存在しているかどうかを確認して、停止か走行継続かの判断を行うことができる。このため段差又は傾斜に対して安全な距離を十分保って停止か走行継続かの判断を行うことができる。   In the first or second configuration of the apparatus of the present invention, preferably, when a step or an inclined surface is detected by attaching the distance sensor so that the measurement direction is movable with respect to the moving body, the distance sensor The measurement direction can be further extended forward, and it can be determined whether or not there is a step or an inclined surface, and it can be determined whether to stop or continue running. For this reason, it is possible to determine whether to stop or continue running while maintaining a safe distance with respect to the step or the inclination.

また本発明装置の第1又は第2の構成において、好ましくは、距離センサを複数個並設し、前方床面の設定領域を同時測定可能としたことにより、複数の距離センサで床面との距離を計測することで同時に進行方向に対して広範囲の床面検出が可能となり、停止か走行継続かの判断がいち早く可能となる。   In the first or second configuration of the device of the present invention, preferably, a plurality of distance sensors are arranged side by side so that the setting area of the front floor surface can be measured simultaneously. By measuring the distance, it is possible to detect a wide range of floor surfaces in the traveling direction at the same time, and to quickly determine whether to stop or continue running.

また本発明装置の第2の構成において、好ましくは、移動本体に同移動本体の傾斜度を測定するセンサを搭載し、同傾斜センサで測定した移動本体の傾斜角度と前記検出手段によって算出した前方床面の傾斜角度とを積算した傾斜角度に基づいて移動本体停止させるか又は走行を継続させるように構成することにより、走行経路上に傾斜面が連続して続き、かつ傾斜角度が変化するような場合において、前方床面の傾斜角度のみならず移動本体自体の傾斜を加味して停止か走行継続かの判断をすることができる。   In the second configuration of the device of the present invention, preferably, a sensor for measuring the inclination of the moving body is mounted on the moving body, and the inclination angle of the moving body measured by the inclination sensor and the front calculated by the detecting means are used. By configuring the moving body to stop or continue traveling based on the inclination angle obtained by integrating the inclination angle of the floor surface, the inclined surface continues on the traveling route and the inclination angle changes. In such a case, it is possible to determine whether to stop or continue running in consideration of not only the inclination angle of the front floor surface but also the inclination of the moving body itself.

また本発明の移動不能領域検出方法によれば、前記第1又は第2の構成による自律移動ロボットにおいて、前記距離センサとして赤外線センサを用い、移動不能領域の境界を赤外線センサで識別可能な色で表示し、同赤外線センサで前記色を検知することにより移動不能領域を検知するため、大掛かりな壁や柵ではなく、例えば赤外線センサで識別可能な色のテープを移動不能領域の境界に貼ることで、移動本体に識別可能領域の境界を簡単に認識させることができる利点を有する。   According to the immovable area detection method of the present invention, in the autonomous mobile robot according to the first or second configuration, an infrared sensor is used as the distance sensor, and the boundary of the immovable area is identified with an infrared sensor. In order to detect the immovable area by displaying and detecting the color with the same infrared sensor, for example, a tape of a color that can be identified by the infrared sensor is pasted on the boundary of the immovable area instead of a large wall or fence The moving body has an advantage that the boundary of the identifiable area can be easily recognized.

以下、本発明を図に示した実施例を用いて詳細に説明する。但し、この実施例に記載されている構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対配置などは特に特定的な記載がない限り、この発明の範囲をそれのみに限定する趣旨ではなく、単なる説明例にすぎない。
図1(a)は、本発明の自律移動ロボットを段差部を検出する場合に適用した第1実施例を示す立面模式図、(b)は、赤外線センサ4で検出した移動台車1及び床面6間の距離と時間t(ms)との関係を示す線図、(c)は、移動量測定装置9により測定した、段差部7検出後の移動台車1の移動距離と時間t(sm)との関係を示す線図、図2は本第1実施例における制御系を示すブロック線図、図3は本第1実施例における制御系の作動手順を示すフローチャートである。
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in this example are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to specific examples unless otherwise specified. Only.
FIG. 1 (a) is a schematic elevational view showing a first embodiment applied to the case where the autonomous mobile robot of the present invention detects a stepped portion, and FIG. 1 (b) shows the mobile carriage 1 and floor detected by the infrared sensor 4. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance between the surfaces 6 and the time t (ms). FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating the movement distance and time t (sm 2 is a block diagram showing a control system in the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the control system in the first embodiment.

