Autonomous Lawnmower Forward and Rear Imaging for Adaptive Mowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autonomous lawnmowers lack the ability to autonomously perform optimal lawn-mowing operations tailored to varying lawn conditions, such as weather and grass characteristics, relying on human intervention for optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous lawnmower incorporates forward and backward imaging devices to capture information on unmown and mown grass conditions, including moisture content, number, thickness, and color, using reinforcement learning to adjust operational parameters like traveling speed, cutter blade rotation, and deck height for optimal mowing, and determines rework spots based on imaging results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lawnmowers use generated maps for operation planning, then lawn management capability is improved, but autonomous optimal operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously acquires current lawn condition information from sensors (moisture content, grass height, density) and adjusts operational parameters in real-time. The controller compares current conditions with historical data and automatically modifies mowing parameters such as blade rotation speed, deck height, and travel speed to optimize performance for current lawn conditions, thereby achieving autonomous optimal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes operational parameters dynamic by allowing real-time adjustment of blade rotation speed, deck height, and travel speed based on current lawn conditions. The system transitions from static pre-planned operations to dynamic adaptive operations where parameters are continuously modified according to sensed conditions, enabling the lawnmower to autonomously optimize its performance.
2Ease of operation
If lawnmowers operate with fixed parameters, then operation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying lawn conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the lawnmower automatically monitors its own operational effectiveness and adjusts parameters without human intervention. The controller uses sensor data to self-evaluate mowing quality and autonomously modifies parameters such as blade rotation speed and deck height to maintain optimal performance across varying conditions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while preserving operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operational parameters including blade rotation speed, deck height, and travel speed based on real-time lawn condition measurements. The system adjusts these parameters automatically according to sensed moisture content, grass height, and density, enabling adaptability to varying conditions while maintaining simple operation through automated parameter modification.
3Productivity
If autonomous lawnmowers perform optimal operation, then work efficiency is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single autonomous system: the controller combines map generation, real-time condition monitoring, parameter optimization, and operation execution in one integrated unit. The imaging device and sensors serve multiple purposes including navigation, condition assessment, and performance verification, thereby achieving high work efficiency through multi-functionality rather than separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control systems. Instead of manual mechanical adjustments for blade height and speed, the system uses electronic sensors and actuators to automatically regulate parameters based on real-time conditions. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control reduces overall device complexity while enabling optimal autonomous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous lawn mower comprises: a lawn mower body that performs lawn mower work while performing self-driving; a control unit that controls the lawn mower body on the basis of recorded work operation content; a forward imaging means that is provided so as to face forward in the advancement direction of the lawn mower body; and a rear imaging means that is provided so as to face rearward in the advancement direction of the lawn mower body. If the rear imaging results detected by the rear imaging means are within a prescribed range, the control unit determines the work operation content in accordance with the forward imaging results detected by the forward imaging means.