Autonomous Work Machine Position Reset via High-Accuracy Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous traveling work machines face challenges in maintaining position detection accuracy, especially with increased movement distance, leading to positional deviations that can prevent return to the station, and existing methods like wire tracking or ID tags are impractical or unreliable due to environmental noise and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous traveling work machine employs a dual-position detection system using odometry and an image capturing means or GPS sensor, where the travel controlling unit directs the machine to zones with high position detection accuracy, allowing for correction of the current position using the second detecting means when both systems' accuracy falls below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If odometry is used for position detection, then the autonomous traveling work machine can operate wirelessly without buried wires or ID tags, but position detection accuracy decreases with increased movement distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple position detection methods (odometry, GPS, and wireless signal-based detection) into a unified position detection system. The position detection unit integrates results from different detection means to determine the current position, thereby maintaining wireless operation capability while improving position detection accuracy through complementary detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a position correction unit as an intermediary that receives position information from multiple sources and corrects the position data. This correction unit acts as a mediator between the various detection means and the travel control unit, refining the position information to maintain accuracy over extended movement distances.
2Measurement precision
If wire tracking is used to ensure return to station, then position accuracy is maintained, but the system becomes complex and cannot operate wirelessly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of position tracking from the physical wire infrastructure and implements it through wireless detection means. By removing the buried wire component while maintaining the position tracking capability through alternative wireless methods, the system achieves both simplified structure and wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based position tracking system with wireless detection methods including GPS and signal-based position detection. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wire infrastructure while maintaining the ability to track and correct position accurately.
3Measurement precision
If ID tags are used for position correction, then position accuracy is improved, but the system fails when surrounded by objects or noise blocking communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional position detection system that can operate through multiple detection means (odometry, GPS, wireless signal detection) rather than relying on a single ID tag system. This universal approach ensures that if one detection method fails due to obstruction or noise, other methods can compensate and maintain position correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential communication failures by having multiple position detection methods ready in advance. The position detection unit is configured to use alternative detection means when primary methods fail, providing a cushion against communication reliability issues before they affect position correction.
4Area of stationary object
If the autonomous traveling work machine travels long distances, then working area coverage is improved, but position detection accuracy decreases due to odometry error accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position detection unit continuously monitors position information from multiple sources, and the position correction unit uses this feedback to adjust and correct the current position. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for odometry error accumulation over long distances, enabling extended working area coverage while maintaining position detection accuracy.
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
This approach enables accurate correction of the current position without the need for buried wires or ID tags, ensuring reliable return to the station by leveraging zones with high detection accuracy, thereby improving positional accuracy and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the second detecting means is an image capturing means or a GPS sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
To make it possible to correct a current position detected by an autonomous traveling work machine to the correct position with a simple configuration. A robot lawn mower 10 includes a first position detecting unit for detecting a current position by using odometry and a second position detecting unit for detecting a current position by using an image capturing means, and when position detection accuracy of both of the first and second position detecting units decreases to less than or equal to a predetermined value, the robot lawn mower 10 is controlled to travel to either of zones Z1 and Z2 in which the position detection accuracy of the second position detecting unit is relatively high, and when the robot lawn mower 10 moves to either of the zones Z1 and Z2, a current position used for autonomous traveling is corrected to the current position detected by the second position detecting unit.