本発明の第1実施例を示す図1(a)において、1は移動台車であり、後輪2及び前輪3を備え、また前部に移動台車から床面6までの距離を測定する赤外線センサ4を備えている。赤外線センサ4は前方床面6に対して赤外線5を斜めに照射してその反射ビームを受信することにより前方床面6までの距離を測定する。なお図1(a)においては、移動台車の移動段階に応じてa,b,cの符号を付している。これは図4、図7、図8及び図10においても同様である。   In FIG. 1A showing the first embodiment of the present invention, reference numeral 1 denotes a movable carriage, which includes a rear wheel 2 and a front wheel 3 and measures the distance from the movable carriage to the floor surface 6 at the front. 4 is provided. The infrared sensor 4 measures the distance to the front floor surface 6 by obliquely irradiating the front floor surface 6 with the infrared light 5 and receiving the reflected beam. In FIG. 1A, reference numerals a, b, and c are given according to the moving stage of the moving carriage. This also applies to FIGS. 4, 7, 8, and 10.

図2は、移動台車1の制御系を示し、図2において、9は、移動台車1が段差部7を検知した後の移動台車1の移動量を測定する移動量測定装置であり、本実施例ではオドメトリを使用している。なお他の測定手段として、後輪2又は前輪3にエンコーダを取り付けて、車輪の回転数から移動量を測定してもよい。検出装置8は、赤外線センサ4から移動台車1及び床面6間の距離の測定値を入力し、また移動量測定装置9から移動台車1が段差部7を検知した後の移動量の測定値を入力して、車輪を駆動する装置10に停止又は走行継続の指令を出す。   FIG. 2 shows a control system of the mobile carriage 1, and in FIG. 2, 9 is a movement amount measuring device for measuring the movement amount of the movement carriage 1 after the movement carriage 1 detects the stepped portion 7, The example uses odometry. As another measuring means, an encoder may be attached to the rear wheel 2 or the front wheel 3, and the movement amount may be measured from the rotational speed of the wheel. The detection device 8 receives a measurement value of the distance between the moving carriage 1 and the floor surface 6 from the infrared sensor 4, and the measurement value of the movement amount after the movement carriage 1 detects the stepped portion 7 from the movement amount measurement device 9. Is input to the device 10 that drives the wheel to stop or continue running.

図3は、検出装置8による制御系の作動手順を示し、図3において、移動台車1の走行が開始されると、図1(a)において移動台車が1aの位置にいるときは、赤外線センサ4aによる赤外線照射位置5aにおける床面までの距離は設定値と同一であるため、検出装置8はまだ段差部7を認識しない。
移動台車が1bの位置に来たとき、赤外線センサの照射位置が5bとなり、このとき段差部7の存在により床面までの距離が垂直方向換算値でΔhだけ長くなる。この偏差Δhが絶対値で所定の基準量を越えたときに、検出装置8が段差部7の存在を認識する(ステップ1)。
FIG. 3 shows an operation procedure of the control system by the detection device 8. In FIG. 3, when the traveling of the movable carriage 1 is started, when the movable carriage is at the position 1a in FIG. Since the distance to the floor surface at the infrared irradiation position 5a by 4a is the same as the set value, the detection device 8 does not recognize the step portion 7 yet.
When the moving carriage reaches the position 1b, the irradiation position of the infrared sensor becomes 5b. At this time, due to the presence of the stepped portion 7, the distance to the floor surface is increased by Δh in the vertical conversion value. When this deviation Δh is an absolute value and exceeds a predetermined reference amount, the detection device 8 recognizes the presence of the stepped portion 7 (step 1).

次いで検出装置8が段差部7を認識した時の移動台車1と段差部7との距離をlとすると、検出装置8が段差部7を認識した後の移動台車1の移動量を移動量測定装置9で測定し、移動台車1が1cの位置に到達してその測定値が所定の基準移動量d(<l)を超えた時に、検出装置8が車輪駆動装置10に停止の指令を出力する(ステップ2)。
なお図1の(b)及び(c)において、横軸は時間t(ms)を示し、×印は測定ポイントを示す。
Next, assuming that the distance between the moving carriage 1 and the stepped portion 7 when the detecting device 8 recognizes the stepped portion 7 is l, the moving amount of the moving carriage 1 after the detecting device 8 recognizes the stepped portion 7 is measured. Measured by the device 9, and when the moving carriage 1 reaches the position 1c and the measured value exceeds a predetermined reference moving amount d (<l), the detection device 8 outputs a stop command to the wheel drive device 10. (Step 2).
In FIGS. 1B and 1C, the horizontal axis indicates time t (ms), and the x mark indicates a measurement point.

