3D Lawn Mapping and Path Planning for Mowing Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles, such as zero turn radius lawnmowers, face management challenges due to remote operation, making it difficult for supervisors to oversee vehicle conditions and scheduling, especially when they are far from headquarters, and existing GPS tools do not effectively address the unique characteristics of commercial and residential lawns for optimized mowing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system equipped with sensors and a communication system that generates three-dimensional terrain maps of lawns, allowing real-time data transmission from the vehicle to a remote location, enabling supervisors to manage fleets and personnel efficiently, and providing optimized mowing paths and parameters for both residential and commercial lawns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If GPS equipment is used to track vehicle location, then vehicle monitoring capability is improved, but the system cannot provide detailed terrain information for optimized mowing paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS location tracking with LiDAR terrain mapping and mowing path optimization into a single integrated system. The GPS receiver provides location data that is merged with three-dimensional terrain maps generated by LiDAR sensors, creating a comprehensive system that both monitors vehicle position and optimizes mowing efficiency based on terrain characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions: GPS-based location tracking, LiDAR-based terrain mapping, mowing path optimization, and performance monitoring. This multi-functional system addresses both the need for vehicle monitoring and the need for optimized mowing operations, eliminating the limitation of GPS-only systems.
2Ease of operation
If supervisors monitor vehicles remotely, then management oversight is improved, but real-time detailed terrain and operational data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary that receives and processes data from multiple sources including GPS receivers, LiDAR sensors, and vehicle performance sensors. The server generates comprehensive reports and transmits them to supervisor devices, enabling remote supervisors to access detailed terrain and operational information without being physically present at the worksite.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensor data from vehicles and terrain information are continuously transmitted to remote servers, processed, and then fed back to supervisors through communication devices. This feedback mechanism ensures supervisors receive real-time or near-real-time information about vehicle location, terrain conditions, and operational status.
3Device complexity
If traditional mowing methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but mowing efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating three-dimensional terrain maps and optimized mowing paths before mowing operations begin. LiDAR sensors scan the terrain in advance to create detailed topographic models, and the system calculates optimal mowing paths that account for terrain features, slopes, and obstacles. This pre-planning enables more efficient mowing operations compared to traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts mowing paths and parameters based on real-time terrain data and vehicle performance information. The optimized paths are not static but adapt to the specific characteristics of each terrain, allowing the system to maintain high efficiency across varied landscapes while managing complexity through software-based solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system provided for use with a lawn mower includes a processor in communication with the lawn mower. The processor is configured to acquire geographic location data of the lawn mower and mapping data for the lawn mower as the lawn mower operates on the plot of land. The processor is configured to acquire performance data of the lawn mower as the lawn mower operates on the plot of land according to a first path and generate a map of the plot of land at least partially based on the geographic location data and the mapping data. The processor is configured to determine an operational efficiency of the lawn mower according to the first path and determine a second path for the lawn mower that increases the operational efficiency of the lawn mower for operating on the plot of land.