System and method for controlling and monitoring operation of an autonomous robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous lawn mowing robots face challenges in defining and maintaining a bounded area of confinement, leading to inefficient operation and potential safety issues due to failures in physically defined perimeters such as broken wires or sunken wires, which can result in the robot leaving the designated area.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous robot system that includes a server, external device, and the robot itself, equipped with a central processing unit, location tracking unit, and transceiver, which defines and transmits the perimeter of the area of confinement and the robot's location within it, allowing for real-time monitoring and visual representation of the work session, and incorporates a capacitive proximity sensor to deactivate the power tool when obstacles are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physically defined perimeter (wire, reflector, beacon) is used to confine the robot, then the area of confinement can be established, but the system becomes complex and unreliable due to potential failures in the perimeter components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical perimeter system (wires, reflectors, beacons) with an electronic/software-based solution. The server stores perimeter data and the robot uses transceivers and location tracking to define and maintain the confined area through electronic communication rather than physical barriers, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the perimeter information stored on a server rather than using physical perimeter markers. The robot receives perimeter data electronically and uses this information to navigate and confine itself, eliminating the need for physical perimeter components and their associated failure modes
2Productivity
If the robot operates randomly within the confined area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coverage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robot continuously transmits its location data to the server and receives guidance to optimize its path within the confined area. This feedback loop enables systematic coverage patterns rather than random operation, improving productivity while the server handles the computational complexity of path optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs multiple functions including storing perimeter data, tracking robot location, optimizing coverage paths, and communicating with the robot. This multi-functionality allows the robot to operate with simpler onboard electronics while achieving efficient coverage through centralized control
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
Ensures optimal coverage and safe operation within the designated area by accurately defining and maintaining the perimeter, preventing the robot from leaving the area and reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive proximity sensor operably coupled to the central processing unit; wherein upon an object having a capacitance value being detected in a surrounding area of the machine while the machine is activated, the capacitive proximity sensor detects an increase in capacitance value relative to a baseline capacitance value
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for monitoring and controlling operation of an autonomous robot. In one aspect, the autonomous robot is a lawnmower and the system comprises: an autonomous robot lawnmower comprising a housing, a transceiver, and a central processing unit; an external device in operable communication with the autonomous robot lawnmower, the external device having a transceiver for sending signals to the autonomous robot lawnmower and a display; and wherein in response to user input, the external device is configured to modify settings related to operation of the autonomous robot lawnmower.