このように本第1実施例の装置によれば、移動台車1の走行経路上にある段差部7をその存在のみならず、段差の高さや幅を認識することができ、これによって走行不可能な段差であれば、停止又は回避し、走行可能な段差であれば、停止することなく、そのまま走行を継続することができ、作業に支障を来たさない利点がある。
また検出値の変化を瞬時に判断して次の動作を決定してしまう手法ではないので、誤動作を未然に防ぐことができる。
As described above, according to the apparatus of the first embodiment, it is possible to recognize not only the presence of the stepped portion 7 on the travel route of the mobile carriage 1 but also the height and width of the step, thereby making it impossible to travel. If it is a small step, it can be stopped or avoided, and if it is a step that can be traveled, the travel can be continued without stopping, and there is an advantage that the work is not hindered.
In addition, since it is not a method of determining the next operation by instantaneously judging the change of the detected value, it is possible to prevent malfunction.

次に本発明の自律移動ロボットを傾斜面を検出する場合に適用した第2実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。図4の(a)は、本実施例を示す立面模式図、(b)は、赤外線センサ4で検出した移動台車1及び床面6間の距離と時間t(ms)との関係を示す線図、(c)は、移動量測定装置9により測定した、段差部7検出後の移動台車1の移動距離と時間t(ms)との関係を示す線図である。図4において、移動台車1の構成及びその制御系の構成は、前記第1実施例と同一であるが、制御系の作動手順は、図5に示すフローチャートに沿って作動する。   Next, a second embodiment in which the autonomous mobile robot of the present invention is applied when detecting an inclined surface will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4A is a schematic elevation view showing the present embodiment, and FIG. 4B shows a relationship between the distance between the mobile carriage 1 and the floor surface 6 detected by the infrared sensor 4 and time t (ms). The diagram (c) is a diagram showing the relationship between the movement distance of the moving carriage 1 after the step 7 is detected and the time t (ms) measured by the movement amount measuring device 9. In FIG. 4, the configuration of the mobile carriage 1 and the configuration of its control system are the same as those of the first embodiment, but the operation procedure of the control system operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

図4(a)において移動台車が1aの位置にいるときは、赤外線センサ4aによる赤外線照射位置5aにおける床面までの距離は設定値と同一であるため、検出装置8はまだ傾斜のある床面(傾斜面)11を認識しない。
移動台車が1bの位置に来たとき、赤外線センサ4の照射位置が5bとなり、このとき傾斜面11の存在により床面までの距離の測定値に変化が生じ、その変化量が所定の基準量を越えた時に検出装置8が傾斜面11の存在を認識する(ステップ1)。なお傾斜面を検知する場合は前記設定値を小さくする必要がある。
When the moving carriage is at the position 1a in FIG. 4A, the distance to the floor surface at the infrared irradiation position 5a by the infrared sensor 4a is the same as the set value. (Inclined surface) 11 is not recognized.
When the moving carriage reaches the position 1b, the irradiation position of the infrared sensor 4 becomes 5b. At this time, the presence of the inclined surface 11 causes a change in the measured value of the distance to the floor surface, and the amount of change is a predetermined reference amount. The detection device 8 recognizes the presence of the inclined surface 11 (step 1). When detecting an inclined surface, it is necessary to reduce the set value.

次いで検出装置8が傾斜面11を認識した時の移動台車1bと傾斜面開始点との距離をlとすると、検出装置8が傾斜面11を認識した後の移動台車の移動量を移動量測定装置9で測定し、移動台車が1cの位置に到達して移動量測定値が所定の基準移動量d(<l)を超えたかどうかを判定する(ステップ2)。次に移動量dと移動量dに対する高さの検出値の偏差Δhとから傾斜角度θを算出し、移動台車1の登坂可能な傾斜であれば、検出装置8が車輪駆動装置10に走行継続の指令を出力し、登坂不可能な傾斜であれば、停止の指令を出力する(ステップ3)。
本第2実施例によれば、走行経路上に傾斜を検知した場合、即座に停止するのではなく、傾斜の程度によって登坂可能か又はそうでないかを判断し、登坂か又は停止かを選択することができる。
Next, when the distance between the moving carriage 1b when the detecting device 8 recognizes the inclined surface 11 and the starting point of the inclined surface is 1, the moving amount of the moving carriage after the detecting device 8 recognizes the inclined surface 11 is measured. It is measured by the apparatus 9, and it is determined whether or not the moving carriage has reached the position 1c and the movement amount measurement value exceeds a predetermined reference movement amount d (<l) (step 2). Next, the inclination angle θ is calculated from the movement amount d and the deviation Δh of the height detection value with respect to the movement amount d, and the detection device 8 continues to travel to the wheel drive device 10 if the inclination of the movable carriage 1 can be climbed. If the slope cannot be climbed, a stop command is output (step 3).
According to the second embodiment, when an inclination is detected on the travel route, it is not immediately stopped, but it is determined whether it is possible to climb or not depending on the degree of the slope, and whether to climb or stop is selected. be able to.

