Anchor-Based Navigation for Autonomous Mowers on Complex Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous lawn mowers face challenges in navigating diverse and complex garden terrains due to unpredictability and varying elevations, leading to inadequate performance compared to traditional push mowers.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system using a plurality of anchors emitting electromagnetic signals, a signaling module, and a processor to determine the current position of the autonomous tool based on physical distances and map data, incorporating sensors like IMU, odometry, and GPS for accurate navigation and pathfinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous mowers use traditional navigation systems, then they can operate on simple terrains, but they fail to navigate complex terrains with varying elevations and profiles accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation technologies (GPS, IMU, odometry, and visual recognition) into a unified navigation system. This integration allows the autonomous mower to leverage the strengths of each subsystem: GPS provides global position, IMU provides orientation and acceleration data, odometry provides distance traveled, and visual recognition provides terrain feature identification. The fusion of these data sources enables accurate positioning and navigation across diverse terrain types while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a terrain mapping system that creates detailed digital representations of the environment as an intermediary between the navigation system and the terrain. This terrain map serves as a reference that the navigation system can compare against real-time sensor data, enabling the mower to understand and adapt to complex terrain features like elevations and profiles. The terrain map acts as a mediator that translates raw sensor data into meaningful navigation information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous mowers use complex navigation systems with multiple sensors, then they can navigate complex terrains, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system incorporates self-calibration and self-correction mechanisms that automatically adjust for sensor drift and environmental variations without external intervention. The system uses redundant sensors to cross-validate measurements and automatically correct positioning errors. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual calibration procedures and simplifies system operation while maintaining high navigation accuracy on complex terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is constantly monitored, processed, and used to adjust navigation decisions in real-time. The system compares expected position (based on odometry and IMU) with actual position (from GPS and visual recognition) and corrects deviations automatically. This feedback mechanism enables the complex multi-sensor system to operate cohesively, managing complexity through active control and coordination of all subsystems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the autonomous tool to efficiently navigate and mow complex terrains by determining its position and path with high accuracy, improving performance and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of anchors disposed separately on a terrain each arranged to emit an electromagnetic signal; a signaling module including a signal receiver arranged to receive the electromagnetic signal; and a processor arranged to process the electromagnetic signal received by the signal receiver so as to determine a physical distance between the signaling module and each of the plurality of anchors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A navigation system for use in an autonomous tool, comprising a plurality of anchors disposed separately on a terrain each arranged to emit an electromagnetic signal; a signaling module including a signal receiver arranged to receive the electromagnetic signal, wherein the signaling module is connected to the autonomous tool arranged to move on the terrain; and a processor arranged to process the electromagnetic signal received by the signal receiver so as to determine a physical distance between the signaling module and each of the plurality of anchors. The processor is further arranged to determine a current position of the signaling module with respect to a reference position on the terrain based on the determined physical distances and map data of the terrain associated with a position of each of the plurality of anchors. The present invention also discloses a method for controlling an autonomous tool.