Adaptive Robotic Collection Scheduling for Variable Field Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic collection systems face inefficiencies in battery consumption and collection management due to fixed work schedules, which do not adapt to the varying number of target objects on the field, leading to either excessive or insufficient collection efforts.

Innovation Solution

A robotic collection system that dynamically adjusts its work schedule based on the state of target objects on the field by using autonomous robots equipped with position detectors, cameras, and communication systems to optimize travel routes and collection efforts, allowing for efficient battery usage and proper collection management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the working robot performs collection work according to a preset work schedule, then the collection work is performed regularly, but the battery consumption increases when there are not many target objects on the field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregularity of collection workVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The work schedule is changed from a fixed preset schedule to a dynamic schedule that adjusts based on the detected state of target objects on the field. The management controller modifies the work schedule in real-time according to the number of target objects, making the system adaptable to varying conditions rather than following a rigid predetermined plan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses detection information about the state of target objects as feedback to adjust the work schedule. The management controller receives detection information from detectors on the working robot or external detectors, processes this information, and modifies the work schedule accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual field conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the working robot performs collection work according to a preset work schedule, then the work is performed regularly, but the collection management is insufficient when there are many target objects on the field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregularity of collection workVSAvoidcollection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The work schedule transitions from static to dynamic, allowing the system to intensify collection efforts when target objects are abundant. The management controller adjusts the frequency and intensity of collection tasks based on real-time detection of target object states, enabling the system to respond appropriately to varying workload conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Detection information about target object density and distribution feeds back to the management controller, which then adjusts the work schedule to optimize collection efficiency. When many target objects are detected, the system increases collection activities; when few are present, it reduces activities, creating an adaptive response that maximizes productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If the working robot travels autonomously on the field according to a fixed schedule, then the coverage is consistent, but unnecessary travel occurs when targets are scarce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield coverageVSAvoidtravel time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The travel route and coverage area are adjusted dynamically based on the distribution and density of target objects. Instead of following a fixed predetermined path, the working robot's travel plan is modified in real-time according to detection information, allowing the system to concentrate on areas with targets and avoid unnecessary traversal of empty areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collection effort is concentrated locally in areas where target objects are detected rather than uniformly distributing effort across the entire field. The system identifies specific locations with target objects and directs collection activities to those areas, making the coverage quality heterogeneous and optimized for actual needs rather than uniform and inefficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4075231B1Robotic collection system
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 YAMABIKO CORP
  • EP4075231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4075231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4075231B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Efficient collection work and proper collection management of target objects are realized by changing a work schedule depending on the state of the target objects on a field. A robotic collection system (1) includes: a working robot (10) configured to autonomously travel on the field to collect the target objects on the field; and a management controller (P3) configured to manage the work schedule of the working robot (10). The management controller (P3) obtains information about an amount of the target objects on the field, and changes an existing work schedule based on the information.