Boundary Wire Signaling for Interference-Free Mobile Unit Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for boundary detection and data transmission in semi-autonomous mobile units within delimited areas face interference issues and complexity in simultaneous use of multiple systems, particularly in close proximity.

Innovation Solution

A system with a delimitation ladder unit emitting a pseudo-random signal and a mobile unit using cross-correlation with two different correlation bit patterns for interference-free boundary detection and data transmission, allowing the mobile unit to determine its operating state and behavior, and enabling reliable inductive data transfer through a conductor loop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single correlation bit pattern is used for boundary detection, then the system structure is simple, but data transmission and simultaneous use of multiple systems in close proximity become complex and interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoiddata transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The correlation bit pattern is segmented into multiple distinct patterns (first correlation bit pattern for boundary detection, second correlation bit pattern for data transmission). This segmentation allows the system to separate detection and communication functions, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple systems without interference while maintaining relatively simple system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The boundary detection system is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating data transmission capability through the use of a second correlation bit pattern. The same receiver and processing unit handle both boundary detection and data reception, allowing the system to serve multiple purposes without requiring completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If conventional boundary detection methods are used, then the system is simple, but interference from narrow-band interference sources degrades performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection methodVSAvoidinterference sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the temporal parameter of the boundary signal by using pseudo-random correlation bit patterns instead of simple periodic signals. This parameter change transforms the detection method to be inherently more robust against narrow-band interference, as the cross-correlation technique spreads the signal energy across multiple time samples, making it difficult for narrow-band interference to corrupt the detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If data transmission is added to boundary detection, then functionality is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data transmission function is merged with the boundary detection function by using the same physical infrastructure (conductor loop, receiver unit, processing unit). The second correlation bit pattern is transmitted through the same boundary signal channel used for detection, allowing both functions to coexist without requiring separate hardware systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system achieves interference-free limitation and data transmission, allowing the mobile unit to perform tasks like lawn mowing or monitoring while maintaining structural simplicity, with low sensitivity to narrow-band interference sources and enabling high data transmission speed without clock pulse synchronization.

Implementation Method 1

the electric current causes a magnetic field modulated with the delimitation signal in the area delimited by the delimitation conductor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The receiving unit preferably has at least one coil which receives the power radiated by the boundary conductor unit during operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2721455B1System including a boundary wire and an independent mobile unit
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2721455B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2721455B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2721455B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention is based on a system having a boundary conductor unit (12), which is intended to emit a boundary signal (14), and having an at least partially independent mobile unit (16) which is intended to detect a boundary provided by the boundary conductor unit (12) by means of cross-correlation. It is proposed that the mobile unit (16) has at least one receiving unit (18) which is intended to receive data transmitted by means of the boundary signal (14).