次に本発明の第3実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。図6は本実施例における制御系の作動手順を示すフローチャートである。
本実施例の装置構成は前記第1実施例又は前記第2実施例と同一であるので、前記第1実施例の装置構成を示す図1、2及び図6に基づいて本実施例を説明する。図1(a)において,移動台車が1aの位置にいるとき、赤外線センサ4aから測定した移動台車1a及び床面6間の距離を設定値として保持する。移動台車が1bの位置の来るまでは移動台車1a及び床面6間の距離の検出値と設定値との偏差は基準量の範囲内であるので、段差を認識せず、新しい検出値を従来の設定値と入れ替える(ステップ1)。検出値と設定値との偏差が基準量より小さければ、この処理を繰り返す。
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the control system in this embodiment.
Since the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 showing the apparatus configuration of the first embodiment. . In FIG. 1A, when the moving carriage is at the position 1a, the distance between the moving carriage 1a and the floor surface 6 measured from the infrared sensor 4a is held as a set value. The deviation between the detected value of the distance between the moving carriage 1a and the floor surface 6 and the set value is within the reference amount range until the position of the moving carriage 1b is reached. (Step 1). If the deviation between the detected value and the set value is smaller than the reference amount, this process is repeated.

次に移動台車1aが1bまで進んだ時、赤外線センサ4bの照射位置が5bとなり、このとき段差部7の存在により、床面までの距離が垂直方向換算値でΔhだけ長くなる。偏差Δhが絶対値で所定の基準量を越えたときに、検出装置8が段差部7の存在を認識し、従来の設定値を検出値と入れ替えずにそのまま保持する。   Next, when the moving carriage 1a advances to 1b, the irradiation position of the infrared sensor 4b becomes 5b. At this time, due to the presence of the stepped portion 7, the distance to the floor becomes longer by Δh in terms of the vertical conversion value. When the deviation Δh is an absolute value and exceeds a predetermined reference amount, the detection device 8 recognizes the presence of the stepped portion 7 and holds the conventional setting value as it is without replacing the detection value.

次いでその後移動台車及び床面間の距離を測定し、偏差Δhが基準量を超えたままかどうか、即ち段差が継続しているかどうかを検知し続け(ステップ2)、基準値より超えたままであると、段差を検出してからの移動距離が加算されていく。検出装置8が段差部7を認識した時の移動台車1と段差部7との距離をlとすると、検出装置8が段差部7を認識した後の移動台車1の移動量を移動量測定装置9で測定し、移動台車1が1cの位置に到達してその移動量が所定の基準移動量d(<l)を超えた時に、危険と判断して、検出装置8が車輪駆動装置10に停止の指令を出力する(ステップ3)。   Then, after that, the distance between the moving carriage and the floor surface is measured, and it continues to detect whether or not the deviation Δh exceeds the reference amount, that is, whether or not the step continues (step 2), and remains above the reference value. Then, the moving distance after detecting the step is added. If the distance between the moving carriage 1 and the stepped portion 7 when the detecting device 8 recognizes the stepped portion 7 is 1, the moving amount of the moving carriage 1 after the detecting device 8 recognizes the stepped portion 7 is measured as a moving amount measuring device. 9. When the moving carriage 1 reaches the position 1c and the amount of movement exceeds a predetermined reference movement amount d (<l), the detection device 8 determines that it is dangerous and the detection device 8 A stop command is output (step 3).

この第3実施例によれば、移動台車1及び床面6間の設定距離を常に最新情報に基づいて更新していくことにより、移動本体周囲の現状に合った設定値とすることができ、段差又は傾斜有無のさらに正確な判定が可能となる。   According to the third embodiment, by constantly updating the set distance between the mobile carriage 1 and the floor surface 6 based on the latest information, it can be set to a set value that matches the current situation around the moving main body, A more accurate determination of the presence or absence of a step or inclination is possible.

次に本発明の第4実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。図7の(a)及び(b)は本実施例の立面模式図、(c)は移動台車1から床面6までの距離検出値を示す線図である。図7に示すように、本実施例は、前方床面6と移動台車1との距離を測定する距離センサ14を測定方向を可動可能に移動台車1に取り付けたものである。距離センサ14は、移動台車1に対する取付け部にチルト機構を設け、上下方向の首振り動作を可能にしている。   Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 7A and 7B are schematic elevation views of the present embodiment, and FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a distance detection value from the movable carriage 1 to the floor surface 6. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a distance sensor 14 for measuring the distance between the front floor surface 6 and the movable carriage 1 is attached to the movable carriage 1 so that the measurement direction can be moved. The distance sensor 14 is provided with a tilt mechanism at an attachment portion with respect to the movable carriage 1 so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction.

