Autonomous Work Machine Boundary Control Using Marker Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous work machines may deviate out of defined working areas, potentially causing accidents, especially when markers used to define the area are not detected or are obscured, leading to unsafe operation.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous work machine equipped with a camera and detection unit to identify markers, and a control unit that adjusts traveling speed and direction to prevent deviation from the working area by setting a virtual boundary and using alternative position estimation methods if markers are not detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the autonomous work machine uses markers to define the working area, then the working area can be clearly defined and the machine can perform autonomous work, but the machine may deviate out of the working area when traveling between markers
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects marker positions and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the traveling direction in real-time to maintain accurate positioning within the working area boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual boundary line is introduced as an intermediary between the physical markers and the machine's navigation system, providing continuous positional guidance even when markers are not directly visible
2Productivity
If the autonomous work machine travels quickly between markers to maintain productivity, then working efficiency is improved, but the risk of deviation and accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traveling speed is made dynamic rather than fixed - the system automatically adjusts speed based on real-time marker detection status, allowing high speed when markers are clearly visible and reducing speed when approaching uncertain zones
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit proactively reduces traveling speed before the machine reaches positions where marker detection becomes uncertain, preventing deviation before it occurs rather than reacting after deviation happens
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous work machine that performs a work in a working area defined by a marker, comprising: a camera; a detection unit configured to detect the marker from a captured image of the camera; and a control unit configured to, if the marker deviates from a detection range of the detection unit, control at least one of a traveling speed and a traveling direction of the autonomous work machine.