Autonomous Work Machine Boundary Control With Identical Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous work machine systems require multiple distinguishable markers to navigate, leading to increased procurement costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous work machine that detects multiple markers to define a work area, specifies marker information, sets virtual lines between them, and controls its movement to avoid deviating beyond these lines without the need for individual marker distinction, using a detection system, specifying mechanism, and control mechanism that calculates time to reach virtual lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distinguishable markers are used to define the work area, then the autonomous work machine can accurately navigate and avoid deviation, but the procurement cost of markers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using identical markers (same appearance, same reflectivity) throughout the work area boundary instead of distinguishable markers. The detection means detects all markers uniformly based on their common reflective properties, eliminating the need for multiple marker types while maintaining accurate work area definition and navigation capability
2Reliability
If multiple distinguishable markers are used to define the work area, then the autonomous work machine can accurately navigate and avoid deviation, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates marker differentiation complexity by using identical markers throughout. The detection means is designed to detect markers based on their common reflective properties rather than distinguishing features, significantly simplifying both the marker system and the detection algorithm while maintaining accurate work area boundary detection
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means is designed with universal detection capability that can identify all markers based on their common reflective properties. This universal detection approach eliminates the need for complex marker classification systems and simplifies the overall navigation system while maintaining accurate work area definition
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 efficient navigation and operation within defined areas using undistinguished markers, reducing costs and eliminating the need for GPS or IMU sensors for self-position recognition, while preventing deviations beyond virtual boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
a detection means 11 that detects a plurality of markers 401a to 401n arranged to define a work area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
An autonomous work machine that works in a work area, comprising: a detection means that detects a plurality of markers arranged to define the work area; a specifying means that specifies marker information based on a detection result of the detection means; a setting means that sets a virtual line connecting the plurality of markers based on the marker information specified by the specifying means; and a control means that controls the autonomous work machine such that the autonomous work machine does not deviate to a region beyond the virtual line set by the setting means.