本実施例の装置においては、図7(a)に示すように、段差部7を検出したら停止し、(b)に示すように、距離センサ14を上下方向に首振りさせ、段差周辺の性状を検出する。このように停止して周辺の性状を検出し、(c)の線図に示すように段差部7周辺の検出距離データをプロットして、床面の段差部7の偏差Δhを認識する。これによって瞬間的な誤動作を排除することができる。   In the apparatus of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the stepped portion 7 is detected, it stops, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the distance sensor 14 is swung in the vertical direction, and the properties around the stepped portion. Is detected. Stopping in this way, the surrounding properties are detected, and the detection distance data around the step portion 7 is plotted as shown in the diagram (c) to recognize the deviation Δh of the step portion 7 on the floor surface. As a result, instantaneous malfunctions can be eliminated.

次に本発明の第5実施例を図8に基づいて説明する。図8の(a)は本実施例の立面模式図、(b)は移動台車1から床面6までの距離検出値を示す線図、(c)及び(d)は移動台車1がさらに段差部7に近づいたときの立面模式図及び同距離検出値を示す線図である。本実施例は、複数の距離センサからなる距離センサ群24(図示では3個)を移動台車1の走行に向かって並設したものである。図8の(a)では、距離センサ群24bの一部センサが段差部7を検出しているが、この時点ではまだ段差部7が段差として認識されるに至っていない。(c)の状態で段差と考えられる床面が継続して認識されて初めて段差部7による偏差Δhが検出され、段差として認識される。   Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8A is a schematic elevational view of the present embodiment, FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a distance detection value from the movable carriage 1 to the floor surface 6, and FIGS. It is a diagram showing an elevation schematic diagram and a distance detection value when approaching the stepped portion. In the present embodiment, a group of distance sensors 24 (three in the figure) composed of a plurality of distance sensors are arranged in parallel toward the traveling of the movable carriage 1. In FIG. 8A, some sensors of the distance sensor group 24b detect the stepped portion 7, but at this point, the stepped portion 7 has not yet been recognized as a stepped portion. The deviation Δh by the stepped portion 7 is detected and recognized as a step only after the floor surface considered to be a step in the state of (c) is continuously recognized.

本実施例の装置によれば、複数の距離センサ群24で段差部7を検出することにより、進行方向に対して同時に広範囲の床面検出が可能となり、停止か走行継続かの判断を迅速に行なうことができる。   According to the apparatus of the present embodiment, by detecting the stepped portion 7 with the plurality of distance sensor groups 24, it is possible to detect a wide range of floor surfaces simultaneously in the traveling direction, and quickly determine whether to stop or continue running. Can be done.

図9は、移動本体と床面との距離を測定する距離センサを移動本体に取り付ける場合の留意点を説明したものである。図9において、34は距離センサで、35は発光側(LED)、36は受光側(PSD)である。距離センサ34を移動本体に取り付ける際には、図示にように、受光側36を下側に設置すると、下向き段差を検出するとき、段差部7が陰になり、受光側36に反射光が帰らないという不具合が生じる。このためAの領域で誤検出が生じる。
従って発光側35と受講側36とが並列に配列されるように設置するか、縦置き以外が不可能な場合には、受光側36が上側に、発光側35が下側となるように配設する必要がある。
FIG. 9 illustrates points to be noted when a distance sensor for measuring the distance between the moving main body and the floor surface is attached to the moving main body. In FIG. 9, 34 is a distance sensor, 35 is a light emitting side (LED), and 36 is a light receiving side (PSD). When the distance sensor 34 is attached to the moving main body, as shown in the figure, when the light receiving side 36 is installed on the lower side, the stepped portion 7 is shaded when detecting a downward step, and the reflected light returns to the light receiving side 36. The problem of not occurring. For this reason, erroneous detection occurs in the area A.
Therefore, if the light emitting side 35 and the attending side 36 are installed so as to be arranged in parallel, or other than vertical installation is impossible, the light receiving side 36 is on the upper side and the light emitting side 35 is on the lower side. It is necessary to install.

次に本発明の第6実施例を図10に基づいて説明する。図10は、本実施例の立面模式図であり、図10において、本発明の移動台車1は傾斜センサ12を搭載しており、移動台車1が上向きの最初の傾斜面Iにさしかかったときに、傾斜角度θ1を有する傾斜面Iは走行可能と判断して走行を継続し、次に傾斜角度θ2を有する第2の傾斜面IIにさしかかったときに、移動台車1は移動台車自体の傾斜を計測できる傾斜センサ12を搭載しているため、傾斜面IIを走行可能かどうかを判定するに際しては、移動台車1自体の傾斜角度θ1と傾斜面IIの傾斜角度θ2とを積算した傾斜角度(θ1+θ2)に対して走行可能かを判定することができる。   Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic elevational view of the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, the mobile carriage 1 of the present invention is equipped with an inclination sensor 12, and the mobile carriage 1 approaches the first upward inclined surface I. In addition, when the inclined surface I having the inclination angle θ1 is determined to be able to travel and continues to travel, and then approaches the second inclined surface II having the inclination angle θ2, the moving carriage 1 is inclined to the moving carriage itself. In order to determine whether or not the vehicle can travel on the inclined surface II, the inclination angle (1) obtained by integrating the inclination angle θ1 of the movable carriage 1 itself and the inclination angle θ2 of the inclined surface II is determined. It can be determined whether or not the vehicle can travel with respect to θ1 + θ2).

次に移動不能領域検出方法に係る本発明の第7実施例を図11に基づいて説明する。図11(a)において、41は、一般家屋内に置かれた、本発明の構成を有する自律移動ロボットであり、42は室内のフローリング床である。フローリング床42には、危険物としてストーブ43が置かれてあり、その周囲に移動不能領域の境界を示すものとして黒テープ44が貼られている。移動ロボット41がストーブ43に近づいたとき、移動ロボット41に設置されている図示しない赤外線センサが黒テープ44を検知する。赤外線センサの特性として照射している対象物の色が変化したとき、検出距離が変動する特性がある。   Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention relating to the immovable area detecting method will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11A, 41 is an autonomous mobile robot having the configuration of the present invention placed in a general house, and 42 is an indoor flooring. A stove 43 is placed on the flooring floor 42 as a dangerous substance, and a black tape 44 is attached around the stove 43 to indicate the boundary of the immovable region. When the mobile robot 41 approaches the stove 43, an infrared sensor (not shown) installed in the mobile robot 41 detects the black tape 44. As a characteristic of the infrared sensor, there is a characteristic that the detection distance fluctuates when the color of the irradiated object changes.

従ってフローリング床上に黒い面があると、凸面と認識する応答が得られるため、赤外線センサによる検出距離曲線は、黒いテープの貼付箇所で変化し、図10(b)のようになる。
本実施例は、この特性を利用してロボット41に進入させたくない領域に赤外線センサで検知可能な色のテープを貼ることにより、結界の役割として代用できる。
Therefore, if there is a black surface on the flooring floor, a response to recognize as a convex surface is obtained, so the detection distance curve by the infrared sensor changes at the location where the black tape is applied, as shown in FIG.
The present embodiment can be used as a role of a boundary by sticking a color tape that can be detected by an infrared sensor to an area where the robot 41 is not desired to enter using this characteristic.

本発明によれば、自律移動しながら所定の作業領域で作業を行う自律移動ロボットにおいて、段差あるいは傾斜等その他自律移動ロボットが走行不能な領域に進入することを未然に防止することができて、転倒や衝突による故障を回避することができる。   According to the present invention, in an autonomous mobile robot that performs work in a predetermined work area while autonomously moving, it is possible to prevent the autonomous mobile robot from entering other areas where it cannot travel, such as steps or slopes. Failures due to falls and collisions can be avoided.

本発明の自律移動ロボットを段差検出に適用した第1実施例を示し、(a)は、その立面模式図、(b)は、赤外線センサ4で検出した移動台車1及び床面6間の距離と時間t(ms)との関係を示す線図、(c)は、移動量測定装置9により測定した、段差部7検出後の移動台車1の移動距離と時間t(sm)との関係を示す線図である。The 1st Example which applied the autonomous mobile robot of this invention to the level | step difference detection is shown, (a) is the elevation schematic diagram, (b) is between the mobile trolley 1 and the floor surface 6 which were detected with the infrared sensor 4. FIG. A diagram showing the relationship between the distance and the time t (ms), (c) is the relationship between the moving distance of the moving carriage 1 after the step 7 is detected and the time t (sm) measured by the moving amount measuring device 9. FIG. 前記第1実施例における制御系を示すブロック線図である。It is a block diagram which shows the control system in the said 1st Example. 前記第1実施例における制御系の作動手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the control system in the said 1st Example. 本発明の自律移動ロボットを傾斜面検出に適用した第2実施例を示し、(a)は、その立面模式図、(b)は、赤外線センサ4で検出した移動台車1及び床面6間の距離と時間t(ms)との関係を示す線図、(c)は、移動量測定装置9により測定した、段差部7検出後の移動台車1の移動距離と時間t(sm)との関係を示す線図である。The 2nd Example which applied the autonomous mobile robot of this invention to inclined surface detection is shown, (a) is the elevation surface schematic diagram, (b) is between the mobile trolley 1 and the floor surface 6 detected with the infrared sensor 4. FIG. (C) is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance of the vehicle and the time t (ms), and (c) is a graph showing the relationship between the movement distance of the movable carriage 1 after detection of the stepped portion 7 and the time t (sm) measured by the movement amount measuring device 9. It is a diagram which shows a relationship. 前記第2実施例における制御系の作動手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the control system in the said 2nd Example. 本発明の第3実施例に係るフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. 本発明の4実施例を示し、(a)及び(b)はその立面模式図、(c)は移動台車1から床面6までの距離検出値を示す線図である。FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic elevational views of the four embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 4C is a diagram showing distance detection values from the movable carriage 1 to the floor surface 6. 本発明の第5実施例を示し、(a)はその立面模式図、(b)は移動台車から床面までの距離検出値を示す線図、(c)及び(d)は移動台車がさらに段差部に近づいたときの立面模式図及び同距離検出値を示す線図である。5A and 5B show a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a schematic elevational view thereof, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a distance detection value from the moving carriage to the floor, and FIGS. Furthermore, it is a diagram showing an elevation schematic diagram and a distance detection value when approaching a stepped portion. 移動本体と床面との距離を測定する距離センサを移動本体に取り付ける場合の留意点を説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the point of caution when attaching the distance sensor which measures the distance of a movement main body and a floor surface to a movement main body. 本発明の第6実施例を示す立面模式図である。It is an elevational schematic diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第7実施例を示し、(a)はその平面模式図、(b)は赤外線センサによる検出距離を示す線図である。7A and 7B show a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view thereof, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a detection distance by an infrared sensor.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1a,1b,1c 移動台車
2a,2b,2c 後輪
3a,3b,3c 前輪
4,4a,4c 赤外線センサ
5a,5b,5c 赤外線
6 床面
7 段差部
8 検出装置
9 移動量測定装置
10 車輪駆動装置
11,I,II 傾斜面
12 傾斜センサ
14a,14b,34 距離センサ
24a,24b 距離センサ群
35 発光側(LED)
36 受光側(PSD)
41 自律移動ロボット
42 フローリング床
43 ストーブ
44 黒テープ
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a, 1b, 1c Moving cart 2a, 2b, 2c Rear wheel 3a, 3b, 3c Front wheel 4, 4a, 4c Infrared sensor 5a, 5b, 5c Infrared 6 Floor surface 7 Stepped part 8 Detector 9 Movement amount measuring device 10 Wheel drive Device 11, I, II Inclined surface 12 Inclination sensor 14a, 14b, 34 Distance sensor 24a, 24b Distance sensor group 35 Light emitting side (LED)
36 Light receiving side (PSD)
41 Autonomous mobile robot 42 Flooring floor 43 Stove 44 Black tape

Claims (7)

走行車輪を備えた移動本体に、移動本体前方の床面と移動本体との距離を測定する距離センサを設け、同距離センサで測定した前方床面と移動本体との距離と、予め設定された床面と移動本体との距離とを比較して前方床面の段差を検出する検出手段を備えた自律移動ロボットにおいて、前記移動本体に移動量測定手段を設け、前記検出手段を、前記測定距離と前記設定距離との偏差が継続して基準量を超えた場合に、前記移動量測定手段によって同基準量を超えた後の移動距離を測定し、当該移動距離が基準移動量を超えた時に走行不能と判定して移動本体を停止させるように構成したことを特徴とする自律移動ロボット。   A distance sensor for measuring the distance between the floor surface in front of the moving body and the moving body is provided on the moving body provided with the traveling wheels, and the distance between the front floor surface measured by the distance sensor and the moving body is set in advance. In an autonomous mobile robot provided with a detecting means for detecting a step on the front floor surface by comparing the distance between the floor surface and the moving main body, the moving main body is provided with a moving amount measuring means, and the detecting means includes the measuring distance. When the deviation between the set distance and the set distance continues to exceed the reference distance, the movement distance after the reference distance is measured by the movement amount measuring means, and the movement distance exceeds the reference movement amount. An autonomous mobile robot characterized in that the mobile body is determined to be unable to run and stop. 走行車輪を備えた移動本体に、移動本体前方の床面と移動本体との距離を測定する距離センサを設け、同距離センサで測定した前方床面と移動本体との距離と、予め設定された床面と移動本体との距離とを比較して前方床面の傾斜を検出する検出手段を備えた自律移動ロボットにおいて、前記移動本体に移動量測定手段を設け、前記検出手段を、前記測定距離と前記設定距離との偏差が継続して基準量を超えた場合に、前記移動量測定手段によって同基準量を超えた後の移動距離を測定し、当該移動距離が基準移動量を超えた時に前記偏差と前記移動距離とから傾斜角度を算出し、同算出値に基づいて移動本体を停止させるか又は走行を継続させるように構成したことを特徴とする自律移動ロボット。   A distance sensor for measuring the distance between the floor surface in front of the moving body and the moving body is provided on the moving body provided with the traveling wheels, and the distance between the front floor surface measured by the distance sensor and the moving body is set in advance. In an autonomous mobile robot having a detecting means for detecting the inclination of the front floor surface by comparing the distance between the floor surface and the moving main body, the moving main body is provided with a moving amount measuring means, and the detecting means includes the measuring distance. When the deviation between the set distance and the set distance continues to exceed the reference distance, the movement distance after the reference distance is measured by the movement amount measuring means, and the movement distance exceeds the reference movement amount. An autonomous mobile robot characterized in that an inclination angle is calculated from the deviation and the moving distance, and the moving body is stopped or the running is continued based on the calculated value. 前記設定距離において、当該設定距離とその後に測定された測定距離との偏差が前記基準量を超えなければ同測定距離を新たな設定距離とすることを特徴とする請求項1又は2記載の自律移動ロボット。   The autonomous distance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the set distance, if the deviation between the set distance and the measured distance measured thereafter does not exceed the reference amount, the measured distance is set as a new set distance. Mobile robot. 前記距離センサを移動本体に対して測定方向を可動可能に取り付けたことを特徴とする請求項1又は2記載の自立移動ロボット。   The self-supporting mobile robot according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance sensor is attached so as to be movable in a measuring direction with respect to the moving body. 前記距離センサを複数個並設し、前方床面の設定領域を同時測定可能としたことを特徴とする請求項1又は2記載の自律移動ロボット。   The autonomous mobile robot according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the distance sensors are arranged side by side to enable simultaneous measurement of a set area on the front floor surface. 移動本体に同移動本体の傾斜度を測定するセンサを搭載し、同傾斜センサで測定した移動本体の傾斜角度と前記検出手段によって算出した前方床面の傾斜角度とを積算した傾斜角度に基づいて移動本体を停止させるか又は走行を継続させるように構成したことを特徴とする請求項2記載の自律移動ロボット。   A sensor for measuring the inclination of the moving body is mounted on the moving body, and based on the inclination angle obtained by integrating the inclination angle of the moving body measured by the inclination sensor and the inclination angle of the front floor surface calculated by the detecting means. The autonomous mobile robot according to claim 2, wherein the mobile main body is configured to stop or continue running. 請求項1又は2記載の自律移動ロボットにおいて、前記距離センサとして赤外線センサを用い、移動不能領域の境界を赤外線センサで識別可能な色で表示し、同赤外線センサで前記色を検知することにより移動不能領域を検知することを特徴とする移動不能領域検出方法。   3. The autonomous mobile robot according to claim 1, wherein an infrared sensor is used as the distance sensor, a boundary of the immovable region is displayed in a color that can be identified by the infrared sensor, and the movement is performed by detecting the color using the infrared sensor. An immovable area detecting method, comprising: detecting an incapable area.
JP2004332561A 2004-11-17 2004-11-17 Autonomous moving robot and detecting method for unmovable area Withdrawn JP2006146376A (en)

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US7787991B2 (en) 2006-12-06 2010-08-31 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner system and control method thereof
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JP2015103227A (en) * 2013-11-28 2015-06-04 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Autonomous mobile body
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CN104750105A (en) * 2013-12-27 2015-07-01 科沃斯机器人科技(苏州)有限公司 Walking detection control method for auto-moving robot
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JP2017015601A (en) * 2015-07-02 2017-01-19 シャープ株式会社 Road surface detection device, mobile body, road surface detection method, and road surface detection program
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US11249490B2 (en) 2016-07-21 2022-02-15 Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. Self-moving device capable of automatically recognizing an object in front, and recognition method thereof
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CN113682276A (en) * 2021-08-25 2021-11-23 汤恩智能科技(常熟)有限公司 Cliff detection method and terminal
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